Assistant/Associate Professor in Biomechanics or Motor Control
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Assistant/Associate Professor in Biomechanics or Motor Control
College of Applied Health Sciences
Department of Health and Kinesiology
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Description: The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (https://illinois.edu/) and the Department of Health and Kinesiology (https://hk.illinois.edu/) invite applications for a nine-month, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor in Biomechanics or Motor Control. We seek a highly qualified scholar whose work advances understanding of human movement and neuromotor control using experimental, computational, and/or applied techniques. Candidates whose research complements existing departmental strengths in biomechanics, motor control, exercise physiology, neurophysiology, or rehabilitation engineering are particularly encouraged to apply.
The successful candidate will contribute to the Department’s research, teaching, and service missions, and will have the opportunity to collaborate with interdisciplinary research centers across campus, including the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Disability Resources and Educational Services, the Neuroscience Program, and the Center for Health, Aging, and Disability. Candidates connecting biomechanics and motor control to health technology, rehabilitation, or human performance are especially encouraged.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Earned Ph.D. (or equivalent terminal degree) in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Postdoctoral or equivalent advanced research experience.
• Experience with (or strong potential for) interdisciplinary collaboration.
Salary: The salary range is $80,000–$95,000 for Assistant Professor and $95,000–$115,000 for Associate Professor, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Process: To apply, create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu/ and select the position for which you are applying (https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/15585?c=illinois). Please upload the following documents:
1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Research statement describing past accomplishments and future plans
4. Statement of teaching philosophy and experience
5. Names and contact information for at least three professional references
6. Up to three examples of research publications
To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by 6:00 pm Central Time on January 9th, 2026. Review of applications will begin immediately thereafter, and the position will remain open until filled. The expected start date is August 16, 2026.
This position is eligible for sponsorship except for sponsorship of a new H-1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Dr. Jacob Allen, Search Committee Chair, Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Email:jmallen5@illinois.edu
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
General Information: The Department of Health and Kinesiology (HK, https://hk.illinois.edu/): The mission of the Department is to advance and disseminate knowledge related to health, rehabilitation, and human movement using an interdisciplinary approach. Through the integration of high-quality research, instruction, and outreach programs, faculty scholars within HK are leading initiatives that address pressing concerns of our diverse society such as prevention and management of chronic disease as well as maintenance of health and well-being across the lifespan. HK hosts a diverse group of faculty, students, and staff (https://hk.illinois.edu/directory/) working and learning in a collegial and collaborative environment. HK offers BS degrees in Kinesiology, Community Health and Interdisciplinary Health,; MS and PhD degrees in Community Health and Kinesiology; Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Health Administration (MHA), and Master of Science in Health Technology (MSHT). More than 1,700 undergraduate and 200 graduate students are enrolled in the Department. Most undergraduate students continue their education in professional allied health or graduate degree programs, and most doctoral graduates attain positions in academia or industry.
The recently renovated Freer Hall includes a variety of new laboratory space totaling ~38,000 feet that includes several wet and dry space laboratories, office spaces for students and faculty, and common areas designed for meetings and collaboration. The research laboratories include a motion analysis laboratory outfitted with 14 Qualisys Miqus Hybrid cameras mounted on speed-rails and tripods, two 16-sensor Delsys Trigno EMG bases, four Delsys Quattro EMG sensors, and a Hologic SuperSonic MACH 40 high-resolution ultrasound machine with B-Mode, Doppler, and Shear Wave Elastography scanning capabilities. The metabolic testing laboratory is equipped with a HUMAC Norm isokinetic dynamometer, two treadmills, and a Parvo metabolic cart. The body composition laboratory is equipped with additional ultrasound machines and a Hologic Horizon DEXA System. [MH1] Other research laboratories include two biochemistry and cell culture laboratories, equipped with centrifuges, biosafety cabinets, chemical fume hoods, incubators, -20 degree Celsius freezers, flammable refrigerators, water purification system, and lab benches with vacuum and compressed air connectors. The three biospecimen collection sites include phlebotomy chairs and hospital beds designed for long-term studies. Other facilities include a fully equipped metabolic kitchen and an observation room.
The College of Applied Health Sciences (AHS, https://ahs.illinois.edu): The mission of AHS is to promote culturally relevant individual and community health and well-being across the lifespan, facilitate optimal living with disability, and foster the development of livable communities in a diverse society through learning, discovery, and engagement. The College enrolls 2,234 undergraduates and 408 graduate students in its three academic departments: Health & Kinesiology (https://kch.illinois.edu/); Recreation, Sport & Tourism (https://rst.illinois.edu/); Speech & Hearing Science (https://shs.illinois.edu/). Each department is highly ranked in national surveys. Within AHS are also the Center on Health, Aging and Disability (CHAD); the Division of Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES); and the Chez Veterans Center. Our college has documented strengths in the study of lifestyle behaviors such as exercise and nutrition, lifestyle interventions, microbiome, aging, human performance, falls and fall prevention, assistive technologies to improve communication, brain imaging, and community and organizational development. We recently dedicated a new College research facility, the McKechnie Family LIFE Home.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC, https://illinois.edu): Established in 1867, UIUC is a land-grant, Research 1 institution that has established an international reputation as an educational community ideally suited for excellence in scholarship and research across the academic spectrum. Illinois is a recognized leader in national and international education. With an international student enrollment of over 12,000 in 2024-25, Illinois ranks second in the nation among public colleges and universities and includes students from over 120 countries. More than 1,600 students studied abroad in 2024-25, and around 300 programs are offered each year in 50 countries around the globe. The University is home to internationally recognized facilities and interdisciplinary programs including: Institute for Genomic Biology (https://www.igb.illinois.edu/), Beckman Institute (https://beckman.illinois.edu/), National Center for Supercomputing Applications (https://www.ncsa.illinois.edu/), Division of Nutritional Sciences (https://nutrsci.illinois.edu/), Neuroscience Program (https://neuroscience.illinois.edu/). The Illinois Health Sciences Institute, Center on Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the Discovery Partners Institute (located in Chicago) offer many research support services and outreach opportunities to healthcare systems such as Mayo Clinic, OSF HealthCare, and Carle Hospital, industry, and community. The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology offers opportunities for affiliation or formal appointment (including laboratory space) with several relevant research groups including Brain Connectivity and Networks, and Neurotechnology for Memory and Cognition, among others. The Biomedical Imaging Center supports new 7T human and 9T small animal magnetic resonance imagers. Innovative interdisciplinary graduate programs in neuroscience and nutrition offer opportunities for collaboration and student recruitment. The Cancer Center at Illinois initiates and harnesses the combined power of engineering and basic sciences to transform cancer research, detection, and treatment. The National Center for Supercomputing Applications is a leader in advanced computing, software, data, networking, and visualization resources. These resources and more provide a fertile environment for cutting-edge health technology research. With an undergraduate enrollment of 35,000 and a graduate enrollment of over 20,000 students in more than 100 disciplines, Illinois is among the top five universities in the country in the number of earned doctorates awarded each year. The quality of our students is very high. We are leaders in technology and our employee and alumni innovations have been extraordinary. YouTube, Netscape, medical MRI screening, the LED, and the plasma screen used in televisions and computers are just a few discoveries created by our faculty and alumni. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, UIUC led all universities with a novel and aggressive non-invasive saliva testing program which served as a model for the country. The University of Illinois offers generous employee benefits including health insurance and retirement programs. In addition, we also offer our employees tuition waivers and other development opportunities for personal and professional growth, including a Dual Career Academic Couples Hiring Program. We value our employees and seek to foster an inclusive workplace.
The Champaign-Urbana Community: Home of the University of Illinois flagship campus, Champaign-Urbana (http://ci.champaign.il.us/about-champaign/) is a ‘micro-urban’ community (http://www.micro-urbanist.com) with a population of ~226,000 in the metro area located in east central Illinois. It is conveniently located between Chicago, Indianapolis and St. Louis and has its own airport and train service. Combining natural Midwest beauty and cultural resources typically found in much larger metropolitan areas, Champaign-Urbana is friendly, livable, easy to navigate, affordable and has an excellent public-school system. There is a ‘work-life’ balance here that gives faculty ample time for both scholarship and family pursuits devoid of the hassles of large city life. The average commute time is less than 15 minutes. The Champaign-Urbana area offers a range of businesses, recreation, and culture unmatched by other communities its size, due in large part to the presence of the University of Illinois. Whether you’re looking to raise a family, enjoy the outdoors, partake in a variety of cultural activities, enjoy the excitement of Big 10 sports, or become part of the University of Illinois community, Champaign-Urbana has something to offer you.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1033650
Job Category: Faculty
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu