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Exercise Science Professor Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

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Exercise Science Professor information

See Kentucky salary details

$108.1K

$123.8K

$137.2K

How much do exercise science professor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for exercise science professor in Kentucky is $123,765.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,900.00 and $131,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Exercise Science Professor vs Exercise Physiologist?

AspectExercise Science ProfessorExercise Physiologist
Required CredentialsDoctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.), research experienceBachelor's or Master's, certification (e.g., ACSM)
Work EnvironmentUniversities, research labs, classroomsClinics, hospitals, fitness centers
Employer & IndustryHigher education institutions, research organizationsHealthcare, sports medicine, fitness industry
Common Search & ComparisonAcademic roles, teaching, researchClinical practice, health assessment

Exercise Science Professors primarily focus on teaching and research within academic settings, requiring advanced degrees and research experience. In contrast, Exercise Physiologists work directly with clients or patients in clinical or fitness environments, often holding certifications and focusing on health assessments and exercise prescriptions. Both roles share a foundation in exercise science but differ significantly in work environment and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exercise science professor?

To thrive as an Exercise Science Professor, you typically need a doctoral degree in exercise science or a related field, along with expertise in physiology, kinesiology, and research methodology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and academic publishing platforms is crucial. Strong communication, mentorship, and organizational skills help engage students and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These competencies ensure high-quality teaching, impactful research, and leadership within academic and professional communities.

What are some common challenges faced by exercise science professors in balancing research, teaching, and service responsibilities?

Exercise Science Professors often juggle multiple responsibilities, including conducting research, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, and participating in service activities like academic committees or community outreach. Balancing these tasks can be challenging, especially during peak periods like grant submission deadlines or exam seasons. Successful professors typically manage their time carefully, set clear priorities, and collaborate with colleagues to share the workload. Additionally, staying current with the latest research while ensuring high-quality teaching and meaningful student mentorship requires strong organizational and communication skills.

What does an exercise science professor do?

An Exercise Science Professor teaches undergraduate and graduate courses related to human movement, physiology, biomechanics, and health. They conduct research in areas such as physical fitness, sports performance, rehabilitation, and chronic disease prevention. In addition to teaching and research, they may mentor students, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to curriculum development within their department. Exercise Science Professors often collaborate with other professionals in health and wellness fields to advance scientific knowledge and best practices.

What are popular job titles related to Exercise Science Professor jobs in Kentucky?

For Exercise Science Professor jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Exercise Science Professor jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Exercise Science Professor jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Exercise Science Professor jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Exercise Science Professor job openings:

Exercise Science Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exercise Science Professor job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,765 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science

Transylvania University

Lexington, KY

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science

Transylvania University (www.transy.edu) invites applications for a 9-month, tenure-track position in Health and Exercise Science, beginning August 25, 2027. With a foundation in the liberal arts, Transylvania’s health and exercise science program offers a dynamic curriculum focused on scientific approaches to human health. Faculty expertise in physiology, nutrition, biomechanics and public health allows students to examine a variety of topics relevant to exercise and wellness. The health and exercise science program allows students the opportunity to apply concepts learned in class to practical experiences through off-campus internships around Lexington, Kentucky.

Why Join Transylvania University?

Founded in 1780, Transylvania University is one of the nation’s oldest institutions. Ranked in the Top 100 Best Liberal Arts colleges for 2025 by Niche, we’re a vibrant campus in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky full of curious minds, creative energy, and people who genuinely love what they do. We are mentors and community builders who help shape the next generation of thinkers, creators and leaders. We cultivate independent thinking, open-mindedness, creative expression and commitment to lifelong learning and social responsibility in a diverse world. With approximately 1,000 students, Transylvania is a student-centered institution with small class sizes. We offer additional opportunities for travel and team-taught courses, and a focus on experiential learning.

Who are we looking for?

Eligible candidates will have a Ph.D. in kinesiology, exercise science, nutrition, public health or a related field by the start date. The successful candidate will have expertise in exercise science, kinesiology, or a related field as well as experience (teaching or research) in nutrition, sports nutrition, and/or dietetics. Undergraduate teaching experience is preferred. The successful candidate will have a commitment to teaching, value interdisciplinary dialogue, and work collaboratively with other faculty. The teaching load consists of three courses per term, plus one short-term course in May term (3-3-1). Responsibilities include:

  • Teach courses related to human nutrition, as well as topics within their area of specialty (preferably kinesiology/exercise science or public health).
  • Contributions to teaching core classes such as Introduction to Exercise Science and Senior Seminar are expected, along with occasional supervision of community internships and independent research. Additionally, contribute to the general education program by teaching the Health and Wellness course.
  • Occasional contributions to First-Year programing and service as an academic adviser.
  • Other responsibilities include academic scholarship/professional activity, preferably involving undergraduate students, and service to the university through various committee appointments. 

How do you apply?

Qualified candidates should submit a single PDF including:

  • a cover letter
  • curriculum vitae
  • statement of teaching philosophy highlighting the candidate's core teaching methods
  • statement of research philosophy explaining how the candidate's current or future research would be feasible in a small liberal arts setting
  • unofficial graduate transcripts
  • list of at least three professional references

The successful candidate will be asked to provide official graduate transcripts and be subject to a background check. Send questions specific to this search to Dr. JJ Wallace, search committee chair, at jwallace@transy.edu. 

Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal, we embrace diversity and encourage applications from qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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