Department

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff. 

About the Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences

The Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences (ESS) offers undergraduate degrees in Exercise Science and Sport Management. Our Sport Management program is accredited by COSMA, and our Exercise Science program is accredited by CAAHEP-CoAES and recognized by the NSCA’s ERP program for Strength and Conditioning.  We are comprised of 12 full time faculty members, three staff members and a group of dedicated affiliate/adjunct faculty. We value and maintain a collaborative and inclusive team environment. The Department of ESS supports well equipped labs and we pride itself on outstanding teaching, quality applied research and a learn by doing philosophy.

Position Summary

The Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences at MSU Denver invites applications for a tenure track position. This is a nine month faculty contract beginning Fall 2027. The successful candidate will become an integral member of our CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Science program.

For this position, the ideal candidate will be a specialist in the area of wellness/behavior modification or sport/exercise/physical activity psychology.  Teaching responsibilities include, but are not limited to, Stress Management; Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity, Exercise and Sport; Fitness and Exercise Coaching; Community Fitness Programs; and Physical Fitness Techniques and Programs.

Candidates will be expected to teach in the classroom, laboratory, and/or virtual setting and must be able to use and apply current technologies in the classroom. In addition, the successful candidates will be expected to advise and mentor undergraduate students, provide service to the department, school, university and profession, assume active roles in appropriate professional organizations, engage in scholarship activities, and supervise student fieldwork experiences. This position requires presence in Colorado on MSU Denver's Auraria campus for in person teaching and other activities.

MSU Denver has a robust mentoring program for tenure-track faculty. The candidate will be enrolled in the Roadrunner Faculty Academy during their first year. This is a year-long course designed to support new faculty navigate faculty life and thrive in teaching, scholarly activity and service.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Teaching 12 credit hours per semester of undergraduate coursework
• Advising students
• Providing academic service to the department, college, university, and community/profession
• Engaging in scholarly activities appropriate to the discipline

Required Qualifications     

• Doctorate in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, Sport Psychology or a related discipline. While ABD candidates are encouraged to apply, the degree must be conferred prior to the start date in August 2027
• Teaching experience in higher education
• Professional experience in the exercise industry

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience in wellness/behavior modification; exercise promotion; or telemedicine/health-related data analysis
• Demonstrated excellence in undergraduate teaching
• Experience teaching in health/wellness and/or behavior change discipline.
• Involvement as a member of national/international professional associations related to exercise, health, and/or wellness
• Certification from the National Strength & Conditioning Association Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist (EPC) or Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) and/or Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa) Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC)

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our Department and the University.

Salary for Announcement

The salary range for this faculty position is $64,000 - $74,000 at Assistant Professor rank. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, education, experience, specialty and training.

MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.

Instructions to Apply

To apply, complete an online application through our career site and search for JR105876: https://www.msudenver.edu/careers/.

To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and potential contributions as a faculty member, please upload the following required materials:

• Curriculum vitae 
• Cover letter. In your cover letter, please include clearly labeled sections for the Required Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications.  Under each heading, please describe how you meet each qualification (if applicable) listed.  You can display how you meet the qualifications in a table format or numbered/bulleted list
• Teaching philosophy (2 pages max). Please share your teaching philosophy and include a focus on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment. Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students.
• Unofficial copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Peer/Student evaluations, if any
• The names and contact information for three professional references

Important Note: Due to volume of applications received, only applications completed as outlined above will be considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all required documents into the Resume/Cover letter section of the application. A maximum of 5 files can be uploaded, so you may need to combine some documents or all documents into one pdf file.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Applications accepted until position filled; priority given to applications received through Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST.  

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Posting Representative Email

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.   

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf. 

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected].

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.