Full-Time Faculty (Tenure-Track or Professional Practice Track) Sports Science or Health and Wellness

PLNU is a Christian liberal arts university in the evangelical, Wesleyan tradition, offering quality undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. We provide higher education in a vibrant Christian environment where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service is an expression of faith. PLNU is an institution that is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of God’s kingdom. We therefore  encourage applications from culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber, skilled and/or demonstrating great potential in the practice of teaching and scholarship. 

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The College of Health Sciences and the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at Point Loma Nazarene University invite applications for two full-time faculty positions beginning in August of 2027. We are seeking two versatile educators and scholars who can fit into one of two main strategic areas. The Sport Science position is a two-semester, tenure-track (24 teaching units per year). The Health and Wellness position may be filled on either the tenure track (24 units per year) or professional practice track (also a two-semester role with 27 teaching units per year), depending on qualifications.

Job Status:

Full time

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Job Description:

Benefits:

We are pleased to offer attractive benefits and resources. This includes benefits such as  health, dental, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, and competitive retirement matching. There also may be opportunities for university assistance with the cost of housing in Southern California. In addition, we have many opportunities to engage with our community including faculty chapel, weekly faculty lunches and a robust wellness program.

Salary: 

PLNU pays its faculty using a payscale based on experience and academic rank.  Faculty salaries using this scale for a 2-semester appointment range from $78,494 to $137,747. The actual salary will be based on the experience, rank, and appointment term of the candidate selected to fill this position.

Strategic Teaching & Expertise Focus Areas

Candidates must demonstrate distinct expertise in one (or a blend) of the following strategic areas:

•  Focus Area A:  Sport Science–(Tenure-Track)–Candidates with this focus will teach a variety of undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses in the fields of sports science, biomechanics and/or motor learning & development (24 units per year). Candidate experience with strength and conditioning + CSCS certification preferred.
• Focus Area B: Health & Wellness (Professional Practice or Tenure-Track). Primary expertise in health behavior change, wellness coaching and health promotion. Candidates with this focus may also teach applied courses in exercise testing and/or exercise physiology. 

Key Responsibilities (All Tracks)

• Teach undergraduate lectures, laboratories, and physical activity courses (24 units/year for Tenure-Track; 27 units/year for Professional Practice Track) based on departmental assignment and personal expertise.
• Provide direct academic advising, career mentorship, and professional guidance to Kinesiology and Health Sciences undergraduate majors.
• Participate fully in department governance, curriculum development, faculty-student activities and university-wide committees. 
• Tenure-track: commit to scholarly, mission-aligned instruction and applied practice/scholarship. 
• Demonstrate a sincere commitment to working within and supporting a diverse educational environment.

Qualifications and Track Determination

• Tenure-Track Eligibility: candidates must hold a PhD or equivalent academic doctorate or have achieved ABD status.
• Professional Practice Track Eligibility: Candidates holding a master’s degree will be considered.
• Preferred areas of academic preparation include: Sport Science, Biomechanics, Motor Learning & Development, Health Science, Health Promotion, or a closely related discipline. 
• Personal: Evidence of Christian commitment and active church involvement. In addition, faculty agree to live in agreement with PLNU’s Community Life Covenant. 
• The job offer is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. PLNU  will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.
• Evidence of effective teaching and student mentorship, or demonstrated potential through teaching assistantships, laboratory instruction, clinical education, or comparable experience.
• Exceptional collaborative, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.

Application Process

When beginning your application, be prepared to answer these questions. Applications must be submitted through the PLNU Careers job site. At a minimum, the completed application file should include:

• A letter of interest summarizing qualifications, fit for the position, and desired position focus area (Sport Science or Health & Wellness)
• A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV)
• A statement of personal faith outlining your Christian commitment
• Philosophy of teaching in Christian Higher Education statement
• Unofficial transcripts for the highest academic degree obtained

Applications received by mid-November 2026 will receive initial consideration. The position will remain open and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. For more information or inquiries, please contact: Search Committee Chair: Dr. Alisa Ward: [email protected]. 

About the College of Health Sciences (CHS) 

The CHS offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master’s degrees designed to help students improve the health and well-being of their communities. Our programs seek to challenge students to think critically and authentically and develop meaningful, practical experience as they engage the world as an expression of Christian faith. Faculty are caring and skilled professionals who bring extensive industry experience directly into the following programs: Kinesiology, Integrative Wellness, Athletic Training, Clinical Counseling, Clinical Counseling (Online), Physician Assistant Education, Occupational Therapy, Anatomy, and Physical Therapy (Fall 2028).

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At PLNU, we believe in pursuing calling together. Deep and meaningful relationships between students, faculty, and staff is vital in nurturing our shared community and expressing God’s love. We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to join us in empowering our students to reach their greatest personal, spiritual and professional potential. 

Point Loma Nazarene University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.