Assistant Professor/Associate Professor in Physical Education and Sport Pedagogy (PESS) [NIE]

Overview

The National Institute of Education (NIE) is among the world’s top education institutes, recognised for its excellence in teacher education and educational research.  NIE has played a key and pivotal role in shaping and developing Singapore’s teaching profession and landscape through evidence-informed, practice-focused and values-based programmes and initiatives.

An autonomous institute situated within the research-intensive Nanyang Technological University, NIE is consistently ranked within the top 10 in the world for research impact in the field of Education.

The Physical Education & Sports Science (PESS) Department at the National Institute of Education in Singapore offers programmes in teacher education specialising in physical education (PE) and the Sport Science & Management (SSM) undergraduate programme that provides academic and professional pathways to sports-related careers. PESS’ postgraduate (Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy) programmes also provide PE teachers and sports practitioners opportunities to upgrade their professional knowledge. PESS prides itself on its international faculty with diverse and wide-ranging expertise. We are committed to educating our students to be independent, critical and creative thinkers and well-prepared practitioners in physical education, sports science, sports studies, sports management, and sports pedagogy. We provide up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge and aim to inspire, lead, and motivate our future youth. Faculty members have access to state-of-the-art sports science laboratories and fully-equipped sports facilities.

We invite suitable applicants to apply for Assistant Professor/Associate Professor in Physical Education and Sports Pedagogy. Applicants with physical education teaching experience in schools will have an added advantage.

Requirements

The successful candidates should satisfy the following criteria:

• A PhD in the area of physical education and sports pedagogy, or related areas

• A proven track record of research and publications in related areas, including the ability to secure and manage competitive grants and an emerging record of publications in reputable peer-reviewed international journals

• An excellent track record in university teaching and research in the related fields, preferably at an institution of good standing and a promising trajectory in research and publications

• Evidence of a good record in teaching physical education courses or sports coaching experience

• Experience in supervising graduate students

• Leadership in research management (e.g., research grants received) and experience in curriculum development

• In addition, Associate Professors should have a sustained, independent academic reputation, having published in high-impact venues and/or secured major research grants.

An Associate Professor (tenure-track) will be expected to:

• Lead critical areas of research in physical education and sports pedagogy and related fields within the department

• Mentor young faculty members in the department

• Supervise PhD students

• Lead in the provision of professional services to schools, the Ministry of Education, and other public organisations as and when required

Responsibilities

Successful applicants can expect to teach academic, sports activity and physical education courses.  He/she will be involved in curriculum development in schools to address key issues such as understanding behavioural processes and control mechanics underlying the learning and performance of motor skills, developing appropriate learning activities for inclusive physical education, and connecting best practice and assessment strategies to learning outcomes for children and adolescents. He/she will also be involved in student supervision, associated research, graduate student supervision, and some administrative work.

Application

Please submit your application together with the following documents:

- A cover letter

- Your detailed curriculum vitae

- Research Impact Statement (up to 5 pages)

Applicants should demonstrate the significance and impact of their research by addressing the following:

• Key Contributions: What are your most important research impacts to date?

• Evidence of Impact: How has your work influenced your field, policy, or practice? Provide evidence (e.g., publications, citations, policy uptake, industry adoption).

• Academic Impact: How has your work advanced theory, methods, or knowledge?

• Societal/Policy/Industry Impact (if applicable): Describe influence on policy, regulation, industry standards, or broader society.

• Research Identity: What distinguishes your work? Articulate a clear and coherent research trajectory.

• Contribution and Leadership: Clarify your role in collaborative projects.

• Future Impact: Outline how your research will shape the field over the next 5–10 years

- Teaching Impact Statement (up to 3 pages)

Applicants should demonstrate their impact on student learning and education by addressing:

• How you have enhanced student learning and engagement

• What teaching innovations or improvements you have implemented and why

• How you promote interdisciplinary thinking

• How you incorporate experiential and collaborative learning

• How you have contributed to a positive teaching culture

- Three sample publications

Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence to support their claims.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is 30 June 2026.

Other Information

Preliminary communication can be directed to Associate Professor Kee Ying Hwa Adrian, Head of PESS, at [email protected].

Note to applicants

Only successful candidates will be notified (via email).