Assistant /Associate Professor in Physical Therapy
Job Description Summary, Duties and Responsibilities, Required Qualifications and Preferred Qualifications
The search will remain open until the position has been filled. First consideration will be given to applications received by May 11, 2026. Applications received after May 11, 2026 may be reviewed depending on search progress and needs but are not guaranteed full consideration.
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About URI: The University of Rhode Island enrolls approximately 17,000 students across its graduate and undergraduate programs and is the State's flagship public research university, as well as the land grant and sea grant university, for the state of Rhode Island. The main campus is located in the historic village of Kingston, and the Bay Campus is located in Narragansett. Both campuses are near major beaches in a beautiful coastal community.
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The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Rhode Island invites applications for atenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor with expertise in research and teaching that aligns with the mission of the Department, College, and University. Negotiated rank is contingent on qualifications and experience. This academic-year appointment begins in August 2026. The Department is part of the College of Health Sciences and is nationally recognized for excellence in teaching, research, service, professional leadership, international opportunities for students, strong clinical partnerships, and an on-site clinic. Each year, the program admits a cohort of 32 students who are taught by a dedicated and experienced faculty.
The Physical Therapy Department is located on the Kingston campus in a beautiful rural setting just 15 minutes from ocean and bay beaches. The region offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, with the Green and White Mountains only a three-hour drive away. The University of Rhode Island provides a rich array of cultural and intellectual events, including theater, music, athletics, and the Honors Colloquium. Additional cultural and recreational opportunities are easily accessible in Providence (40 minutes), Boston and Cape Cod (90 minutes), and New York City (three hours).
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The successful candidate will:
- Demonstrate a strong focus on research productivity and obtaining external funding to support research and graduate students.
- Develop, lead, and collaborate on research programs leading to peer‑reviewed publications and grant submissions in physical therapy or related fields.
- Teach graduate-level courses in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
- Contribute service to the Department, College, University, and/or the profession.
- Mentor and advise students.
- Demonstrate experience or potential to engage students in teaching, research, and service.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED:
- Ph.D. (or equivalent) completed by August 2027.
- Eligibility for physical therapist licensure in Rhode Island.
- Demonstrated ability to establish an independent research agenda and publish in relevant, peer‑reviewed journals.
- Demonstrated ability to obtain external funding.
- Demonstrated teaching ability that complements the existing DPT curriculum.
- Proficiency in oral communication skills.
- Proficiency in written communication skills.
- Current membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
- Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations.
PREFERRED:
- Demonstrated success in securing external research funding.
- Demonstrated ability to participate in collaborative research.
- Interest and/or experience in teaching contemporary professional topics in physical therapy at the graduate level.
- Experience in mentoring graduate students
- Evidence of success or strong potential for obtaining external funding to support a productive research program.
- Relevant clinical experience is desirable.
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This is a 9‑month academic‑year position, beginning five days before the start of the Fall 2026 semester and concluding on Commencement Day the following May. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
EEO Statement:
URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state's public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.
Union: AAUP - American Assoc of Univ Professors
Status: Academic Year, Full-time, Tenure-track, Permanent
Department: Physical Therapy
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please attach the following 5 (PDF) documents to your online Faculty Employment Application:
(#1) Cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position.
(#2) A complete curriculum vitae including the full contact information for at least threeprofessional references (as one complete document).
(#3) A research plan, limited to two pages, describing your current and future research and how it relates to the required qualifications (as one complete document).
(#4) A narrative, limited to one page, describing your teaching background and philosophy (as one complete document).
(#5) Other Document - reprints of up to 3 publications that you feel best highlight your suitability for the position (as one complete pdf document).
Position Number: 108567
Posting Number: F00518
Posting Date: 03/11/2026
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
To apply, visit https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/16516
