Assistant/Associate Professor of Clinical Physical Therapy (OPEN RANK)

The Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California invites applications for a full-time faculty position at the Assistant or Associate level. The faculty member is expected to bring established skills in teaching foundational science curricula for students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. The DPT program prepares learners to become physical therapists prepared to work as general practitioners, in collaborative teams with other healthcare professionals, and with cultural awareness, sensitivity, and humility. Foundational science educators teach courses in the areas of anatomy, physiology, neuroscience in a manner that fosters student enthusiasm and connection to students’ future clinical work. In addition to teaching, the faculty member is expected to demonstrate contributions to scientific inquiry in their field of expertise and contribute to faculty and University governance.

The Division has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in teaching, scholarship, and service. In the last two years, our faculty, staff, and students have committed to becoming an anti-racist organization (https://pt.usc.edu/about/diversity-anti-racism/). We therefore are determined to attract a diverse group of excellent candidates to be considered for the position.

Although our search is broad, the Division has special needs in several key areas: physiology, anatomy, neuroanatomy, and electrophysiology. Candidates may have backgrounds in general areas of biomechanics, exercise science, gerontology, neuroscience, motor development, or physical therapy clinical science. A major objective of the Division is to deliver educational experiences for students that are founded in educational science that promote equity and inclusion through universal design and frameworks that promote excellence, equity, and inclusion.

An earned PhD or equivalent is preferred but consideration will be given to individuals with a professional doctorate degree and evidence of advanced training. A record of scholarship and plan for ongoing contributions to scientific inquiry and scholarship is essential. Eligibility for physical therapy licensure in California is preferred, although not required.

The Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at USC has a well-established 77-year history of teaching excellence and research innovation and impact. The highly ranked DPT program includes two pathways for students, residential (most classes on campus) and hybrid (classes online and on-campus). The PhD program in Biokinesiology that has been graduating outstanding researchers for 40 years. The Division’s faculty is composed of basic scientists, applied researchers, and master clinicians working in close partnership with community practitioners. The faculty clinical practices operate in acute care and outpatient settings at Keck Medical Center of USC, as well as in a network of private practices. Teaching facilities are modern and include spacious teaching laboratories, two state-of-the art lecture halls, and extensive technological resources for teaching online. Faculty research facilities include motion analysis, exercise science, neuroscience, motor behavior and motor development laboratories and a dedicated clinical research center.

The Division, which is administratively housed within the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, is located on USC’s Health Sciences Campus, and enjoys collaborative relationships with the other disciplines of the academic health center including medicine, occupational science and occupational therapy, pharmacy, speech pathology and preventive medicine. Keck Hospital of USC, the LA County + USC Medical Center, the USC Norris Cancer Hospital, the USC Arcadia, and Verdugo Hills Hospitals, as well as Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles are also part of the campus community. Our faculty have strong collaborative relationships with academic programs located on USC’s nearby University Park Campus including the Viterbi School of Engineering, School of Gerontology, Iovine and Young Academy for Art, Technology and Business of Innovation and various Departments in the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. Additionally, the Division has a long history of collaboration with the Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center. The Division has more than 500 students engaged in graduate study in the PhD and MS programs in Biokinesiology, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, or clinical residencies in orthopedic, neurologic, sports oncology or pediatric physical therapy. Our Division leads and is affiliated with large externally funded research centers of local, national, and international scope.

The annual base salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000 (Assistant); $100,000 - $130,000 (Associate). When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. The university provides an excellent benefits package. Initial consideration of applications will begin in mid to late January 2023. Ability to be on campus in Los Angeles weekly is strongly preferred. The position will be available summer 2023. Candidates should submit a letter of interest highlighting expertise in teaching and potential contributions to scientific inquiry and/or clinical practice and service, curriculum vitae, and a minimum of three letters of recommendation. Information about the Division can be obtained at https://pt.usc.edu/.

USC is an equal-opportunity educator and employer, proudly pluralistic and firmly committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding persons of every race, color, gender, creed, and background. The University particularly encourages women, members of underrepresented groups, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply. USC will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in undue hardship.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.