Assistant Professor, Tenure Track - University of Memphis College of Health Sciences

POSITION SUMMARY: The University of Memphis College of Health Sciences (CHS) seeks a dynamic and innovative individual for a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This position will primarily be situated on the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus in Jackson, TN with expected travel to the University of Memphis – Main Campus in Memphis, TN for research collaboration and incidental domestic travel to attend professional conferences, as needed. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct research in alignment with the mission and vision of our DPT program and teach in research-related and qualified content areas. This position will have a focused line of research related to physical therapy practice with application to a clinical setting. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to and enhance teaching and mentoring activities within the DPT program, develop a scholarly research agenda, and engage in community and professional service appropriate for a university faculty member.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must have a terminal academic degree (PhD/EdD/DSc) or equivalent academic doctoral degree in a health sciences teaching area to include kinesiology/biomechanics, exercise science, physiology/pathophysiology, orthopedics, injury epidemiology, or clinical research. Applicants need to have a strong publication record and the ability to effectively write manuscripts and external funding proposals as demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications in a professional journal or awarded external funding. Candidates must have a minimum of six (6) months' higher education teaching experience. 

SETTING:  The College of Health Sciences (www.memphis.edu/healthsciences) is home to close to 60 full-time faculty and staff members and currently serves approximately 1600 students majoring in one of five academic disciplines, including BS, MS, and PhD programs. The College is developing a traditional, on-campus Doctor of Physical Therapy program housed on the Lambuth campus in Jackson, TN (Lambuth Campus - UofM Lambuth - The University of Memphis), which is being developed as a health-focused campus. The College and University believes in the desirability of a small, rural campus that promotes academic excellence, a diverse community, and close student-teacher interaction. The DPT program will be delivered in newly renovated classrooms and labs, with ample room for faculty and staff offices, as well as student study areas. More information on the Jackson, TN area can be found on the Move to Jackson campaign website at https://movetojacksontn.com/.

As the DPT program is currently in development on the Lambuth campus, so is the Lambuth research lab. It is anticipated that the initial development of the Lambuth research lab can expand from the variety of research resources already established in the College on the main campus. The main campus in Memphis is home to the Musculoskeletal Analysis Laboratory - College of Health Sciences - The University of Memphis, which is well-equipped with three 3-D motion capture systems, instrumented treadmill, isokinetic dynamometer, and multiple other pieces of equipment used for data analysis, and available to DPT program faculty and students. Multiple additional research labs and faculty are available for collaboration on the main campus. Off-campus opportunities for collaboration are available locally with community health agencies, organizations, and initiatives, as well as with research institutions such as the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and various industry partners in the medical device and rehabilitation sector. The University of Memphis is recognized as a Carnegie R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity and is the only community-engaged public university in Tennessee. It has a diverse population of approximately 20,000 students, including approximately 4,000 graduate students. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
•    Develop an independent and externally funded research program.
•    Write external grant applications, conduct studies as a primary investigator and collaborator, analyze study-generated data, and submit manuscripts, as well as professional presentations, pertaining to these research activities. 
•    Teach courses as agreed upon with the Program Director of the DPT Program.
·    Participate actively in program, college, institutional and/or professional service activities, including committee work, faculty meetings, and current active membership in a professional society (i.e., APTA).
·    Mentor students in the academic setting, providing guidance, feedback, and support to facilitate their professional development and success.
•    Mentor student capstone research projects and provide mentorship in research design and data analysis.
·    Foster a culture of respect in the classroom.
·    Other responsibilities include course assessment, assisting the department with the accreditation process, academic advising, and admission interviews as assigned or required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 
•    Prior full-time higher education teaching experience.
•    Clinical degree in physical therapy or other health professions clinical field.
•    Current physical therapy license or eligibility to obtain a PT license in Tennessee within one (1) year of appointment.
•    American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) board certification.
•    Established research agenda with a publication record with 5+ peer-reviewed publications and grant award total of greater than $50,000.

SALARY & BEGINNING DATE: The position is a full-time, tenure-track fiscal-year (12-month) appointment and the salary will be commensurate with experience. There is an opportunity to increase base salary through the use of the research incentive pay program. The University offers an excellent benefits package, and the state of Tennessee currently has no state income tax. Jackson and the surrounding areas maintain a very low cost of living relative to most parts of the country. The anticipated date of employment is August 1, 2025, although this can be flexible. 
 
APPLICATION: The review of completed applications will begin immediately and may continue until the position is filled. Only applications submitted electronically at https://workforum.memphis.edu will be considered. Applicants are required to upload (1) a cover letter describing their qualifications, interest in the position, and a statement of research accomplishments and plans, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) three professional references—full names and contact information (address, phone number, and email address) of colleagues who can address the applicant’s professional preparation for this position. Applicants should receive a confirmation number when all application materials are received. For questions about this position, please contact Dr. Jacque Bradford, Search Committee Chair, at jacque.bradford@memphis.edu.