Assistant Professor of Teaching – Doctor of Physical Therapy

Posting Number FAE1960

Advertised Title Assistant Professor of Teaching – Doctor of Physical Therapy

Campus Location Lambuth Campus (Jackson, TN)

Position Number 024300

Category Full-Time Faculty

Department College of Health Sciences

Position Summary

The University of Memphis College of Health Sciences (CHS) invites applications for a dynamic and innovative individual to join our faculty as a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track faculty member for a developing Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program. The successful candidate will teach and serve as a core member, with a neurological focus, for the DPT program, in alignment with the mission of our program. Candidates must demonstrate the potential to contribute to the overall mission of the college and university and the capacity to be an effective instructor. Qualifications for the position include a doctorate in physical therapy (DPT) OR a physical therapy degree (BS, MS) and a PhD, DSc or terminal degree (ABD will be considered) in a related field. The individuals must possess teaching experience within a higher education setting, along with at least 3 years of clinical practice. The successful candidate is expected to contribute to and enhance teaching and mentoring activities within the DPT program, as well as participate in community and professional service appropriate for a university faculty member. The candidate should be a licensed physical therapist in Tennessee or their state of residence.

The successful candidate will be a physical therapist whose faculty duties will include the development and teaching of program curricula (specifically in the area of neurological physical therapy), research/scholarly activity, and university service—with the majority of time spent in course instruction. We are eager to identify a candidate who shows a genuine appreciation of evidence-based teaching, integration of technology within the classroom and building a student-centered community within the classroom. The candidate should be prepared to deliver a contemporary, entry-level physical therapy curriculum focused on developing leaders in service to meet the needs of society and the profession. Participation in teaching, scholarship, and service activities to advance the mission and vision of the program and the physical therapy profession will guide the faculty member’s professional development. Again, this faculty position will predominately involve teaching responsibilities, including course instruction and student assessment, based upon experience and current needs of the program. Other responsibilities include course and program assessment, accreditation activities, academic advising, and coordinating and overseeing admission interviews. Providing service to the College, University, and profession is also expected.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Effective communication and organizational skills with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Provides oversight, in conjunction with the Program Director, to accreditation requirements, including the Application for Candidacy and the Self Study Report.
• Teach courses as agreed upon with the Program Director of the DPT Program, incorporating active learning strategies, care-based learning, and experiential activities to promote student mastery of course content and clinical skills.
• Integrate evidence-based practices, emerging technologies, and pedagogical innovations into the instruction to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Participate actively in program, college, institutional and/or professional service activities, including committee work, faculty meetings, and accreditation processes with current active membership in a professional society (i.e., APTA).
• Participate in independent or collaborative scholarly activities including the design, implementation and completion of products with dissemination through presentations or publications.
• Mentor students in the academic setting, providing guidance, feedback, and support to facilitate their professional development and success.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and respect in the classroom, promoting equity and accessibility for all students.
• Other duties as assigned or required by the Program Director or Dean.

Minimum Position Qualifications

• An entry-level degree in physical therapy (BS/MS PT or DPT) with an earned or an in-progress terminal academic degree (i.e., DHSc, EdD, PhD or other academic degree).
• Must be licensed or eligible for physical therapist licensure within the state of Tennessee.
• A minimum of three (3) years of full-time post-licensure clinical practice and a minimum of one year (1) teaching experience.
• Contemporary expertise in teaching area, specifically neurological physical therapist practice content.
• An area of scholarly interest.
• Must meet university criteria for appointment to the rank of Assistant Professor of Teaching.
• Administrative experience with evidence of organizational skills, interpersonal, problem-solving, and counseling skills.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills in English are required. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements to begin and continue working in the United States at the time of appointment.

Special Conditions

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Clinical specialization or expertise in an ABPTS specialty area.
• Record of scholarly achievement, including peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and external funding (commensurate with rank).
• Active involvement in the American Physical Therapy Association, one of its Academies or Sections, and/or a state (Tennessee) Physical Therapy Association.
• Experience in classroom or laboratory instruction with graduate students, particularly physical therapist students.
• Active involvement in professional organizations, community service, and/or clinical practice is desirable.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to correspond effectively with various stakeholders including students, faculty, and administrators.
• Strong organizational abilities to develop, organize and implement admission program based on best practices and CAPTE standards.
• Ability to resolve issues or conflicts that may arise.
• Comfortable with technology and capable of learning new platforms and software.
• Interest in participating in scholarly work.
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact with charity towards students, staff, faculty, and clinical educators.

Posting Date 08/25/2025

Closing Date

Open Until Screening Begins

Hiring Range Commensurate with qualifications

Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time: Benefits Eligible

Special Instructions to Applicants

The review of completed applications will begin immediately and may continue until the position

is filled. The University of Memphis urges all qualified applicants to apply for this position. Appointment will be based on qualifications as they relate to position requirements without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class.

Only applications submitted electronically at https://workforum.memphis.edu will be considered. Applicants are required to upload (1) a cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the position, (2) curriculum vitae, and (3) three professional references—names and contact information 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. Myra Meekins, Search Committee Chair, at [email protected].

Instructions to Applicant regarding references

Is this posting for UofM employees only? No

Benefits of Employment (Applies to full-time, non-police employees only)

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