Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Physical Therapy

Position Information

The Physical Therapy Program in the Department of Human Movement Science at Oakland University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate or Full Professor position beginning August 15, 2026. We seek a dynamic educator–scholar committed to advancing physical therapy education, clinical practice, and translational research. The successful candidate will join a collaborative faculty within the School of Health Sciences and contribute to teaching in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curriculum while developing a program of scholarship supported by strong clinical partnerships, research infrastructure, and mentorship opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants for appointment at the Assistant Professor rank must demonstrate:
  • Current licensure as a Physical Therapist in the State of Michigan, or demonstrated eligibility followed by attainment of licensure within one year of hire.
  • A CAPTE-recognized terminal academic degree (PhD, EdD, DSc, DHS, or equivalent).
  • Minimum of three years of clinical experience in physical therapy practice.
  • Evidence of initiated scholarly activity or potential to develop a sustained research agenda.
  • Commitment to collaboration, service, and advancing the mission of the Physical Therapy Program.
• Applicants for appointment at the Associate Professor rank must demonstrate:
  • Current licensure as a Physical Therapist in the State of Michigan, or demonstrated eligibility followed by attainment of licensure within one year of hire.
  • A CAPTE-recognized terminal academic degree (PhD, EdD, DSc, DHS, or equivalent).
  • An established record of teaching in an academic physical therapy program, including evidence of teaching effectiveness.
  • A sustained record of scholarly activity, including peer-reviewed publications or externally disseminated scholarship.
  • Evidence of professional service and engagement consistent with expectations for a mid-career faculty member.
  • Commitment to collaboration and advancing the mission of the Physical Therapy Program.
• Applicants for appointment at the Full Professor rank must demonstrate:
  • Current licensure as a Physical Therapist in the State of Michigan, or demonstrated eligibility followed by attainment of licensure within one year of hire.
  • A CAPTE-recognized terminal academic degree (PhD, EdD, DSc, DHS, or equivalent).
  • A substantial clinical experience in physical therapy practice.
  • A distinguished record of teaching in an academic physical therapy program, with sustained evidence of teaching effectiveness and mentorship of students or junior faculty.
  • A sustained and nationally or internationally recognized program of scholarly activity, including peer-reviewed publications and/or externally funded research.
  • Demonstrated leadership in academic, professional, or clinical communities, including service to the university, the profession, or national organizations.
  • Evidence of mentorship and leadership in faculty development, research collaboration, or program advancement.
  • Commitment to advancing the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of the Physical Therapy Program and the School of Health Sciences.

Preference may be given to candidates who demonstrate one or more of the following: Board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) or eligibility for board certificationCompletion of an accredited residency or fellowship in physical therapy or an equivalent university based graduate certificateExpertise in physical therapy practice, movement science, or related foundational or clinical sciences that complement program needs (e.g., musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neurologic rehabilitation, acute care, biomechanics, clinical reasoning, or other areas relevant to DPT education)Experience with curriculum development or innovative teaching methods, including simulation-based educationA record of peer-reviewed publications, grant activity, or externally funded researchExperience mentoring doctoral students, residents, or fellowsEngagement in professional leadership within organizations such as the American Physical Therapy AssociationCommitment to community engagement, interprofessional collaboration, and inclusive excellence

School/College & Department/Program Summary

The School of Health Sciences serves approximately 2,000 undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, and post-professional students through a model emphasizing community-engaged translational partnerships and the integration of theory with best practices. The School is organized into four thematic departments: Public and Environmental WellnessInterdisciplinary Health SciencesClinical and Diagnostic SciencesHuman Movement Science The Department of Human Movement Science offers bachelor’s (BS), clinical professional (DPT), and post-professional degrees and certificates across exercise science (EXS), physical therapy (PT), and orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). Faculty and students benefit from multiple teaching and research laboratories including: PT labs in Acute Care Simulation, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, and NeurorehabilitationEXS labs in Exercise Physiology, Biomechanics, Ergonomics and Abilities Research, and Strength and FitnessOrthotics and Prosthetics Fabrication Lab Oakland University supports faculty scholarship through internal funding, grant-writing support, and mentorship through the Office of Research. Additional School of Health Sciences opportunities include Seed and Sprout Grants and PT Faculty Research Grants. The Physical Therapy Program maintains strong clinical partnerships, supports pro bono and community wellness initiatives, and includes faculty recognized nationally and internationally for their research and clinical expertise. Oakland University’s platinum LEED-certified campus and extensive clinical and community partnerships provide a supportive environment for innovative teaching, meaningful service, and impactful research in support of health.

More About Oakland University

The University is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University offers 142 bachelor’s degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. As an anchor institution in southeastern Michigan that is dedicated to building ongoing, collaborative relationships, Oakland University embraces community and civic engagement to enhance the lives of its students and positively impact the broader community. Learn more about Oakland University’s Mission & Vision and Strategic Plan.

Pay Basis

N/A

Open Date

03/27/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Job Category

Full-time Faculty

EEO Statement

Oakland University is an Equal Opportunity institution.

Applicant Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial)
• Research Statement
• Teaching Philosophy
• List of References