Assistant Professor, Doctor of Physical Therapy

About the role

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Public Health invites applications for a state-funded, tenure-track Assistant Professor position to support the launch and growth of its new Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. We seek candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy, Exercise Physiology, Physiology, Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, Neuroscience/Neurologic Rehabilitation, Applied Clinical Pathology, and/or Anatomy. Candidates with strong research agendas in rehabilitation science, exercise physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, applied physiology, clinical pathology, or related fields are encouraged to apply. This role offers the opportunity to help shape a developing DPT program at a Carnegie R1 research institution, build an independent research program, engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute to academic excellence in the region.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain an independent, extramurally fundable research program aligned with one or more of the following areas: Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy / Exercise Physiology / Physiology, Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, Neuroscience/Neurologic Rehabilitation, Applied Clinical Pathology, and/or Anatomy.
• Teach in the DPT curriculum and/or related graduate programs in areas of expertise (e.g., physiology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, pathology, research methods, or related foundational sciences).
• Mentor DPT students, graduate students, and/or postdoctoral trainees in research and scholarly activities.
• Contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, and CAPTE accreditation processes as appropriate.
• Seek and secure extramural funding to support research activities.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and other scholarly outlets.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within the School of Public Health, across UNR, and with regional clinical and research partners.
• Participate in university, school, and professional service activities.

Required Qualifications

• Earned research doctoral degree (PhD, DSc, or equivalent) in Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, Exercise Physiology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Biomechanics, or a closely related field.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity (peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and/or extramural funding) commensurate with rank.
• Demonstrated ability or strong potential to teach, advise, or mentor effectively Doctor of Physical Therapy students.
• Ability to develop and sustain an independent, externally funded research program.
• Commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary work and to contributing to a new, developing DPT program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical background and a professional physical therapy degree (DPT) welcomed in combination with an academic doctorate.
• Postdoctoral research experience.
• Track record of extramural funding (NIH, NSF, foundation, or equivalent) or strong evidence of funding potential.
• Experience teaching foundational or applied sciences relevant to physical therapy education (physiology, exercise physiology, neuroscience, pathology, anatomy, or related).
• Experience mentoring student research (undergraduate, graduate, or professional).
• Experience with curriculum development, interprofessional education, or hybrid instructional approaches.
• Demonstrated success in interdisciplinary collaboration (e.g., engineering, public health, neuroscience, medicine).

Compensation

Compensation Grade: Assistant Professor. Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience. The University provides a clear promotion pathway for teaching faculty that includes regular review and base salary increases upon promotion. For the salary schedule, visit the NSHE Academic Faculty salary schedules.

Benefits

• Retirement: 19.25% employee contribution matched by the University; 100% vested on first day. All permanent employees on an annual "A" or "B" contract employed at least 50% full-time are eligible for the NSHE retirement program (unless members of PERS of Nevada).
• Health insurance: Options including dental and vision.
• Leave & protection: Sick leave, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Fitness: E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships with spouse/domestic partner options.
• Local discounts: Many Reno businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders.
• Employee assistance: Mountain EAP provides counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues for employees and eligible dependents.
• Governance: Faculty Senate represents faculty across academic and administrative units.
• Tax advantage: No state income tax.
• Tuition benefit (Grants-in-Aid): Faculty may take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate; qualified dependents (unmarried, under 24, receiving ≥50% financial support) receive unlimited credits at a reduced rate.
• Dual Career Assistance: Program for newly hired faculty spouses/partners providing resources and assistance identifying career opportunities in Northern Nevada.

Department Information

The University of Nevada, Reno’s School of Public Health is dedicated to improving health and well-being through excellence in education, research, policy, and community engagement. Its mission is to advance science, policy, and practice to improve the health of individuals and communities in Nevada and beyond. The School includes four academic departments and seven community-based centers that foster collaboration across disciplines and sectors. Its nationally ranked graduate programs and strong ties across Nevada are reflected in the fact that approximately 80% of graduates live and work in the state, strengthening the public health workforce and improving outcomes statewide. Faculty and staff contribute to a collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on academic excellence, community partnership, and lasting impact through public health leadership and innovation.

Position type: Exempt, Full-Time Equivalent 100%.