Professor and Head, Physical Therapy

About the role

The Head of the Department of Physical Therapy provides academic leadership and direction for the Department and has ultimate responsibility for overseeing the Department, including establishing departmental mission, goals, policies, and procedures, and managing all aspects of departmental operations. The Department Head reports directly to the Dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Reports on the teaching and research outputs of the Department
• Prepares the departmental budget and is responsible for the distribution and expenditure of departmental funds
• Formulation and execution of departmental policies and procedures
• Hire, train, develop and manage staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives
• General supervision and quality control of the teaching and post-graduate programs
• Presides at meetings of the departmental faculty
• Implements Annual Performance Reviews of faculty and staff
• Workload assignment and organization, for the quality and efficient progress of that work
• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent in Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science or related field
• Full Professor status or eligible for Full Professor at UIC
• Strong record of scholarly productivity, excellence at an academic institution
• Evidence of national and international distinction in scholarship contributing to the advancement of physical therapy theory, research and practice
• Scholarly agenda that can strengthen existing areas of research in the department
• Proven record of academic leadership that contributes to advancing the educational excellence and research missions of the department, the college and the campus community
• Proven academic leadership that advances educational excellence through strategic vision and collaborative innovation
• Actively involved in the profession of Physical Therapy. Commitment and ability to foster and sustain a strong, meaningful relationships with campus and community partners to support student success and institutional growth
• Experienced mentor and committed to career development of faculty
• Excellent communication and mediation skills
• Collaborative style of management

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience navigating complex environment and landscape- university, state/Health Care environment
• Knowledge of clinical operations
• Eligible for license as Physical Therapist in the State of Illinois

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of application, and contact information for three references. Questions regarding the position can be directed to the chair of the search committee, Professor Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar, ysuarez@uic.edu. Applications should be submitted by May 18, 2026. All applicants must submit an online application. Search Extended until August 10, 2026.