Tenure Track Assistant Professor - Occupational Therapy

About the role

The University of Puget Sound School of Occupational Therapy invites applications for a full-time, tenure‑track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor (or earned academic rank considered). The mission of the School is to prepare culturally sensitive graduates who provide client‑centered, evidence‑ and theory‑informed occupational therapy to diverse individuals, groups, and populations, enhancing participation in meaningful everyday activities. Graduates use critical analysis of theory and multiple sources of evidence to make sound professional judgments resulting in science‑based and creative solutions to practice challenges. The School seeks a doctorally‑prepared occupational therapist who values experiential learning, has a strong grounding in occupation‑based theory to guide clinical reasoning, and is experienced with implementing the occupational therapy process, utilizing evidence to inform clinical decision making, and translating research and evidence into practice. Experience as a practicing occupational therapist and previous teaching in an established entry‑level OTD program, including mentoring doctoral capstone projects, are highly valued. The School uses a co‑teaching model, so collaboration, teamwork, collegiality, and communication are essential. Systems‑level thinking will support shared governance roles within the department and across campus.

Responsibilities

• Teach in the entry‑level MSOT and OTD programs (standard assignment: six units per year).
• Teach courses such as research methods, evidence‑based practice and theory, critical appraisal of published literature, anatomy, neurology, adult physical dysfunctions and health conditions, work hardening, and ergonomics.
• Student advising.
• Supervision of student evidence projects and doctoral capstone projects.
• Departmental admissions.
• Departmental and university service and governance.
• Curriculum evaluation and development.
• Continuous and periodic self‑study activities to maintain program accreditation.
• Implement an agenda of productive scholarly work.
• Review, prepare, teach and revise assigned courses while assuring alignment with the overall curriculum.
• Pursue excellence in teaching, service, and scholarship.
• Maintain a commitment to culturally responsive and antiracist teaching practices.
• Demonstrate agreement with the missions of the University of Puget Sound and the School of Occupational Therapy.
• Display professionalism and fulfill responsibilities consistent with university expectations.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent research doctorate).
• Demonstrated excellence in research and teaching or clinical experience.
• Two or more years of professional clinical experience.
• Record of peer‑reviewed scholarly work.
• Commitment to liberal arts education.
• Eligible for or hold a Washington State Occupational Therapist license.
• Candidates near completion of a research doctorate will be considered.

Pay

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. For the 2026‑2027 academic year, Assistant Professor salaries on the university’s common scale begin at $85,677 for an assistant professor with a terminal degree in their first year of full‑time post‑doctorate teaching and reach $97,917 annualized based on experience.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package (see Summary of 2026 Benefits for Faculty Members).
• Shared Faculty Appointments Policy.
• Opportunities to apply for research funds, release units, conference participation support, and sabbaticals.
• Support for development as a teacher/scholar.

Schedule

Full‑time teaching is scheduled August through May, with a small amount of summer teaching focused on advising and grading student projects. The majority of the summer is generally open for research, course preparation, and professional development.