Position Summary
The Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFUMS), College of Health Professions, Department of Physical Therapy is seeking to fill a full-time, 12-month, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program faculty position at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor.
The successful candidate will demonstrate contemporary expertise in neurologic physical therapy practice, neuroscience, and education, and will possess an active research agenda with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the department’s scholarly mission. Responsibilities include teaching across the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum, mentoring students, advancing a program of scholarship, and participating in departmental, college, and university service. The successful candidate will join a collaborative faculty committed to excellence in teaching, scholarship, innovation, and team-based curricular delivery.
Our generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision plans; paid parental leave; short term and long term disability plans; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; and a 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 8% employer contribution once eligible. RFUMS is committed to employee wellbeing and work-life balance. This position is eligible for 24 days of vacation/ personal leave, 15 sick days, and 9 paid holidays, paid winter break, plus two floating holidays.
Employment Inquiries: Inquiries can be directed to Professor Natalie Turrentine, Chair of the Faculty Search Committee at [email protected].
Who We Are
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) is a graduate health sciences university committed to serving the population through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA.
Today, the university’s 6 colleges continue Dr Franklin’s legacy through rigorous academics, pioneering research, and innovative community service. Our unique interprofessional education model allows students to learn from and with each other in a variety of settings, including our simulation labs, the student-led Interprofessional Community Clinic, and through partnerships with area hospitals and clinics. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional research and practices, and is nationally recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, proteomics, cancer cell biology and immunology, and gait and balance.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Teach didactic, laboratory, and/or clinical coursework within the candidate’s area(s) of expertise.
- Participate in the design, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement of the Doctor of Physical Therapy curriculum.
- Advise and mentor Doctor of Physical Therapy students in academic, professional, and career development.
- Develop and maintain an active program of scholarship aligned with a well-defined research agenda that contributes to the department’s scholarly mission.
- Engage in service activities that support the department, college, university, and the physical therapy profession.
- Participate in admissions activities, including applicant interviews and holistic review processes.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environment among faculty, staff, and students.
- Contribute to ongoing program assessment and continuous quality improvement efforts, including maintenance of compliance with CAPTE accreditation standards.
- Attend and actively participate in departmental, college, and university meetings and faculty development activities.
- Other duties as assigned by the Department Chair and Program Director
All full-time faculty members employed by RFUMS are expected to engage in activities that are considered core to their primary role as a faculty member. These activities may include teaching, scholarly activity, and service.
Teaching responsibilities vary and may include:
- Direct instruction
- Curriculum management
- Assessment
- Advising and mentoring for students
Scholarly activities vary and may include:
- Original scholarship
- Grant procurement
- Research mentoring
Service activities vary and may include internal and external contributions through:
- Committees
- Contributions to the profession
- Recruitment
- Direct patient care
Scholarly activities and/or clinical activities are negotiated and determined at the department level and are primarily based upon the faculty track.
Conditions of Employment
Must achieve satisfactory results from a background check
Required Education & Experience
- Graduation from an accredited CAPTE program and eligibility for licensure in Illinois with the expectation of obtaining an Illinois license within 6 months of employment
- Earned terminal academic doctoral degree (PhD, DSc, DHS, EdD, or equivalent).
- Must achieve a background check clearance.
Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Ability to support a learning community that values respect, collaboration, and the unique strengths of all learners.
- Ability to work collaboratively in an interprofessional academic and research environment.
- Effective teaching skills grounded in a strong knowledge of educational theory and methodology
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and problem-solving ability
- Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
- Commitment to student learning and well-being
- Ability to effectively integrate instructional technologies to support teaching, learning, and assessment.
Preferred Qualification
- Prior experience teaching in a Doctor of Physical Therapy or other health professions education program.
- Clinical expertise in neurologic physical therapy, with board certification as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS) or other relevant ABPTS specialty certification preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary teaching, learning, and assessment strategies in health professions education.
- An established or emerging program of scholarship.
- Record of peer-reviewed publications and scholarly dissemination.
- Experience mentoring students in research, scholarship, or professional development.
Typical Physical Demands & Working Conditions
Selected candidate must have the mental and physical capabilities to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
EOE, Including Disability/Vets
Skills Required
- Graduation from an accredited CAPTE program
- Eligibility for licensure in Illinois and expectation of obtaining an Illinois license within six months of employment
- Earned terminal academic doctoral degree such as PhD, DSc, DHS, EdD, or equivalent
- Successful completion of a background check
- Ability to support a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive learning community
- Ability to work collaboratively in an interprofessional academic and research environment
- Effective teaching skills grounded in educational theory and methodology
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment
- Commitment to student learning and well-being
- Ability to integrate instructional technologies for teaching, learning, and assessment
- Prior teaching experience in a Doctor of Physical Therapy or other health professions education program
- Clinical expertise in neurologic physical therapy
- Board certification as a Neurologic Clinical Specialist or other relevant ABPTS specialty certification
- Knowledge of contemporary teaching, learning, and assessment strategies in health professions education
- Established or emerging program of scholarship
- Record of peer-reviewed publications and scholarly dissemination
- Experience mentoring students in research, scholarship, or professional development
What We Do
Rosalind Franklin University is a graduate-level institution with 2,000 students dedicated to health sciences and located in North Chicago, Illinois, approximately 35 miles north of downtown Chicago. Its beautiful 97-acre campus is home to the Basic Science Building, the Health Science Building, the Morningstar Interprofessional Education Center, Multi-media Dr. John J. Sheinin Gross Anatomy Lab, Education and Evaluation Center, three student residence halls and the Rosalind Franklin University Health System. RFU is a national leader in interprofessional medical and healthcare education, offering a doctor of medicine program through the Chicago Medical School, doctor of podiatric medicine program through the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, a doctor of pharmacy through the College of Pharmacy, and a range of degrees through its College of Health Professions, including nurse anesthesia, nutrition, physical therapy, pathologists’ assistant and physician assistant. The University also offers advanced biomedical degrees through the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. In 2018, the university broke ground on the Innovation and Research Park, which will add nearly 100,000 square feet of space to campus. The park continues our heritage of research that impacts the world.
