Assistant /Associate Professor in Physical Therapy _ University of Rhode Island
Assistant /Associate Professor in Physical Therapy
The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Rhode Island invites applications
for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor with expertise in research and teaching that aligns with the mission of the Department, College, and University. Negotiated rank is contingent on qualifications and experience. This academic-year appointment begins in August 2026. The Department is part of the College of Health Sciences and is nationally recognized for excellence in teaching, research, service, professional leadership, international opportunities for students, strong clinical partnerships, and an on-site clinic. Each year, the program admits a cohort of 32 students who are taught by a dedicated and experienced faculty.
The Physical Therapy Department is located on the Kingston campus in a beautiful rural setting just 15 minutes from ocean and bay beaches. The region offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, with the Green and White Mountains only a three-hour drive away. The University of Rhode Island provides a rich array of cultural and intellectual events, including theater, music, athletics, and the Honors Colloquium. Additional cultural and recreational opportunities are easily accessible in Providence (40 minutes), Boston and Cape Cod (90 minutes), and New York City (three hours).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will:
• Demonstrate a strong focus on research productivity and obtaining external funding to support research and graduate students.
• Develop, lead, and collaborate on research programs leading to peer‑reviewed publications and grant submissions in physical therapy or related fields.
• Teach graduate-level courses in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.
• Contribute service to the Department, College, University, and/or the profession.
• Mentor and advise students.
• Demonstrate experience or potential to engage students in teaching, research, and service.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. Ph.D. (or equivalent) completed by August 2027.
2. Eligibility for physical therapist licensure in Rhode Island.
3. Demonstrated ability to establish an independent research agenda and publish in relevant, peer‑reviewed journals.
4. Demonstrated ability to obtain external funding.
5. Demonstrated teaching ability that complements the existing DPT curriculum.
6. Proficiency in oral communication.
7. Proficiency in written communication.
8. Current membership in the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated success in securing external research funding.
2. Demonstrated ability to participate in collaborative research.
3. Interest and/or experience in teaching contemporary professional topics in physical therapy at the graduate level.
4. Experience in mentoring graduate students
5. Evidence of success or strong potential for obtaining external funding to support a productive research program.
6. Relevant clinical experience is desirable.
This is a 9‑month academic‑year position, beginning five days before the start of the Fall 2026 semester and concluding on Commencement Day the following May. To be considered an applicant, you must apply on-line at: https://jobs.uri.edu/postings/
Search Committee Members:
Mariusz Furmanek, PhD, PT, DPT - Chair
Carol Petrie, PT, DPT
John McLinden, PT, PhD
Devina Kumar, PT, PhD
Susan D’Andrea, PhD
Application Deadline
The search will remain open until the position has been filled.
Candidates should apply online at: https://apptrkr.com/7008504
Applicant Documents:
Required: Please attach the following 5 (PDFs) documents:
1. Cover letter describing your interest and qualifications for the position.
2. A complete curriculum vitae including the full contact information for at least three
professional references (as one complete document).
3. A research plan, limited to two pages, describing your current and future research and how it relates to the required qualifications.
4. Teaching background and philosophy - a narrative, limited to one page.
5. Other Documents - reprints of up to 3 publications that you feel best highlight your suitability for the position (as one complete pdf document).
Contact for questions: Mariusz Furmanek, mariusz.furmanek@uri.edu