Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track) for the proposed Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program

POSITION DETAILS

Duties Performed in the Usual Course of the Job

The Department of Physical Therapy invites applications for a 12-month full-time tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant Professor for our pre-accreditation status Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program. This core faculty position will require teaching, scholarship, advisement, and service responsibilities with emphasis on developing and maintaining an active, externally funded research program. The successful candidate will contribute to didactic and clinical instruction within the DPT curriculum while establishing a robust research agenda. The university provides dedicated research space, competitive startup funds, and protected time for research activities to support faculty success. The appointment can begin as early as January 2026.

Educational Requirements for the Position

Minimum Qualifications:

 Applicants must have earned a PhD in Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, Kinesiology, or closely related field. Candidates must hold an active, unencumbered PT license in any United States jurisdiction and be in compliance with the practice act in Texas. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of research experience and scholarly productivity with potential for external funding.

Preferred Qualifications

• Established record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals

• Post-doctoral research experience.

• Previous experience with federal funding (NIH, NSF, CDC, or equivalent) or strong potential for securing external funding

• Experience with grant writing and research administration

• Previous teaching experience in higher education, preferably in health sciences

• Experience with statistical analysis software and research methodologies

• Evidence of collaborative research and interdisciplinary work

• Knowledge of physical therapy accreditation standards and educational requirements

• Experience mentoring students in research activities

• Professional certification or specialization relevant to research area

• Active involvement in professional organizations and scientific communities

Location:

The proposed Doctor of Physical Therapy Program will be housed in Conroe, Texas on SHSU's Medical and Health Professions Campus, and will matriculate students in January 2028.
In 2021, SHSU received tuition revenue bond funding to build an 80,000 square foot Health Professions Building. The new building, estimated to open in December 2025, will house four academic programs including the MS in Athletic Training, MS in Dietetics, MS in Physician Assistant (proposed), and Doctor of Physical Therapy (proposed).

Conroe, Texas is in Montgomery County about 40 miles north of Houston, the 4th largest city in the U.S. The Houston Medical Center, located near downtown Houston, is the world's largest medical complex. The SHSU Medical and Health Professions campus is approximately 10 miles north of the "Medical Center of the north." Also located on this campus is SHSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Special Instructions for Applicant Applicants should submit: (1) a letter of interest/cover letter that addresses qualifications, research interests, and fit to the position and department, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a research statement outlining current and future research plans (2 pages), (4) Names and contact information for three professional references. Letters of recommendation will be required if the candidate is selected for an interview, but they are not needed to apply.

APPLICATION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applications must be submitted through the SHSU job portal at https://shsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/44346  to be considered for this position.
Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and continue until the position is filled.

Any questions pertaining to this position can be emailed to the Search Committee Chair: 
Sambit Mohapatra, P.T., Ph.D.
Professor and Chair,
Program Director-Physical Therapy
Department of Physical Therapy College of Health Sciences
Sam Houston State University
Email: smohapatra@shsu.edu 
 
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an "at will" employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.