School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders
College of Health and Human Sciences
Northern Illinois University

Northern Illinois University is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching in the category of Research Universities (high research activity) and located 60 miles west of Chicago. The physical therapy program is part of the School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders. Faculty in audiology, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology collaborate in clinical and research endeavors. The prospective candidate will work with a diverse student, faculty, and clinic population. Excellent off-campus sites are available for practicum, research, and grant development. The school includes a 27,000 sq. ft. multidisciplinary clinic space that houses the Speech-Language-Hearing and Physical Therapy Clinics. For more information about the program, http://www.chhs.niu.edu/physical_therapy/

We are inviting applications for a full-time, twelve-month, promotable, clinical faculty position subject to funding at the Assistant or advanced Assistant Professor level within the Physical Therapy program beginning August 16, 2021. Faculty rank is dependent on experience, qualifications, and Board policies.

Position Description Summary 

This is a full-time, twelve-month, non-tenure track Clinical Assistant Professor position. The faculty member is responsible for all aspects of educating entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy students through direct patient care at the Northern Illinois University Physical Therapy Clinic and classroom instruction. The faculty member will positively contribute to committee service within the program, university, community, and profession, and provide student advisement to graduate students and undergraduate students, as appropriate. Additional responsibilities may include supervising in the NIU Physical Therapy Clinic and participation in interdisciplinary committees. We seek faculty who embrace NIU’s mission of providing opportunity to a diverse student body by providing them with access to high quality education and hands-on involvement in research and community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach academic coursework and provide clinical instruction to DPT students and other students as appropriate;
• Provide clinical services to patients in the Physical Therapy Clinic;
• Direct Clinical Education;
• Positively contribute to service within the university (program, school, college, university levels) and profession;
• Provide student advisement and support student research;
• Engage in scholarly activity (e.g. research presentations, publications, grants);
• Contribute to curriculum development and program advancement.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Academic or clinical doctorate obtained by the time of hire;
• Licensed physical therapist in any United States jurisdiction;
• Minimum of three years of clinical experience as a licensed physical therapist;
• Experience as a clinical instructor to a DPT student;
• Expertise in vestibular, concussion, pediatrics, adult neurology, cardiopulmonary, and/or complement expertise of existing faculty to ensure depth and breadth across the scope of practice as required by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education;
• Demonstrated experience with committing to diversity and promoting an inclusive work and learning environments that foster creativity and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in:
  • teaching in a physical therapy program;
  • clinic/program administration;
  • participation on university committees/departmental projects;
  • utilization of course management systems to deliver organized and meaningful content;
• Licensed physical therapist in the state of Illinois;
• ABPTS Board Certification, or other advanced clinical certification;
• History of engagement and service to the physical therapy profession at the local, state, and/or national level.

Additionally, preference will be given to individuals who have experience providing care to diverse populations. Preference will be given to candidates with a record of professional service, research, and experience developing grants for programming is desirable.

Preference will be given to individuals with board certification in neurological based physical therapy.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability and willingness to contribute to meeting the program’s instructional needs;
• Strong oral, written, visual, and electronic communication skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact in a positive manner with diverse faculty, staff, patients, students, and clinicians as well as with people of varying economic and cultural backgrounds;
• Strong organization, problem-solving, and counseling skills;
• Ability to adhere to program’s immunization policies

Application Materials:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• Licensure information
• List of Three References

Applicants must apply online at https://employment.niu.edu/postings/55562, and complete their applicant profile and upload their materials. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by April 20, 2021.

The proposed start date is August 16, 2021. Interviews may occur before April 20, 2021, however applications received by April 20, 2021 will receive full consideration. Applications received after April 20, 2021 are welcomed, but will be considered as needed.

For questions contact AHCD Office Administrator: Nicole Giardelli
(nbraun@niu.edu). Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

In compliance with the Illinois Campus Security Act, before an offer of employment is made, the university will conduct a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a criminal background check.

EEO Statement, Visa Policy, ADA Accommodation, Clery Act Information

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 230
TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu
815-753-5560

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
Citigroup Center
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661-4544
312-730-1560
OCR.Chicago@ed.gov

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. This form can be obtained by contacting the Office of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ADEI) at 815-753-8399.

NIU provides information regarding campus security, personal and fire safety, including topics such as: crime prevention, emergency response procedures and crime reporting policies, in addition to crime and fire statistics for the most recent three calendar years. The Annual Security Report containing security and safety information is available at www.safety.niu.edu/clery or by contacting the University Police Department and Public Safety Department at 815-753-9628 to receive a hard copy. The Annual Fire Safety Report is available at www.niu.edu/clery/fire_report.pdf or by contacting the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 815-753-0404 to receive a hard copy.