Department Head, Tenured Professor, UIC Department of Physical Therapy

Search Extended until August 10, 2026

The Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) invites applications for the position of Department Head. This full‑time, tenured position has a 9‑month appointment and a summer stipend, requiring teaching, research, and service. The Department offers a top‑ranked Doctor of Physical Therapy program, residencies in orthopedic and sports physical therapy, a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences, and a PhD in Kinesiology, Nutrition, and Rehabilitation or Disability Studies.

The Department Head provides academic leadership, establishes the departmental mission, goals, policies, and procedures, manages all aspects of departmental operations, and ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations from accrediting agencies, the University, UIC Campus, and the College of Applied Sciences. The role is located within UIC’s College of Applied Health Sciences and is adjacent to several other health profession departments and colleges.

• Provide academic leadership and strategic vision for the Department.
• Establish and maintain departmental mission, goals, policies, and procedures.
• Manage all operational aspects of the department, including faculty, curriculum, budgeting, and resources.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, university policies, campus policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Foster academic and scholarly excellence through collaborative innovation and mentorship of faculty and students.
• Engage with campus and community partners to enhance student success and institutional growth.

• PhD or equivalent in Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation Science, or related field.
• Full Professor status or eligible for Full Professor at UIC.
• Strong record of scholarly productivity, excellence, and national/international distinction.
• Proven record of exceptional achievement and scholarly productivity through peer‑reviewed publications, extramural grant funding, and national/international recognition.
• Scholarly agenda that can strengthen existing areas of research in the department.
• Proven record of academic leadership that advances educational excellence in the department, college, and campus.
• Active involvement in the profession of Physical Therapy and commitment to fostering strong relationships with campus and community partners.
• Strong understanding of contributions of clinical and academic faculty, and awareness of contemporary clinical practice.
• Experienced mentor committed to career development of faculty.
• Excellent communication, mediation skills, and collaborative management style.

• Experience navigating complex academic and health‑care environments, including state and regulatory landscapes.
• Knowledge of clinical operations.
• Eligibility for licensure as a Physical Therapist in the State of Illinois.

Salary range: $175,000 to $228,000, competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits include Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid Time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please review our non‑discrimination statement and additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID‑19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E‑Verify.