Assistant/Associate Professor of Physical Therapy (OPEN RANK)

Overview

Assistant/Associate Professor of Physical Therapy (OPEN RANK) – Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, California. The Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California invites applications for a full-time tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant or Associate level. The faculty member is expected to establish an independent and extramurally funded research program of outstanding quality in an area closely related to biokinesiology. The focus of biokinesiology is understanding the biological bases of both healthy and disordered human movement; this includes how the human body adapts to growth and experience as well as to injury, disease, and aging within our society and health care systems. In addition to research, the faculty member will be expected to teach in the Doctor of Physical Therapy and/or PhD programs and to contribute to faculty and University governance.

The Division has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion in scholarship, teaching, and service. In the last two years, our faculty, staff, and students have committed to becoming an anti-racist organization. We therefore are determined to attract a diverse group of excellent candidates to be considered for the position.

Responsibilities

The Division aims to develop a strong association between basic and clinical research and to build collaborative and interdisciplinary research programs that complement the research strengths of the Division and University. The faculty member is expected to contribute to teaching in the DPT and/or PhD programs, pursue an independent research program with extramural funding, and participate in faculty and University governance. The Division seeks candidates whose work aligns with musculoskeletal biomechanics, exercise science, chronic pain, geriatrics, health systems research, or related areas. A major objective is to foster collaboration between basic and clinical research and to promote interdisciplinary research arrangements within USC and with external partners.

Qualifications

• An earned post-professional doctoral degree is required.
• For early-stage investigators: a promising publication record and post-doctoral research experience are essential.
• For mid-career candidates: evidence of prior research funding, teaching aptitude, and graduate student advising is expected.
• Eligibility for physical therapy licensure in California is preferred, although not required.

Department and Facilities

The Division has a well-established history of teaching excellence and research innovation. It includes strong clinical practices at Keck Medical Center of USC and a network of private practices, modern teaching facilities, and specialized laboratories in motion analysis, exercise science, neuroscience, motor behavior, and motor development. The division is housed within the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and collaborates with other health sciences disciplines on USC's Health Sciences Campus, as well as with USC’s University Park Campus and Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center. The Division leads and is affiliated with large externally funded research centers of local, national, and international scope.

Compensation and Availability

The annual base salary range for the Assistant Professor position is $100,000–$150,000, and for the Associate Professor position is $125,000–$175,000. The position will be available Fall 2025. When extending an offer of employment, USC considers various factors including responsibilities, experience, education, skills, equity, and market considerations. The university provides an excellent benefits package.

Note: THE REVIEW AND INTERVIEW PROCESS FOR THIS FACULTY POSITION IS PAUSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Equal Opportunity

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation should contact USC Human Resources at or Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

USC will consider qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.