University of Connecticut, Department of Kinesiology

Program ID:UConn-Department of Kinesiology-495869 [#20627, 495869]
Program Title: Assistant/Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Program Type:Tenured/Tenure-track faculty
Location:Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Kinesiology
Appl Deadline: finished (2021/11/24, finished 2022/07/15)
Description:    

*** this program has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

INTRODUCTION 

The Department of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut invites applications for a full-time (9-month appointment, 50% research and 50% teaching), tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Professor. The anticipated start date is August 23, 2022. 

The successful candidate will be expected to support the Department’s efforts to:

  • Recruit and retain students from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups
  • Demonstrate through teaching and/or public engagement the richness of diversity in the learning experience
  • Help develop student competency in addressing cultural, structural/systemic, and environmental factors that influence health

The Department of Kinesiology is one of eight academic units within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) and offers an undergraduate major in Exercise Science; two nationally accredited professional programs (Master of Science in Athletic Training, Doctor of Physical Therapy); as well as masters and doctoral degrees in Exercise Science. With 20 faculty, 150 undergraduates, and 135 graduate students, we actively engage in educating and training the next generation of health professionals.

UConn has offered a degree in Physical Therapy for over 65 years, starting as a bachelor’s degree in 1951 and culminating in the current Doctor of Physical Therapy offered since 2007 as the requirements for entry-level degrees for licensure in physical therapy evolved. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and is an important contributor to addressing state and regional workforce needs in physical therapy.   

CAHNR has developed and implemented a Strategic Vision to guide the development and focus of our teaching, research, and extension programs in the years 2020-2025. Faculty hired for this position will be expected to make significant contributions in their area of expertise, contributing to the advancement of one or more of the CAHNR’s four strategic priorities. 

  • Ensuring a vibrant agricultural industry and sustainable food supply  
  • Enhancing health and well-being locally, nationally, and globally  
  • Designing sustainable landscapes across urban-rural interfaces  
  • Advancing resilience and adaptation in a changing climate  
  • Dismantling structural racism and fostering environments that advance racial equity, inclusion, and belonging by advocating for anti-racist policies, practices, and norms

The CAHNR Strategic Vision (https://cahnr.uconn.edu/visionandvalues/) provides additional information on the strategic initiatives and their related areas of emphasis. 

The University of Connecticut and the Department of Kinesiology both embrace diversity as a core value and strive to attract, retain, and facilitate the success of talented people from all backgrounds. The Department of Kinesiology has exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations with investigators, particularly in health-related disciplines, both at UConn Storrs and UConn Health. For further information, please visit the Department website (https://kins.uconn.edu/).

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Establish a nationally recognized and externally funded research program;
  • Disseminate research findings through both scholarly and community-engaged communication channels;
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary research and outreach teams, including the UConn Health Center for Aging, BIRC (Brain Imaging Research Center), Center for Advancement in Managing Pain (CAMP), and/or UConn Institute for Sports Medicine;
  • Teach graduate courses in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in the areas of cardiopulmonology, neurologic, geriatric, pediatric, and/or acute care rehabilitation;
  • Provide research mentoring for graduate students and research experiences for DPT students;
  • Provide academic and professional service;
  • Other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  1. A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline, including (but not limited to) human movement science, neuroscience, exercise science, or health sciences
  2. A track record of scholarly activity as evidenced by publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and/or international conferences and/or workshops
  3. Evidence of promise as an independent investigator through proven track record or excellent potential for securing extramural research funding
  4. Experience or evidence of promise in teaching at the graduate level in areas of expertise
  5. Potential for collaborations with multiple departmental faculty
  6. Demonstrated excellent skills in oral and written communication and strong interpersonal skills
  7. Demonstrated commitment to promoting diversity through teaching and research

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Relevant clinical experience and eligibility for Connecticut PT licensure
  2. Postdoctoral training in a health-related field
  3. Previous teaching experience in an institution of higher education, demonstrating excellence in teaching
  4. Contemporary clinical expertise in physical therapy management of individuals with cardiopulmonary conditions, geriatric populations, and/or pediatric conditions
  5. Experience supervising graduate student research 
  6. Demonstrated success in engaging with diverse communities, including first-generation college students and underrepresented populations
  7. Commitment to contributing to the College’s Strategic Vision
  8. Experience in understanding and contributing to cultures of inclusive excellence, including working with those who have historically experienced barriers to achieving health and well-being

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2022. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. A start-up package for research is available. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/20627 and submit the following application materials:

  • A cover letter,
  • Curriculum vitae,
  • Sample journal articles or books
  • Names and contact information for at least three letters of reference

For the statements below please include how your professional accomplishments in research/teaching/extension outreach will contribute to the College’s success in achieving its Strategic Vision

  • Research and scholarship statement maximum of two pages (innovative concepts that will form the basis of academic career, experience in proposal development, mentorship of graduate students, etc.);
  • Teaching statement maximum of two pages(including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, concepts for new course development, etc.);
  • Commitment to diversity statement maximum of two pages (including broadening participation, integrating culturally-sustaining approaches in instruction and research, promoting equity through scholarship and community engagement, and pedagogical techniques to meet the needs of diverse learning styles, etc.);

For full consideration, applications and supporting materials should be received by January 2, 2022. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Inquiries about the position should be sent by email to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Susan Glenney (email susan.glenney@uconn.edu).

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the description.

Further Info:
http://kins.uconn.edu/
 
University of Connecticut
Department of Kinesiology
2095 Hillside Rd
Unit 1110
Storrs, CT 06269-1110