General Summary of Position:
The Department of Physical Therapy and Kinesiology (PTK) at the University of Massachusetts Lowell seeks a visionary leader for the position of department chair and invites applicants with a strong track record in external funding to complement its research programs including, but not limited to, rehabilitation sciences, digital health, movement sciences, human performance, robotics or kinesiology-related fields. Candidates with a strong record of federal funding and higher education leadership are of particular interest. The appointment is expected to be at the associate or full professor level with tenure.
The Physical Therapy and Kinesiology Department is located within the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, a dynamic, and growing college that prepares professionals and scientists in a wide range of health science fields including applied, clinical, and translational areas. An active research initiative with supports from diverse and committed community partnerships support both the research and educational programs. The chair will work with all department chairs in the College and demonstrate a collaborative team approach to leadership and interdisciplinary program support and building within the university and beyond.
The PTK department offers the BS degree in exercise science (ES), along with a long-standing, accredited, doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT). The chair will facilitate growth of current programs and development of additional graduate programming, promote the scholarly agenda of the department, and advance student learning and success. The chair will also seek to broaden the vibrant and sustainable clinical partnerships of the department, which further enrich and support the academic programs that offer hands-on professional training and experience. It is critical that the chair possess the ability to nurture and support a research culture in the college and the department as the university works towards strengthening its status as an R1 university. Leadership teams in the college and department will support the chair in carrying out the department’s academic mission.
The PTK department has benefited from improvements in academic programs over the past 4 years, as well as a name change that broadened the name to include both kinesiology and physical therapy. In addition to improvements in academic programs, the department has benefited from two major improvements in facilities. In the Fall of 2021, the PTK faculty moved into a modern building that consolidated the faculty and central department administration offices in a contiguous space. At the same time, the teaching and research labs moved into a renovated space specifically designed to enhance teaching and research.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is situated in the heart of New England on the banks of the Merrimack River, a beautiful a hub of invention and innovation and the birthplace of America’s industrial revolution. Proximity to Boston is a benefit in promoting academic and industry partnerships as well as connecting to the outstanding medical and health resources so abundant in this area.
Minimum Qualifications (Required):
An academic doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, DHSc, ScD) from an accredited university in physical therapy, exercise science, kinesiology, or related fieldEvidence of excellence in leadership and interpersonal skills
Strong track record in externally funded research
Substantial publication record
Demonstrated excellence in mentoring, teaching, and service
The ability to work effectively with diverse groups and interdisciplinary teams
Previous rank of associate or full professor with tenure
Experience in fostering partnerships within the university and with outside partners, especially in industry
Additional Considerations:
Experience in a prior formal leadership role and ability to successfully collaborate with the faculty, the dean, and upper administration
Experience recruiting faculty with strong research agendas and mentoring them through the tenure process
Experience in externally accredited undergraduate (such as ACSM) and graduate (such as CAPTE) programs, with the ability to develop, implement and evaluate curricula
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please include the following required documents with your application:
Updated Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter which includes the following:
Description of your past leadership experiences and mentoring activities
Vision for advancing the department
Teaching Philosophy and list of courses taught
Publications in Peer-Reviewed Journals: Please submit two or three significant, relevant publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Research Statement listing accomplishments and future plans
Names and contact information of three professional references will be required at the time of application process. (One should be a current/former supervisor) References will not be contacted until after the candidate visits campus and with candidate consent.
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