Description
Assistant or Associate Faculty Member, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
The University of South Alabama, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Assistant or Associate Faculty Member, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. The University seeks candidates with a shared vision of educating and impacting future physical therapists and the future of the physical therapy profession.
Applications for a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor are currently being accepted. Team-oriented individuals with expertise focus in orthopedics or neurological areas are desired, though all specialty areas will be considered.
Our core faculty have a common belief that educating within their area of expertise can inspire and motivate physical therapy students to become leaders within the field of physical therapy and create lifelong learners who desire to make their patients, communities, and profession better.
Key Responsibilities
- Teaching in one's area of expertise
- Maintaining a productive scholarly agenda
- Providing service as required by the department, college, and university
- Commitment to learner-centered education and working cooperatively with faculty and staff
- Participation in clinical faculty practice is also available
Qualifications
- Eligible for physical therapy licensure in Alabama.
- Academic doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D. or D.Sc.) in physical therapy or a related field at the time of appointment. ABD candidates will be considered with degree completion by start date.
- Established and active independent research record supporting the physical therapy field with potential to secure external grant funding.
- Minimum two (2) years teaching experience in an accredited physical therapy education program preferred.
- Minimum two (2) years of physical therapist clinical practice.
- Board certification within specialty area preferred.
- Residency and/or Fellowship training preferred.
- At the rank of Associate Professor, candidates must provide evidence of an established research agenda (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, grants, etc.) and a history of effective teaching.
About the Institution
The University of South Alabama, founded in 1963, is a dynamic public research institution and academic health center serving more than 14,000 students across over 115 academic programs. The University fosters an environment that couples engaging learning experiences with high-level research, empowering faculty and students to become leaders in their disciplines while advancing the Gulf Coast region and beyond. Over the past decade, South’s beautiful 1,200-acre campus has been transformed through significant investments in facilities and resources supporting teaching, housing, recreation, health sciences, the arts, engineering, computer science, and athletics. Guided by a strategic plan centered on Student Access and Success, Enhancement of Research and Graduate Education, Global Engagement, Excellence in Health Care, and University-Community Engagement, the University continues to build a strong and forward-looking vision for the future.
The University’s impact on the coastal region is strengthened through the USA Health system, which includes Children’s & Women’s Hospital, University Hospital, Providence Hospital, the Mitchell Cancer Institute, and numerous clinics that collectively provide care to hundreds of thousands of individuals each year. Supported by the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, College of Nursing, and Covey College of Allied Health Professions, USA Health serves as both a leading healthcare provider and an important training ground for future healthcare professionals. Across campus, students are encouraged to discover and strengthen their passions while building meaningful lifelong connections through academic, clinical, research, service, and community engagement opportunities.
The Covey College of Allied Health Professions is dedicated to the provision of the highest quality in basic medical sciences and health professional education to meet healthcare needs and contribute to new knowledge through research. Since 1975, the College has made a meaningful impact on both students and the surrounding community through its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and service. The departments of instruction within the College include Biomedical Sciences, Emergency Medical Services, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Physical Therapy, Radiologic Sciences, and Speech Pathology and Audiology, offering a wide range of certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs. Educational programs across the College emphasize active learning opportunities that prepare students for their futures as researchers and clinical professionals dedicated to enriching the scientific and healthcare communities. Students benefit from opportunities to engage in research, internships, clinical fieldwork, study abroad experiences, and interprofessional collaboration that fosters teamwork, communication, mutual respect, and shared values.
The Covey College of Allied Health Professions is home to a community of faculty who are excellent scientists, academicians, and clinicians dedicated to supporting students as they reach their full potential as scientists and clinical practitioners. Faculty members are actively engaged in the creation and dissemination of new knowledge through research aimed at addressing healthcare needs across the Gulf Coast region and beyond, while also mentoring student researchers in developing the skills needed to pursue graduate study and research careers. Students in the College’s clinical programs engage in extensive simulation and clinical training experiences, utilizing state-of-the-art computerized human simulators and standardized patients before advancing into clinical rotations across private practices, specialty clinics, hospitals, schools, and other healthcare settings. Through these experiences, the College develops graduates who are committed to evidence-based practice, professionalism, compassionate patient care, and excellence in healthcare delivery.
The DPT Program at USA has provided quality physical therapy education for more than 40 years with continuous accreditation. The Doctor of Physical Therapy program is offered in an 8-semester (32 continuous months) format and combines hands-on clinical practical labs, faculty-led instruction, clinical problem-solving activities, research opportunities, and 34 weeks of full-time clinical internships. Students benefit from placements across more than 200 affiliated clinical sites, primarily throughout the Southeastern region, and graduate prepared for professional practice with strong skills in clinical reasoning, communication, evidence-based practice, and patient care.
About the Community
Mobile, AL, located along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, is the second-most populous city in the state. Mobile serves as the center of a growing metropolitan region known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and strong sense of community. Often referred to as the cultural center of the Gulf Coast, Mobile blends historic charm with ongoing economic growth and innovation. Founded more than 300 years ago, the city is home to beautiful historic architecture, a vibrant downtown district, and year-round traditions and festivals that reflect its unique blend of cultures and influences. Residents enjoy a welcoming coastal lifestyle with outstanding local dining, live music, shopping, museums, and outdoor recreation, all within a city that maintains the feel of a connected and livable community.
Mobile’s location also provides convenient access to some of the Gulf Coast’s most popular beach destinations and outdoor attractions. Dauphin Island, known for its relaxed atmosphere and natural beauty, is located approximately 45 minutes south of downtown Mobile, while the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are about an hour to 90 minutes away, depending on traffic and season. The region offers abundant opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and waterfront dining, making it an attractive place to live for those seeking both professional opportunity and a high quality of life.
Application Process
All correspondence relating to the position of Assistant or Associate Faculty Member, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of South Alabama should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:
Erin House, Assistant Vice President
Scott Healy & Associates
A complete application should include the following:
- Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
- Updated CV;
- Research Statement;
- Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)
Applications received by July 16, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.
The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis.