Department Head, Tenured Professor, UIC Department of Physical Therapy

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, IL

Type: Full-time

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. The Department’s academic programs include 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 head provides academic leadership and has ultimate responsibility for establishing the departmental mission, goals, policies, and procedures, managing all aspects of departmental operations, and ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations from accrediting agencies, the University, the UIC Campus, and the College of Applied Sciences.

The University of Illinois Chicago is located immediately west of vibrant downtown Chicago. The Department is within UIC’s College of Applied Health Sciences and is adjacent to several other health profession departments and colleges (http://www.ahs.uic.edu/). The Department of Physical Therapy includes a Faculty Practice and enjoys a long history with the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, which includes a 496-bed tertiary hospital, a large outpatient care facility, and 19 neighborhood clinics (http://hospital.uillinois.edu/).

To be considered for this position, the head is expected to have a strong record of scholarly productivity and excellence at an academic institution. The selected candidate will also have proven academic leadership that advances educational excellence through strategic vision and collaborative innovation, helping achieve the vision of the Department of Physical Therapy, the College of Applied Health Sciences, and UIC.

Minimum Requirements:

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 at an academic institution
Evidence of national and international distinction in scholarship contributing to the advancement of physical therapy theory, research, and practice.
Proven record of exceptional achievement and scholarly productivity through peer-reviewed publications, extramural grant funding, and national and international recognition.
Scholarly agenda that can strengthen existing areas of research in the department.
Proven record of academic leadership that contributes to advancing the educational excellence and research missions of the department, the college, and the campus community.
Proven academic leadership that advances educational excellence through strategic vision and collaborative innovation.
Actively involved in the profession of Physical Therapy.
Commitment and ability to foster and sustain a strong, meaningful relationships with campus and community partners to support student success and institutional growth.
Strong understanding of contributions of clinical and academic faculty.
Awareness and understanding of contemporary clinical practice in the profession.
Experienced mentor and committed to career development of faculty.
Excellent communication and mediation skills.
Collaborative style of management.

Preferred Qualifications :

Experience navigating complex environment and landscape- university, state/Health Care environment.
Knowledge of clinical operations.
Eligible for license as a Physical Therapist in the State of Illinois

This is a full-time, tenured position with a 9-month appointment and a summer stipend. Academic year requirements include teaching, research, and service.

Salary and benefits: The budgeted salary range for the position is $175,000 to $228,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a letter of application, and contact information for three references. Questions regarding the position can be directed to the chair of the search committee, Professor Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar, ysuarez@uic.edu.

Applications should be submitted by May 18, 2026. Search Extended until August 10, 2026. All applicants must submit an online application. To apply, click on the following link: https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/19312 ?c=uic

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment

The University of Illinois at Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an
individual with a disability. Apply Now

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