Assistant/Associate Professor of Physical Therapy

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. We welcome candidates whose research fits within the sphere of Biokinesiology and physical therapy. Biokinesiology includes the study of the biological bases of both healthy and disordered human movement, while physical therapy involves the promotion, maintenance, or restoration of health through movement. 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 via service activities.

Candidates may have backgrounds in disciplines such as biomechanics, musculoskeletal, engineering, exercise science, gerontology, neuroscience, computer science, or motor development. The Division has special needs in two key areas of research: musculoskeletal biomechanics and exercise science. We also welcome applications from candidates whose areas of study include other areas of our research focus as well as health services research. The Division seeks to develop translational linkages between basic and clinical research and to build collaborative and interdisciplinary research programs that complement the research strengths of the Division and University at large.

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 required.

The Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at USC has a well-established 78-year history of teaching excellence and research innovation and impact. This includes the highly ranked DPT program and a PhD program in Biokinesiology that has been graduating outstanding researchers for 40 years. The Division's faculty are clinician-scientists, basic scientists, and applied researchers working in close partnership with community healthcare providers.

The faculty clinical practices operate in acute care and outpatient settings at Keck Medical Center of USC, as well as in a network of private practices. Teaching facilities are modern and include spacious teaching laboratories, and two state-of-the art lecture halls. Faculty research facilities include multiple motion analysis research labs, exercise science, neuroscience, motor behavior and motor development laboratories, a dedicated clinical research center, as well as research space in our Division's physical therapy clinics.

The Division, which is administratively housed within the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, is located on USC's Health Sciences Campus, and enjoys collaborative relationships with the other disciplines of the academic health center including medicine, occupational science and occupational therapy, pharmacy, speech pathology and preventive medicine. Keck Hospital of USC, the LA County+ USC Medical Center, the USC Norris Cancer Hospital, the USC Arcadia and Verdugo Hills Hospitals, as well as Children's Hospital of Los Angeles are also part of the campus community. Our faculty has strong collaborative relationships with academic programs located on USC's nearby University Park Campus including the Viterbi School of Engineering, School of Gerontology, Iovine and Young Academy for Art, Technology and Business of Innovation and various Departments in the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. Additionally, the Division has a long history of collaboration with the Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center. The Division has more than 400 students engaged in graduate study in the PhD and MS programs in Biokinesiology, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program, and clinical residencies in 7 physical therapy residencies and 3 fellowships. Our Division leads and is affiliated with large externally funded research centers of local, national, and international scope.

The annual base salary range for this position is $110,000-150,000/year based on the hiring rank. The university provides an excellent benefits package. Initial consideration of applications will begin September 1, 2026. The position will be available Fall 2026.

Application Procedure:

Please submit: (1) a letter of interest outlining experience in research, and (2) a curriculum vitae and (3) Three professional references. All letters of reference must be on letterhead and signed.

Direct inquiries to:

Christopher Powers, PT, PhD, FAPTA, FACSM
Chair, Biokinesiology Search Committee

Associate Chair of Research and Biokinesiology Programs
Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy
University of Southern California
1540 East Alcazar Street, CHP 155
Email: powers@pt.usc.edu

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 or USC policy.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D( opens in new window) for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.