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The University of Rhode Island invites applications and nominations for its next Department Chair and Physical Therapy Program Director. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health Sciences, the successful candidate will bring administrative experience, scholarly achievement, a commitment to excellence in teaching and clinical education, and a vision for advancing physical therapy education and research.

The Director will inherit a highly respected, fully accredited program recognized for outstanding student outcomes, nationally engaged faculty, strong clinical partnerships, and a growing research enterprise. Working with faculty, students, alumni, healthcare partners, and University leadership, the successful candidate will build on this strong foundation by expanding interdisciplinary research, strengthening external partnerships and funding, enhancing national visibility, and preparing future physical therapists to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Rhode Island and beyond.

For an accomplished academic leader, this represents a rare opportunity to guide one of New England’s leading public physical therapy programs while helping define the future of rehabilitation education, research, and clinical practice within one of the nation’s newest R1 universities.

The Director is expected to start on January 1, 2027, or sooner.

Academic Search is assisting The University of Rhode Island in this search. Please view the profile to learn more about The University of Rhode Island and the position. Click to Apply for the position. Applications should consist of a current resume/curriculum vitae, a letter of application that addresses the expectations discussed in the Qualifications of the profile, and a pdf document which contains: (1) a teaching philosophy statement, and; (2) reprints of up to three publications that best highlight your suitability for the position (not necessarily those publications in journals with the highest impact factor). The position will remain open until filled, but only applications received by September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern will be guaranteed full consideration by the Search Committee. Nominations and inquiries may be sent to URIPTDIR@academicsearch.org.

This is a full-time, Tenure-Track, 12-Month position. The anticipated hiring range is $117,000 to $166,000, commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience.

URI is unwavering in its commitment to equal opportunity, community, equity, and diversity. In furtherance of its mission to serve and support all learners as the state’s public flagship university, URI continues to expand efforts to recruit and retain a broadly representative workforce as well as to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of those efforts. All employment decisions, including hiring, are made without regard to protected status. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation by contacting the URI benefits office at 401-874-2416. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.