Description
Position Summary: We invite you to help shape the beginning of a second century of excellence in teaching, research, and service at Missouri State University. Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountain Region, Missouri State University is a comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs. Our multi-campus university is committed to the pillars of Cultural Competence, Ethical Leadership, and Community Engagement and is devoted to helping the region, the state of Missouri, and the nation imagine and make a better future.
Comprised of more than 20,000 students, 150 undergraduate majors, and 47 graduate programs—many of which are among the strongest and largest of their kind in the state—Missouri State University supports diversity, international engagement, and collaborative community leadership.
The Physical Therapy Program at Missouri State University has benefited from a dedicated group of faculty who have provided long-term stability, continuity, and leadership, contributing substantially to the program’s sustained excellence and national reputation. As several long-serving faculty members approach retirement, the program seeks to build intentionally upon this strong foundation through strategic faculty succession planning. Accordingly, the Physical Therapy Program invites applications for a 12-month, tenure-track appointment at the Assistant Professor rank to begin May 1, 2026.
The Assistant Professor is a member of the ranked faculty who has demonstrated achievement in teaching, research, and professional service appropriate to the discipline and will play a key role in maintaining curricular continuity, supporting student success, and advancing the program’s mission during this important period of faculty transition.
The Assistant Professor’s teaching responsibilities are assigned by the Physical Therapy Program Director and may include serving as an academic advisor. The Assistant Professor engages in scholarly activities beyond those associated with teaching and is expected to demonstrate professional productivity in research, based upon the availability of resources and consistent with the mission of the University.
Qualications:
The successful candidate will be a physical therapist eligible for licensure in Missouri, hold an earned doctoral degree (DPT), hold a board certification as a neurological clinical specialist (NCS) through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS), hold an earned doctoral degree (DPT), possess at least ve years of neurological clinical experience treating patients with acute, recurrent, and chronic neurological dysfunction in an inpatient or outpatient setting, have served as a clinical instructor for a minimum of five years, and have prior academic teaching experience.
A statement of research interest and potential for scholarly activity are required. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate effective communication and relationship building skills. The successful candidate will also exhibit a basic understanding of inclusive teaching practices and be knowledgeable in the use of student-centered pedagogy to actively engage students in the learning process. The candidate will join a unit dedicated to providing students with access to high-impact practices aimed at increasing student retention, persistence, and success.
Salary and Benets:
Salary and rank is commensurate with qualications and experience. Benets available include health, vision, life, and dental insurance, as well as a selection of several dened contribution retirement programs. Dependents and spouses of full-time MSU employees are entitled to tuition waivers for dependents, up to 15 credits/year.
The position is a twelve-month appointment. Requested Start Date: May 1, 2026
Application Materials, Contact, and Application Deadline:
Screening of applications will begin on January 19, 2026 and will continue until the position is lled.
Interested individuals should apply online.
Application documents to be submitted online are:
1. Letter of application/Cover letter
2. A curriculum vitae
3. Statement of teaching philosophy, addressing teaching responsibilities
4. Statement of research interest
5. Names and contact information of at least three professional references
6. Unofficial copies of all undergraduate and graduate school transcripts
7. Proof of unrestricted, active licensure as a physical therapist
8. Proof of neurologic board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS)
Upon hire, official copies of all undergraduate and graduate school transcripts will be required.
Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.
For additional information or informal inquires, contact Dr. Allison Adler, Faculty Search Committee Chair at 417-836-8998 or AllisonAdler@MissouriState.edu.
Missouri State University adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Requirements
The Assistant Professor will provide didactic instruction in the physical therapy curriculum, with primary emphasis on teaching students to evaluate and treat patients with acute, recurrent, and chronic neurological dysfunction. Clinical expertise should include demonstrated experience in the management of neurological disorders. Primary areas of instruction will include neuroscience, neuromuscular patient management, and clinical education related courses. The Assistant Professor will also be expected to supervise and mentor students in clinical and laboratory settings, as well as during integrated clinical experiences in the Missouri State University Physical Therapy pro bono clinic.
Additional responsibilities include serving as a research advisor, supervising research advisees, contributing to curricular development, and promoting student growth in critical thinking and problem-solving. Faculty members are further expected to engage in scholarly activity and to provide service to the department, college, university, and profession.
Clinical practice opportunities are available and encouraged.
