Director, School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences

About the job

The School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences is located within USF Health as part of the Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM). The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine enrolled its first class in 1971 and is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education. The college awards doctorates in Medicine (MD) and, through its School of Biomedical Sciences, PhD and MS degrees in Medical Sciences. Specially designed programs are available, including combined MD/MBA, MD/MPH, and an Honors Research program. To meet the growing demand for a workforce skilled in science and technology, MCOM provides a wide range of master’s degrees and graduate certificates in emerging fields, such as biotechnology, bioinformatics, and metabolic and nutritional medicine.

The mission of the University of South Florida School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences is to demonstrate excellence in movement sciences through inter-professional education and evidence-based clinical practice, research and service. This mission will be accomplished by preparing doctors of physical therapy, athletic trainers, researchers, and resident trained clinicians who have a strong foundation in basic and clinical sciences, and who demonstrate excellence in contemporary evidence-based patient care. The mission will be further supported through faculty scholarship and research, and through a clinical practice that enriches the program and serves the community.

The University of South Florida School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, through its collaborative initiatives, will be nationally recognized for its:

Innovative, integrated, and inter-professional curriculum and faculty collaboration.

Highly responsible, self-directed, capable, and caring graduates who advocate for and deliver patient-centered care throughout the lifespan. In all programs, the knowledge base and clinical application will be current, evidence-based, and rich in inter-professional collaboration.

Faculty who advance knowledge in athletic training and physical therapy through scholarly activity and clinical, translational research.

Faculty and doctoral students will apply advances in technology for the study of clients with movement dysfunction.

Faculty and graduates who demonstrate leadership in athletic training and physical therapy and at the state, national, and global levels.

Faculty who are dedicated to partnership in education, specifically helping undergraduate students experience excellent education that leads to a firm understanding of the career paths in the rehabilitation sciences.

A Physical Therapy Clinical Center that is an integral component of the academic program in both didactic and clinical education. The Center will be recognized for contemporary, evidence-based clinical practice, expert clinicians with specialist certification, residency programs and research in movement dysfunctions.

The Director will provide leadership that drives strong operational and financial performance for the department and its practice plan, solid research productivity as measured by federally funded research, educational achievement in both Athletic Training Board of Certification (BOC) and National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) outcomes, and collaboration and teamwork among department faculty.

The position reports directly to the Dean of the Morsani College of Medicine and Executive Vice President for USF Health, and, for practice plan and service line development, to the Chief Clinical Officer of USF Health Care. This is an exciting opportunity for an education and research leader and strong mentor who will oversee the clinical, educational, and research areas of the school with a commitment to excellence in patient care and a passion for achieving ambitious goals by embracing change and leading transformation.

Responsibilities

The Director will provide leadership that drives strong operational and financial performance for the department and its practice plan, solid research productivity as measured by federally funded research, educational achievement in both Athletic Training Board of Certification (BOC) and National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) outcomes, and collaboration and teamwork among department faculty.

The position reports directly to the Dean of the Morsani College of Medicine and Executive Vice President for USF Health, and, for practice plan and service line development, to the Chief Clinical Officer of USF Health Care. This is an exciting opportunity for an education and research leader and strong mentor who will oversee the clinical, educational, and research areas of the school with a commitment to excellence in patient care and a passion for achieving ambitious goals by embracing change and leading transformation.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be an athletic trainer or physical therapist who holds a current license to practice in any United States jurisdiction and is eligible for licensure in Florida.
• Must have an earned academic doctoral degree or meet CAATE/CAPTE requirements for exemption.
• Holds the rank of associate professor, professor, clinical associate professor, or clinical professor.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and research funding.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor academic and clinical faculty.
• Minimum of six years of full-time higher education experience, including at least three years of full-time experience in an accredited professional education program.
• Progressive experience in a complex academic health setting and relevant experience as a clinical leader and innovator.

Preferred Qualifications:

• History of recent extramural research funding or recruitment of funded researchers.
• Documented experience and accomplishments in inter-professional research and academic endeavors.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 44559
• Job Category: Faculty
• Posting Date: 2026-10-13
• Apply Before: 2027-04-13
• Locations: 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33612, US ()
• Hiring Salary: Commensurate with Experience
• Essential Personnel: No