Full Professor and Head-Department of Occupational Therapy

Department Head (Tenured Position)

Tenured Full Professor and Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Applied Health Science (AHS) and Department of Occupational Therapy invites applications for the position of Tenured Full Professor and Head of the Department of Occupational Therapy.

The UIC Department of Occupational Therapy
Since 1943, the department has taken great pride to integrate research, education and clinical practice in service to one vision: Creating Tomorrow's  Practice. Our dynamic  clinical and tenure system faculty collaborate to deliver highly acclaimed post-professional occupational therapy doctorate and entry-level academic programs. UIC’s entry-level (MS) program was ranked #3 by US News & World Report in 2020.  UIC’s entry-level occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education  (ACOTE). Departmental faculty contribute to two interdisciplinary PhD programs (Disability Studies and Rehabilitation Sciences) as well as an undergraduate major in rehabilitation sciences. Departmental faculty direct a number of research labs and groups, manage a growing faculty practice, and oversee the internationally recognized Model of Human Occupation Clearinghouse.  Faculty are award winning scholars and educators with diverse scholarly interests and a shared commitment to the Scholarship of Practice model that asserts that questions of knowledge generation and application in OT are best asked and answered through a reciprocal exchange with occupational therapy practitioners and community stakeholders. Consistent with the mission of the university, the department prioritizes creating an inclusive environment to support its diverse student body.

The University of Illinois at Chicago

UIC is a Carnegie-ranked research-intensive public university located in a vibrant neighborhood within the Southwest Corner of downtown Chicago’s Loop. UIC is the largest university in the Chicago area, with more than 33,000 students enrolled. It has 16 academic colleges, including seven health science colleges, and a major academic health system on one campus. UIC’s mission  and strategic priorities () are reflected by the ongoing accomplishments of faculty and staff within the department.

UIC is:

• One of the top 200 research-funded institutions in the world, with a rich heritage of discovery and teaching.
• Among the top five most diverse, research-intensive universities in the United States and a national leader among urban, public higher education institutions in providing access to students who have been traditionally underrepresented in education.
• A federally designated Minority-Serving Institution (MSI)
• One of the 10 best value colleges in the nation according to the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education.
• Ranked 11th in the country among public universities in the listing of America’s top universities by QS World University Rankings.

Clinical Connections

The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System is UIC’s academic medical center and the state’s major public hospital. Located in the heart of the Illinois Medical District, UI Health includes a 462-bed hospital, Children’s Hospital University of Illinois, 26 outpatient clinics, and 14 Mile Square Health Centers located in neighborhoods throughout Chicago. The department’s close affiliation with UI Health creates opportunities for innovative approaches to clinical education and collaborative faculty practice initiatives. An extensive history of inter-organizational collaboration with a range of external medical systems and practice sites allow  UIC’s Occupational Therapy students and faculty researchers access to a range of additional locations within the Illinois Medical District and in the broader Chicago Metropolitan area.

The Position

Successful candidates are expected to collaborate with faculty to shape and lead the vision, mission and strategic plan of the department as well as provide creative leadership in the development of graduate and undergraduate programming.

The Department Head is charged with fostering the research, education, and service efforts of clinical and tenure system faculty. The Department Head is also responsible for:

• overseeing fiscal and academic administration of the Department, in collaboration with experienced academic program directors.
• Supporting the professional growth of clinical and tenure system faculty, administrative staff, and students within the department.
• facilitating communication and implementation of university and department policies and procedures.
• providing leadership through strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of all programs of the department

Successful candidates are expected to maintain an independent research program by identifying funding opportunities, participating in and/or leading collaborative research teams in developing grant proposals, and executing funded applications. Additionally, candidates are expected to demonstrate ongoing scholarship as evidenced by participation at meetings of national and/or international professional associations, publication in peer-reviewed journals, and/or other related activities. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in teaching, curriculum development, and in promoting student success via inclusive excellence and other work in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Qualifications

Required

• Earned research doctorate (PhD or equivalent) with evidence of extramurally funded research relevant to occupational therapy;
• Experience teaching and mentoring students at the graduate level;
• History of administrative or other leadership experience that includes budget management skills;
• Experience mentoring others in the development of their programs of research and scholarship;
• A record of professional service;
• A strong record of peer-reviewed and other scholarly publications

Preferred:

• Licensed or eligible for licensure as an occupational therapist in the State of Illinois
• Experience teaching entry-level occupational therapy students
• Past experience serving as a faculty member in an academic department
• Demonstration of engagement in occupational therapy research, education and/or practice

Salary is negotiable and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University of Illinois at Chicago offers an excellent benefit package. Interested individuals must submit an online application through

Requested documents include a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, a brief statement of current and future research, and contact information for three references. Questions regarding the position should be directed to the chair of the search committee, Professor Renee Taylor,  

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre- employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

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