Research Physical Therapist

The Geneva Foundation; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision healthcare

403(b) retirement plan with employer match

Up to 4 weeks of paid time off

Job summary

The Geneva Foundation in San Antonio is seeking a Research Physical Therapist responsible for clinical support and data collection in a research trial. You will manage biomechanical data collection and oversee study subjects to improve outcomes for ankle ligament repair.

The ideal candidate will hold a Master's or Doctorate in Physical Therapy and possess strong experience in physical therapy, particularly in research and orthopedic settings.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in physical therapy, preferably with orthopedics.
• 3–5 years of experience in research or healthcare settings desired.
• US citizen, able to pass a government background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Administer physical therapy treatment programs.
• Plan and develop treatment procedures and programs.
• Conduct data acquisition and biomechanical data analysis.

Skills

Clinical research knowledge

Experience in physical therapy

Oral and written communication

Organized and detail-oriented

Computer skills (MS Office)

Education

Master’s or Doctorate in Physical Therapy

Current Physical Therapist license

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Matlab

Cortex

Job description

Overview

The Research Physical Therapist is responsible for clinical support and data collection for all study subject appointments, coordinating research subjects, tasks, and biomechanical data collection as part of a trial evaluating modified Brostrom repair with suture tape augmentation and photobiomodulation therapy to improve clinical outcomes for lateral ankle ligament repair in active‑duty service members and civilians.

The overall objective of this clinical trial is to understand the effects of the modified Brostrom repair with suture tape augmentation and photobiomodulation therapy on functional recovery and return to duty/activity rates. The central hypothesis posits that combining the repair technique with photobiomodulation will enhance outcomes through increased mechanical stability, reduced pain and inflammation, improved blood flow, and enhanced collagen production.

Salary

$85,000 – $95,000. Salary is based on market data, internal equity, and the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.

Responsibilities

• Administer physical therapy treatment programs, including planning, coordination, control, direction, and evaluation of physical therapy activities for the study.
• Plan and develop physical therapy treatments, procedures, and programs.
• Observe patients’ responses to treatment and modify programs to accelerate recovery.
• Recommend staffing, physical plant design, and distribution of physical therapy equipment.
• Record all pertinent data in patient medical records.
• Determine and implement policies and procedures for the physical therapy program and activities.
• Determine requirements for physical therapy services, including personnel, equipment, supplies, and continuing education.
• Establish professional care standards and appraise subordinates’ performance as needed.
• Develop and implement teaching programs and research activities related to physical therapy.
• Conduct data acquisition, biomechanical data reduction, and analysis.
• Prepare and submit progress reports and data deliverables.
• Author and/or co‑author publishable documents.
• Evaluate patients and determine the type and frequency of physical therapy necessary for study subject rehabilitation.
• Implement treatment regimens and create clinical databases that enhance outcomes for military amputees.
• Provide clinical support during perturbation protocols in the CAREN virtual reality environment and on the Active‑Step treadmill.
• Recommend usage or adjustment of braces, prostheses, and related appliances for mobility support.
• Adhere to OSHA, GCP, and infection control procedures when applicable.
• Participate in hiring, training, and supervision of other research personnel as appropriate.
• Maintain a collaborative research environment among the PI, site personnel, participants, Geneva Foundation, and funding organization.
• Oversee subject recruitment and enrollment as needed.
• Conduct research subject visits as directed.
• Collect data and complete data entry processes.
• Prepare interim and final progress reports.
• Document all correspondence and communication related to the research.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all research records.
• Perform duties necessary to comply with the research protocol.
• Provide support to the PI and research team by gathering and analyzing data, preparing publications, and presenting results at conferences and meetings.
• Maintain and update files of all applicable regulatory documentation for IACUC or IRB, including protocols, approvals, amendments, and communications with sponsors or federal regulatory offices.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Doctorate in Physical Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current Physical Therapist license, maintained throughout the contract term.
• 3–5 years of experience in physical therapy, preferably with orthopedics.
• 3–5 years of experience in non‑profit, research, or healthcare settings desired.
• Knowledge of Institutional Review Board practice and human subject regulations.
• Familiarity with instrument motion analysis.
• Competence in oral and written communication.
• Organized, detail‑oriented, with a positive, friendly, and professional demeanor.
• Flexibility with changing priorities and diplomatic communication skills.
• Intermediate or higher computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; willingness to learn and troubleshoot computer issues.
• Knowledge of Matlab, Cortex, Nexus, and/or Visual 3D (highly desirable).
• Knowledge of clinical or general research techniques.
• Basic statistics knowledge (plus).
• Experience with amputee care (plus).
• US citizen, able to pass a government background investigation.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, maintained during the contract.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision healthcare.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution.
• Coverage for employees and family members, including domestic partners.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Life & ADD insurance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer match.
• Flexible leave options.
• 11 paid holidays per year.
• Up to 4 weeks of paid time off in a rolling year.
• Eligibility for PSLF as Geneva is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
• Full‑time positions receive all benefits; part‑time and intermittent positions may vary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Geneva Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.