Tenure Track Assistant Professor - Occupational Therapy

University of Puget Sound; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Puget Sound invites applications for a full-time tenure-track Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy. The position emphasizes teaching in MSOT and OTD programs, with six teaching units per year, and expectations for scholarly activity, curriculum development, and accreditation support.

The candidate should hold a PhD (or equivalent) and have strong research/teaching credentials, plus two+ years of OT clinical experience and eligibility for WA OT licensure.

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent) required or near completion.
• Evidence of research and teaching excellence or clinical experience.
• Two+ years of professional OT clinical experience.
• Record of peer-reviewed scholarly work.
• Commitment to liberal arts education.
• Eligible for Washington OT license.

Responsibilities

• Teach in entry-level MSOT and OTD programs; typically six units per year.
• Cover research methods, evidence-based practice, anatomy, neurology, adult dysfunctions, ergonomics.
• Advise students; supervise capstone projects; participate in admissions, governance, and curriculum development.

Skills

Research & teaching excellence

Clinical experience

Peer-reviewed publications

Liberal arts education

OT license eligibility

Education

PhD (or equivalent research doctorate)

Job description

University of Puget Sound

Tenure Track Assistant Professor - Occupational Therapy

Job ID: 8965

Location: Occupational Therapy

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Faculty Posting Details

Appointment: The University of Puget Sound School of Occupational Therapy invites applications for a full-time, tenure track faculty position; rank appointment at assistant professor; or earned academic rank considered. The mission of the School of Occupational Therapy is to prepare culturally sensitive graduates who provide client-centered, evidence- and theory-informed occupational therapy to diverse individuals, groups, and populations, enhancing clients' participation in meaningful, everyday activities. Graduates use critical analysis of theory and multiple sources of evidence to make sound professional judgments resulting in science-based and creative solutions to the challenges of professional practice. We are seeking a doctorally-prepared occupational therapist who values experiential learning, has a strong grounding in the use of occupation-based theory to guide clinical reasoning, and is experienced with implementing the occupational therapy process, utilizing evidence to inform clinical decision making, and translating research and evidence into practice. Experience as a practicing occupational therapist and previous experience teaching in an established entry-level OTD program, including mentoring doctoral capstone projects, are highly valued. The School of Occupational Therapy uses a co-teaching model, thus a strong value for and effectiveness in collaboration, teamwork, collegiality and communication are essential. Systems-level thinking will support shared governance roles within the department and across campus.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of this position is teaching in our entry level MSOT and OTD programs. Standard teaching assignment is six units per year. Primary teaching responsibility will involve some combination of the following: research methods, evidence-based practice and theory, critical appraisal of published literature, anatomy, neurology, adult physical dysfunctions and health conditions, work hardening, and ergonomics. Other duties include student advising, supervision of student evidence projects and doctoral capstone projects, departmental admissions, departmental and university service and governance, curriculum evaluation and development, continuous and periodic self-study activities to maintain program accreditation, and implementing an agenda of productive scholarly work.

Other essential functions

• Review, prepare, teach and revise assigned courses while assuring their alignment with the overall curriculum
• Pursue excellence in teaching, service, and scholarship
• Maintain a commitment to enacting culturally responsive and antiracist teaching practices
• Demonstrate agreement with the missions of the University of Puget Sound and the School of Occupational Therapy
• Display professionalism and fulfill responsibilities in a manner consistent with the expectations of the University of Puget Sound School of Occupational Therapy
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• PhD (or equivalent research doctorate);
• demonstrated excellence in research and teaching or clinical experience;
• two or more years of professional clinical experience;
• a record of peer-reviewed scholarly work;
• a commitment to liberal arts education; and
• have, or qualify for, a Washington State Occupational Therapist license.

Candidates who are near completion of a research doctorate, will be considered.

Application Deadline

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit application materials no later than November 15 to ensure full consideration.

To apply, please submit the required documents via the online job portal.

Compensation and Benefits

Rank: Assistant Professor or earned academic rank considered.

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Faculty salaries at the University of Puget Sound are based on a common salary scale based on experience. Assistant Professor salaries in 2026-2027 begin at $85,677 for an assistant professor with a terminal degree in their first year of full-time post-doctorate teaching through $97,917 annualized based on experience.

Puget Sound offers a generous benefits package. For more information, visit Summary of 2026 Benefits for Faculty Members.pdf - Google Drive.

Puget Sound has a well-established Shared Faculty Appointments Policy, https://www.pugetsound.edu/policies/faculty-policies/shared-faculty-appointments.

University Diversity Statement

• We acknowledge the richness of commonalities and differences we share as a university community; the intrinsic worth of all who work and study here; that education is enhanced by the investigation of and the reflection upon multiple perspectives.
• We aspire to create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community; to increase the diversity of all parts of our University community through commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts; to foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community.
• We act to achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity; to ensure full educational opportunity for all who teach and learn here; to prepare effectively citizen-leaders for a pluralistic world.

Puget Sound is committed to an environment that welcomes and supports diversity. We seek diversity of identity, thought, perspective, and background in our students, faculty, and staff. To learn more please visit: http://www.pugetsound.edu/about/diversity-at-puget-sound/.

Required Documents

• Curriculum vitae
• Letter of Interest
• Teaching statement
• Research statement
• Diversity Statement (see prompt below)
• Contact Information for 3 References. You will be prompted to enter the contact information for three (3) reference providers. The system will automatically email these reference providers to request a letter.

Note: In the online application system, please submit curriculum vitae when prompted to submit resume. Additional documents can be attached within the application.

For assistance with the online application portal, please contact [e-mail] or 253.879.3369.

Applicant's Diversity Statement

As a department and university, we are strongly committed to creating an inclusive and effective teaching, learning, and working environment for all. In their diversity statement, applicants should reflect on how they will advance the values articulated in the University Diversity Statement in all aspects of their future work as faculty and members of the university community.

All offers of employment are contingent on successful completion of a background inquiry.

The University of Puget Sound is an equal opportunity employer.

Given the current Executive Order and the $100,000 petition fee for new H-1b visas, at the moment sponsoring a new H-1b is cost-prohibitive to us. Therefore, unless the executive order is rescinded or blocked by the courts, we are unable to commit to new H visa sponsorship at this time. Applicants with questions about visa sponsorship are encouraged to reach out to Human Resources.