The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) invites applications for a Bridge to the Faculty Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Occupational Therapy (OT). This position will begin on August 16, 2021. This is a 12-month, full-time (100%) position.  UIC offers competitive salaries and benefits including health, dental and vision insurance and paid holiday and leave time.

The Bridge to the Faculty Postdoctoral Research Associate program seeks to advance diversity at the permanent faculty level by encouraging the recruitment, retention, and promotion of outstanding scholars from different backgrounds, with an emphasis on attracting individuals from groups who have been historically underrepresented in occupational therapy. A successful postdoctoral research associate, with department approval, will have the opportunity to transition to faculty starting in the 2023-2024 academic year. In addition to mentorship within OT, the Bridge to the Faculty Postdoctoral Research Associate will participate in a cohort-based mentoring experience through the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity, where they will have the opportunity to meet other Bridge to the Faculty Scholars. The Bridge to the Faculty Fellowship is funded by the Chancellor’s Office and administered through the Office of the Provost.

UIC is among the nation’s top five most diverse campuses and is designated both a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). UIC is located near downtown Chicago and is a comprehensive, urban, public, Research 1 university with access to state-of-the-art research facilities. Information about the Department of Occupational Therapy can be found here.

The postdoctoral research associate will be positioned to launch a successful research career by engaging in mentored research and developing a focus for future scholarship.  The postdoctoral associate will have the opportunity to develop an active research program and do limited work with students.  The teaching load will include no more than 2 courses over the 2-year postdoc period.  Research duties will include both publishable research and the preparation of a detailed research agenda that maps out the scholar’s plan for the first 3-years of a faculty position starting in August 2023.

Service duties may include working with underrepresented communities on campus and/or Chicago area.  The candidate will join a department with a talented group of reknowned scholars and teachers.

For information about this position, please contact Dr. Yolanda Suarez-Balcazar at ysuarez@uic.edu

Candidates must have received a Ph.D. or ScD in Occupational Therapy or a closely related field no earlier than August 16, 2017 and no later than August 15, 2021. Eligibility for licensure as an  occupational therapist in the State of Illinois is preferred but not required.  UIC strongly encourages applications from individuals who have been trained in the USA and have demonstrated a background in and a record of scholarship that will best support UIC’s diverse student body.

To Apply:

Applications should include:

1. A cover letter that includes information concerning how the applicant will further the university’s goal of building a culturally diverse educational environment.

2. A full curriculum vitae including a list of publications.

3. The names and email addresses of three references, one must be from the dissertation committee chair or faculty advisor.

4. Statements of teaching philosophy and scholarly agenda.

5. A writing sample (dissertation proposal or publication)