Research Physical Therapist - Legs & Walking Lab - Part-Time

By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions.

You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, discovery and compassion.

You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

The Research Physical Therapist will follow a research protocol to evaluate and provide therapy to pediatric volunteers participating in a research study.

The Research Physical Therapist will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAlab) statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Research Therapist will demonstrate SRAlab Core Attributes : Communication, Accountability, Flexibility / Adaptability, Judgment / Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

The Research Physical Therapist will :

• Participates in research activities for funded and non-funded projects,
• Conducts literature searches on clinical issues (pubmed.com),
• Participates in obtaining informed consent,
• Performs outcomes and interprets MDCs and MCIDs,
• Clearly explains a research project to a subject or colleague,
• Administers a battery of assessment instruments according to specific research protocols,
• Scores, transcribes, codes, and interprets test data,
• Administers treatment procedures according to a research protocol,
• Tracks subject performance during treatment,
• Enters data and assists with various record-keeping tasks and data management,
• Initiates clinical research questions and analyzes and interprets data to answer these questions,
• Performs standard clinical outcome measures used in research,
• Acts as liaison with sponsor for technical or equipment malfunctions, updates and maintenance,
• Presents information on research findings to audiences within SRAlab and at outside conferences and academic meetings,
• Participates in developing and maintaining grant applications and supporting documentation for submission to the IRB and reports relevant research findings to IRB,
• Performs all other duties that may be assigned that are in the best interest of SRAlab.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to the Principal Investigator for the time spent on a particular research project.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatments and modalities at a level normally acquired through completion of Doctoral degree from an accredited school of physical therapy.
• Must be licensed to practice in the State of Illinois.
• Approximately three to six months on-the-job experience necessary to gain full knowledge of physical therapy techniques and objectives to develop and administer treatment programs.
• Current CPR certification required.
• Must be CITI (Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative) trained.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with physicians, patients and families in providing therapy and exchanging patient progress / condition information and to assign duties and orient / train subordinate professional, technical and support personnel.
• Ability to use Microsoft tools and basic statistical knowledge.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research tools and technologies appropriate to the project assigned.
• General understanding of SRAlab research practices and culture.
• Analytical ability necessary to determine priorities, provide input regarding the development of departmental policies, procedures and budgets, evaluate new supplies and develop and assess new programs and recommend change when indicated.
• Ability to concentrate and pay attention to detail when administering treatments, observing patients and maintaining records.
• Ability to lift 20 to 50 pounds occasionally, and / or 10 to 25 pounds frequently to transfer and position patients.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.
• Some exposure to infectious diseases when working with patients.
• May include exposure to community, home, work, school and off-site clinic settings.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.

They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ShirleyRyan AbilityLab is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.