Research Occupational/Physical Therapist - Worobey Lab

The Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. The University offers comprehensive benefits to eligible employees. Aside from our great health plans, we have a generous match to our 403B retirement savings plan, vacation, sick and personal days. We have Paid Winter Recess (Christmas to New Year's Day). Finally, we offer generous educational benefits for eligible employees, their dependents and spouse/domestic partner.

PM&R is a recognized leader in advancing clinical interventions to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. As part of our expanding research on smart technology applications for inpatient care and outpatient transitions (https://www.smarttech.pitt.edu/), we are seeking a Research Occupational / Physical Therapist to deliver clinical interventions focused on smart technology solutions for inpatient care and outpatient transitions. This new position will be essential to support the scaling of our clinical research on smart technology interventions. As we expand our work, dedicated clinical expertise is required to conduct assessments and provide training for both inpatient and outpatient interventions. This role will help manage the increased workload, ensuring that the growing demands of patient care and research are met without overburdening current clinicians. The therapist will play a key role in implementing smart tech interventions, improving patient outcomes, and contributing to the success of our expanding research efforts.

FT regular staff position working 37.5 hours per week (1 FTE).

Assesses research participant functional ability and deficits using standardized tests and robotic assessments in the field of occupational therapy. Performs independent treatments within research studies and evaluates effects of therapeutic services and adjusts treatments as needed. Programs robotic assessments and performs transcranial magnetic stimulation evaluations. Trains student researchers. Ensures regulatory compliance and protocol adherence of research projects.

Key Responsibilities for this position include the following.

Conduct Clinical Assessments: Perform thorough evaluations of patients' needs, abilities, and readiness for smart technology interventions in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Develop and Implement Intervention Plans: Collaborate with the research team to design and implement individualized smart technology interventions, tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Provide Training and Support: Deliver comprehensive training to patients and caregivers on the use of smart technologies, ensuring proper understanding and adoption of the tools for improved patient outcomes. Monitor Participant Progress: Track and assess participant progress throughout the intervention period, making adjustments to treatment plans as necessary to enhance the effectiveness of smart technology interventions.

Collaborate with Multidisciplinary Teams: Work closely with other clinicians, researchers, and technology experts to integrate smart tech solutions into patient care, sharing insights and contributing to the overall success of the research projects. Data Collection and Reporting: Collect and document relevant data on patient outcomes, intervention efficacy, and technology use, contributing to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of the interventions.

Participate in Research Activities: Assist with the design, execution, and analysis of clinical studies related to smart technology interventions, including patient recruitment, data collection, and contributing to publications or presentations. Maintain Compliance and Ethical Standards: Ensure that all clinical and research activities comply with institutional and regulatory guidelines, safeguarding patient privacy and maintaining high ethical standards in all interactions.

Provide Ongoing Support for Technology Transitions: Assist patients transitioning from inpatient to home environments with smart tech solutions, ensuring smooth integration and providing follow-up support as needed. Contribute to Training Materials and Protocol Development: Help develop training materials, protocols, and guidelines for smart technology interventions, ensuring that they are accessible, effective, and aligned with best clinical practices. Assisting with grant applications, literature reviews, and manuscript preparation.

This position requires use of a computer, telephone, and other common office resources. At times, the incumbent will be required to travel to other sites for participant recruitment, meeting, data collection, and dissemination, and travel to participants' residences for delivering tech-based interventions. The incumbent will be required to conduct home visits on a weekly basis to support interventions.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.