OPS Temporary Research Physical Therapist

About the Study

This study builds on the completed IM ABLE study (DOD Award #W81XWH-16-1-0738) and addresses a critical gap in the orthotics literature: whether advanced, custom carbon-fiber AFOs offer meaningful long-term benefit over conventional AFO designs. Participants (Veterans and Service Members with lower extremity trauma) will be fit with both AFO categories, complete a structured accommodation and training period, undergo functional and patient-reported outcome testing, and be followed for approximately 14 months to assess device utilization, function, pain, and preference in real-world community settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide structured, study-protocol orthotic training to participants transitioning to a conventional or advanced AFO, consistent with the DoD Return to Run / Functional Mobility Program framework (e.g., gait training, walking at varied speeds, obstacle navigation, stair ascent/descent, uneven terrain, light-to-moderate jogging as appropriate).
• Deliver up to six training sessions per device category, per participant, over the three-week accommodation period, and determine when a participant has achieved functional independence with each device.
• Administer standardized functional and performance outcome measures with other study team members at each required study time point, including the Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Timed Up & Go (TUG), Four-Square-Step-Test, and 40-Yard Dash (for eligible high-functioning participants).
• Complete required study documentation, including Physical Therapist Training Checklists, in accordance with study protocol and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
• Collaborate with the study orthotist and site Principal Investigator on device-fit concerns, safety observations, and participant readiness for independent device use.
• Communicate participant safety concerns, adverse events, or protocol deviations promptly to the site PI and study team.
• Maintain accurate, timely source documentation and data entry in study case report forms / electronic data capture systems, safeguarding participant confidentiality and PHI at all times.
• Participate in study team meetings, training on the study protocol, and periodic multi-site communications (e.g., monthly video conferences) as needed.
• Support coordination of participant visit scheduling with the research coordinator to align training and assessment sessions with the study timeline.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, or physics; and a graduate from a physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. 
• Requires Florida State Licensure as a Physical Therapist.
• Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
  • SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
  • A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
  • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
  • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
  • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
  • Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
  • Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a clinical research or grant-funded study environment (e.g., DoD-, VA-, or NIH-funded research).
• Experience working with military-connected or Veteran populations.
• Familiarity with AFO categories (conventional vs. advanced/energy-storing) and orthotic prescription and rehabilitation practices.
• Board certification or advanced training in orthopedics, neurology, or a related clinical specialty.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program (or equivalent credential recognized for PT licensure).
• Current, active, unencumbered license to practice physical therapy in the State of Florida (or eligibility to obtain licensure prior to start).
• Clinical experience working with individuals with lower extremity trauma, amputation, orthotic/prosthetic use, and/or gait training.
• Working knowledge of, or willingness to be trained in, standardized functional outcome measures (2MWT, TUG, Four-Square-Step-Test) and orthotic training principles.
• Strong documentation skills and comfort working within research protocols, case report forms, and regulatory requirements (IRB/HRPO).
• Ability to complete required human subjects research training (e.g., CITI training) prior to participant contact.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with Veterans, Service Members, and a multidisciplinary, multi-site research team.

Position Details

• Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, with study activities coordinated across USF, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, and affiliated clinical sites.
• Compensation: Hourly rate, commensurate with experience; hours will vary based on participant enrollment, training, and assessment visit volume.
• Schedule: Flexible/as-needed, scheduled around participant visit availability; not a benefits-eligible position.
• Appointment: Grant-funded (DoD PRORP) hourly contractor position; continuation contingent on study funding and enrollment needs.
• Reports to: Site Principal Investigator / Study Team, USF School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences.

Additional Information for applicants:

Interested candidates should submit a current resume/CV, a copy of active PT license, and a brief statement of interest describing relevant clinical and/or research experience. 

****This job is subject to Foreign Influence Screening: During the 2021 Florida legislative session, House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”) was passed and later signed into law by Governor DeSantis.  The new law modifies a variety of Florida Statutes to address concerns regarding improper foreign influence.  With regard to employment at major research institutions like the University of South Florida, the new law requires thorough review of certain applicants for positions involving research.