Function/Duties of Position
The primary role of the physical therapist is to instruct a group exercise class three times a week as part of a large-scale randomized controlled exercise intervention in cancer survivors. In addition to teaching the 75 min class, the exercise instructor will be expected to maintain attendance records, monitor for and record adverse responses to the exercises among participants, and will be involved with participant retention activities such as calling participants who have missed class. The person hired for this position will work under the immediate supervision of the Intervention Supervisor to instruct the classes according to the protocol designed by the research team and maintain appropriate study related records. The ideal candidate will have an outgoing personality and the ability to relate well with older adults as well as strong communication skills both within a team environment and with participants; have strong organizational skills; and can demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the integrity and quality of data collection in a research environment. A current licensed Physical Therapist in the U.S., CPR/first aid certification and experience teaching exercise to older adults and/or a clinical population is required. A recognized fitness leadership certification such as American College of Sports Medicine and experience working with cancer survivors is a plus.
Key Responsibilities:
- Instruct the classes according to the protocol designed by the research team
- Expected to evaluate, correct form, and instruct participants on proper exercise technique.
- Expected to keep attendance records and monitor for adverse responses to exercise among participants.
- Will be involved with patient retention activities such as calling absent participants to encourage them to come back to class
Required Qualifications
Education & experience:
- A license with the Oregon Physical Therapist Licensing Board as a Physical Therapist OR
- Completed an accredited physical therapy educational program and be eligible to obtain an Oregon Physical Therapy license or temporary permit.
- At the time of appointment must have at least a temporary permit
- Experience teaching exercise to older adults and/or a clinical population
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Experience communicating with and teaching exercise to older adults and/or clinical populations
- Ability to facilitate group interactions/dynamics in an exercise setting.
- Ability to attend to details and complete assignments with minimal direction
- Ability to communicate clearly, demonstrate a high level of professionalism and interact well with participants and research team
- Experience working with Word, Excel, and other MS Office programs
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
- Willingness to teach the exercise protocol with high fidelity.
- Ability to encourage and motivate research participants to promote study adherence and retention.
- Ability to collect data related to exercise sessions accurately and with a high degree of integrity.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with cancer survivors
- Experience with group exercise instruction
- An outgoing personality with an ability to relate well with older adults
- Experience teaching exercise via an online video platform
- A recognized fitness leadership certification
Additional Details
Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.
We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:
- Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
- Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
- 104 hours of vacation time per year (increases over time)
- 96 hours of sick leave a year (prorated for part-time employees)
- Commuter subsidies
- Tuition reimbursement
- Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
- Annual Raises
- Growth/Development Opportunities
- Employee discounts to local and major businesses
All Are Welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or