Research Physical Therapist

About the Position

The Research Physical Therapist is responsible for clinical support and
data collection for all study subjects appointments. Coordination of
research subjects, tasks, data collection and data.

This is an on-site position assigned to the Desmond T Doss Health Clinic and Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. A thorough government background check will be required.

About the Project

Precise summary: This project aims to create a tool to improve decision-making on optimal return-to-duty (RTD) timing for service members following musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. Key objectives include identifying treatment factors linked to successful RTD, assessing the prevalence of known risk factors across services, and tracking injury recurrence within six months post-RTD. The project also seeks to build adaptable prediction models that continuously integrate new data for improved RTD forecasting and to explore associations between RTD and long-term outcomes.

SEMPER Project: The long-term goal of this project is to enhance Musculoskeletal Health outcomes by embedding mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) into military surgical care pathways. The "SMART Embedded Intervention for Military Postsurgical Engagement Readiness (SEMPER)" project is a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) designed to optimize the sequencing and integration of two intervention strategies (a single session MBI and 8-week MBI) for supporting beneficiaries of the Military Health System (MHS) undergoing a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA).

Compensation: $85,000 - $95,000/annually

Responsibilities

• Administer physical therapy treatment programs to include the planning, coordination, controlling, direction and evaluation of physical therapy activities for the research study
• Plan and develop physical therapy treatments, procedures, and programs
• Observe patients response to treatment and modifies the program to accelerate recovery
• Make recommendations on staffing, physical plant design, and distribution of physical therapy equipment
• Record all pertinent data in the patients medical records
• Determine and implement policies and procedures pertaining to physical therapy program and activities
• Determine requirements for physical therapy services including personnel, equipment, supplies, and continuing education
• Establish professional care standards and establish and appraise performance levels of subordinates as needed
• Develop and implement teaching programs and research activities related to physical therapy
• Conduct data acquisition, biomechanical data reduction and analysis
• Prepare and submit progress reports and data deliverables
• Author and/or co-author publishable documents
• Evaluate patients and determine the type and frequency of physical therapy treatment necessary to assist in the habitation or rehabilitation of study subjects
• Evaluate and implement treatment regimens and create clinical databases that enhance clinical outcomes for military amputees
• Provide clinical support for subjects while being tested on perturbation protocol in the CAREN virtual reality environment and on the Active-Step treadmill
• Make recommendations regarding the use or adjustment of braces, prostheses, and other related appliances used to support and assist the mobility of the study subjects
• Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and infection control procedures, when applicable
• Participate in the hiring, training and supervision of other research personnel as applicable
• Maintain a collaborative research environment between the Principal Investigator (PI), other site personnel, research participants, The Geneva Foundation and the funding organization
• Oversee subject recruitment and enrollment, as needed
• Conduct research subject visits as directed
• Collect data and complete data entry process
• Prepare interim and final progress reports
• Document all correspondence and communication pertinent to the research
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of all research records
• Perform duties necessary to comply with and implement research study protocol
• Provide support to PI and research team by data gathering, collection and analysis, preparation of publications and preparation and presentation of results via papers and national meetings
• Maintain and update files of all applicable regulatory documentation for IACUC or IRB (including protocols, approvals, amendments, modifications, etc.) as well as any communications with the sponsor or any other Federal or regulatory office (including prior approvals, change in scope, etc.)

Qualifications

• Masters or Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree required from an accredited Physical Therapy program
• Current Physical Therapist license and maintain this license throughout the term of the contract
• 3-5 years experience in physical therapy preferred, with some experience in orthopedics
• 3-5 years non-profit, research, or healthcare experience desired
• Knowledge of Institutional Review Board practice and human subject regulations
• Familiarity with the function of instrument motion analysis is required
• Demonstrate competence in oral and written communication
• Must be organized, attentive to detail, and possess a positive, friendly and professional demeanor
• Must be flexible with changing priorities and able to communicate in a diplomatic and professional manner
• Computer skills including at least intermediate level experience with Microsoft Office Software including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and have willingness to learn and trouble shoot computer related issues. Knowledge of Matlab, Cortex or Nexus and/or Visual 3D is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of clinical or general research techniques is required
• Knowledge of basic statistics is a plus
• Experience with amputee care a plus
• Must be a US citizen and be able to pass a government background investigation
• Must possess current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification and maintain it during the term of the contract