Assistant or Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy

Title: Assistant or Associate Professor, Occupational Therapy - 998205

Position Number: 998205

Unit/Department: College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Department Summary:

Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) is proud to prepare today’s learners to be tomorrow’s healthcare leaders. Our graduates enjoy success and leadership in professional fields that offer enormous opportunities and have a tremendous impact on people’s lives.

CPHS offers a range of undergraduate and professional degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with majors in Clinical & Medical Sciences, Public Health, and Health Care Administration; Master’s in Clinical Psychopharmacology (MSCP); Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD); Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD); and Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN).

Learn more about the College at:

Job Summary:

This position reports to the OTD Program Director/Chairperson and will oversee and teach the research series courses and mentor junior OT faculty in research design and data analysis. Specific responsibilities include course development and teaching based on content expertise, student advising and mentoring, college and community service, and scholarship at a level consistent with the appointment. Faculty in the OTD program teach 11-13 credits annually and are expected to engage in academic and professional service to advance the college, University and the profession, and scholarship, including dissemination of the results.

Duties will include overseeing student-faculty research projects, including determining project groups; mentoring junior faculty scholarship development; and developing and maintaining a fundable line of scholarship.

The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Minimum Qualifications:

A doctoral degree is required (i.e., PhD, ScD, EdD). Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis is required, along with a strong track record of scholarship and research. Applicants with proven track record of funded projects and/or research-related fellowships are highly desirable. Applicants who are not occupational therapists must be licensed or otherwise regulated as required by their profession.

Preferred Qualifications:

Preference will be given to applicants with educational expertise in evidence-based practice, critical analysis, public health, wellness, scholarship and/or research and strong commitment to teaching and mentoring. Applicants with educational experience or a residency in occupational therapy are encouraged to apply.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please complete the online application and attach (1) a cover letter outlining clinical and/or educational experience related to occupational therapy, research or scholarship, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement of research interests and goals, (4) contact details for three references, and (5) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds.

Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.

Questions about this position can be directed to the OT Department chair, Leslie Jackson, OTD, MEd, OT/L, FAOTA at View email address on click.appcast.io.

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io.

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Review of Applications Begins:

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until a successful finalist is identified.

Salary and Benefits:

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our Drake Benefits Guide 2026. One of our popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. Tuition Benefits (