Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy

The University of Southern Maine’s Occupational Therapy Department invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin in Fall 2026.  

Courses taught may be at the bachelor, master’s and doctoral degree levels.  Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to teaching excellence in their discipline to join a team of faculty in a department with a vibrant student body and warm community.  The successful applicant may also be considered for appointment as the occupational therapy doctoral program director.  

The Occupational Therapy Department offers comprehensive OT programs through its Lewiston-Auburn campus, providing multiple pathways for aspiring practitioners. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA-B) degree, a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree, an Entry-Level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), or a Post-Professional OTD for those already in the field. Faculty members are committed to providing accessible and relationship-based occupational therapy education that is hands-on, community-engaged, and focused on the future of occupational therapy practice.

About the University:

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. While the OT department is located at the Lewiston-Auburn campus, the successful candidate may be required to teach and participate in events and student support on any of the USM campuses and online.  USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.  USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University.

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement.  We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.

The targeted starting date for this position is Fall 2026 and will pay a base salary of $67,000 plus benefits. When hired, candidates must reside within a 90-minute commutable distance from the USM campuses. This requirement is essential for the ability to participate in supporting and building upon our university culture of "student focused every day" and allows for regular participation in on-campus activities, meetings, and fulfills the responsibilities of the role effectively.

The University of Southern Maine provides highly competitive benefits that include health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employees and tuition discounts for spouses and eligible dependents; a 403(b)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution; and more. To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.

Required Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree.  PhD with experience in teaching, quantitative research, and service in an academic and/or clinical  setting preferred.  Will consider candidates who are ABD and will have completed their degree by the start of the Fall 2026 appointment. Additional experience required to meet ACOTE standards for appointment as program director.
• Licensed occupational therapist in Maine or eligible for licensure to practice OT in the state of Maine .
• Demonstrated commitment to student success, active learning, development and pursuit of a scholarship agenda, and community engagement.

How to Apply:

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button or visit USM Careers and submit the following materials:  

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• The names and contact information of three references

We will begin reviewing candidate packages immediately.  

All materials must be submitted by September 21, 2025. 

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

At this time, the University of Southern Maine is unable to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.

EEO Statement:

The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer and is committed to nondiscrimination. For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5713, 207-581-1226.  TTY 711 (Maine Relay System)