Physical Therapist

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building:
• Salary Range: 80,000 - 90,000

Position Summary

We are recruiting a physical therapist to serve in both clinical and research roles for the Movement Recovery Laboratory at the Weinberg Family Center for Cerebral Palsy at Columbia University. This position focuses on human studies of spinal cord plasticity in neurotypical adults and adults with cerebral palsy.

Applicants with a background in physical therapy or occupational therapy and prior experience working with neurologic populations are strongly encouraged to apply. This role is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on clinical research experience at the intersection of neurorehabilitation and movement neuroscience.

Successful applicants will gain training in noninvasive neurostimulation techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and peripheral nerve stimulation, human neurophysiology, kinesiology and experimental design. The position offers extensive opportunities for direct interaction with research participants, clinical exposure, and contribution towards conference presentations and scientific manuscripts.

In addition, the candidate will serve in a part-time therapist position 1-2 days a week. Therapy will be with individuals with cerebral palsy or similar movement impairments.

Responsibilities

Scientific Responsibilities

• Assist in administering TMS and peripheral nerve stimulation protocols to assess corticospinal and spinal excitability.
• Support development and implementation of experimental procedures examining motor recovery and neuroplasticity.
• Conduct research sessions with adult participants, including individuals with cerebral palsy.
• Assist with participant recruitment, screening, scheduling, and retention.
• Collect, process, and analyze neurophysiological and behavioral data.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental conditions and results.
• Ensure compliance with human subjects research regulations and laboratory safety procedures.
• Assist with calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of stimulation and recording equipment (e.g., EMG, TMS systems).
• Contribute to data interpretation, lab meetings, and dissemination of findings.

Clinical responsibilities

• Evaluation of movement impairments using standard rating scales.
• Treatment for functional goals.
• Work with senior therapy colleagues on treatment plans.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience required. Requires 3 years related experience.
• Licensed to practice physical therapy in New York State.

Preferred Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of human anatomy, neurophysiology, or motor control.
• Comfort working directly with neurologic patient populations.
• Ability to learn and safely operate neurostimulation and electrophysiological equipment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in data collection and documentation.
• Basic quantitative and analytical skills for data processing.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for participant interaction and team collaboration.
• Flexibility, initiative, and ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.