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This study builds on the completed IM ABLE study (DOD Award #W81XWH-16-1-0738) and addresses a critical gap in the orthotics literature: whether advanced, custom carbon-fiber AFOs offer meaningful long-term benefit over conventional AFO designs. Participants (Veterans and Service Members with lower extremity trauma) will be fit with both AFO categories, complete a structured accommodation and training period, undergo functional and patient-reported outcome testing, and be followed for approximately 14 months to assess device utilization, function, pain, and preference in real-world community settings.

• Provide structured, study-protocol orthotic training to participants transitioning to a conventional or advanced AFO, consistent with the DoD Return to Run / Functional Mobility Program framework (e.g., gait training, walking at varied speeds, obstacle navigation, stair ascent/descent, uneven terrain, light-to-moderate jogging as appropriate).
• Deliver up to six training sessions per device category, per participant, over the three-week accommodation period, and determine when a participant has achieved functional independence with each device.
• Administer standardized functional and performance outcome measures with other study team members at each required study time point, including the Two-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Timed Up & Go (TUG), Four-Square-Step-Test, and 40-Yard Dash (for eligible high-functioning participants).
• Complete required study documentation, including Physical Therapist Training Checklists, in accordance with study protocol and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards.
• Collaborate with the study orthotist and site Principal Investigator on device-fit concerns, safety observations, and participant readiness for independent device use.
• Communicate participant safety concerns, adverse events, or protocol deviations promptly to the site PI and study team.
• Maintain accurate, timely source documentation and data entry in study case report forms / electronic data capture systems, safeguarding participant confidentiality and PHI at all times.
• Participate in study team meetings, training on the study protocol, and periodic multi-site communications (e.g., monthly video conferences) as needed.
• Support coordination of participant visit scheduling with the research coordinator to align training and assessment sessions with the study timeline.

• A Bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, or physics; and a graduate from a physical therapy program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
• Requires Florida State Licensure as a Physical Therapist.
• Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
  
  • Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
  • SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
  • A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
  • (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
  • (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
  • (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
  • (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
  • (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
  • Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
  • Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

• Prior experience in a clinical research or grant-funded study environment (e.g., DoD-, VA-, or NIH-funded research).
• Experience working with military-connected or Veteran populations.
• Familiarity with AFO categories (conventional vs. advanced/energy-storing) and orthotic prescription and rehabilitation practices.
• Board certification or advanced training in orthopedics, neurology, or a related clinical specialty.
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a CAPTE-accredited program (or equivalent credential recognized for PT licensure).
• Current, active, unencumbered license to practice physical therapy in the State of Florida (or eligibility to obtain licensure prior to start).
• Clinical experience working with individuals with lower extremity trauma, amputation, orthotic/prosthetic use, and/or gait training.
• Working knowledge of, or willingness to be trained in, standardized functional outcome measures (2MWT, TUG, Four-Square-Step-Test) and orthotic training principles.
• Strong documentation skills and comfort working within research protocols, case report forms, and regulatory requirements (IRB/HRPO).
• Ability to complete required human subjects research training (e.g., CITI training) prior to participant contact.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with Veterans, Service Members, and a multidisciplinary, multi-site research team.

• Location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, with study activities coordinated across USF, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, and affiliated clinical sites.
• Compensation: Hourly rate, commensurate with experience; hours will vary based on participant enrollment, training, and assessment visit volume.
• Schedule: Flexible/as-needed, scheduled around participant visit availability; not a benefits-eligible position.
• Appointment: Grant-funded (DoD PRORP) hourly contractor position; continuation contingent on study funding and enrollment needs.
Reports to: Site Principal Investigator / Study Team, USF School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences.

Additional Information for applicants:

Interested candidates should submit a current resume/CV, a copy of active PT license, and a brief statement of interest describing relevant clinical and/or research experience.

****This job is subject to Foreign Influence Screening: During the 2021 Florida legislative session, House Bill 7017 (“HB 7017”) was passed and later signed into law by Governor DeSantis. The new law modifies a variety of Florida Statutes to address concerns regarding improper foreign influence. With regard to employment at major research institutions like the University of South Florida, the new law requires thorough review of certain applicants for positions involving research.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.