Research Physical Therapist

The Geneva Foundation•Houston, TX

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. The overall objective of this clinical trial is to understand the effects of modified Brostrom repair with suture tape augmentation and photobiomodulation therapy on the clinical outcomes of lateral ankle ligament repair to improve functional recovery and enhance return to duty/activity rates of active-duty service members and civilians alike. The central hypothesis is that combining a modified Brostrom repair with suture tape augmentation with photobiomodulation therapy will enhance the clinical outcomes for lateral ankle ligament repair due to enhanced mechanical stability from suture tape augmentation, and reduced pain and inflammation, enhanced blood flow, and enhanced collagen production from photobiomodulation therapy.

Requirements

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 clinical or general research techniques is required
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

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Matlab, Cortex or Nexus and/or Visual 3D is highly desirable.
Knowledge of basic statistics is a plus
Experience with amputee care a plus

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 patient’s 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 patient’s 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.)