Entry Level Professor Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Job Details
Position Information
Posting Number
20260060FAC
Job Title
Instructor/Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy
Number of Vacancies
1
About Murray State
Murray State blends educational opportunities found at research institutions with collaborative interactions among students, faculty and staff found at smaller universities. Students receive personalized attention from supportive faculty and staff as the University offers a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Murray State University places our highest priority on student learning and excellent teaching, blending the range of educational opportunities often experienced at research institutions with the nurturing student-teacher interactions usually found at smaller universities.
Located in the West Kentucky region, Murray State University is a public, comprehensive University which offers a low cost of living, low property taxes, and a four-season climate. Murray has a friendly, small-town atmosphere with locally-owned specialty shops and restaurants, an acclaimed community theater, art guild and award-winning public schools. The area is home to Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes, a 170,000-acre National Recreation Area, which offers a wide-range of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. Located in close proximity to major cities and nearby access to Interstate 24, Murray is just a few hours from Nashville, St. Louis, Louisville and Memphis. Learn more about Careers at Murray State University.
About Murray State Benefits
Faculty and staff of Murray State University have access to a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, generous paid holidays, vacation, sick, and paid parental leave, as well as many other benefit offerings. Please refer to the Murray State Benefits page for more information.
Equal Opportunity Employment
Equal Opportunity Employer/AA. Murray State University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability or political or social viewpoint. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Type of Employment
Regular Full-Time
If Part Time, Enter Hours Per Week
Work Location
Paducah, KY
Employment Term
12 Months
Position Type
Faculty (Non-Tenure-Track)
Department
Occupational Therapy Program
Anticipated Start Date
August 2026
Summary of Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Department of Occupational Therapy invites applications for an in-person Instructor or Assistant Professor to begin August 2026.
The successful candidate will deliver high-quality, in-person instruction for the graduate Occupational Therapy program, emphasizing innovative, active learning and technology to foster student excellence. The program prioritizes clinical reasoning, critical thinking, effective written and verbal communication, and evidence-based practice informed by theory and research across occupational therapy settings. Responsibilities include teaching full-time graduate courses in assigned areas, advising current and prospective graduate students, and assisting the OT Program Chair with accreditation tasks. The candidate will maintain professional, effective communication with students, community partners, constituents, and faculty/staff, and serve as a positive team member by actively collaborating with colleagues to support program goals. Additional duties involve contributing to curriculum development, participating in student and program assessment, and engaging in ongoing professional development. The position requires a full-time teaching load each fall, spring, and summer semester.
Minimum Education Requirements

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy or related discipline required. Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy or related discipline is preferred.
• Graduate of a US Department of Education (USDE) accredited institution.

Minimum Experience and Skill Requirements

• Certified as an Occupational Therapist by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure as an occupational therapist in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to and potential for innovative, high-quality active learning in the classroom, including experiential learning.

Preferred Education and/or Experience Qualifications

• Preference will be given to applicants with prior higher education teaching experience and scholarship.
• Entry-level or post-professional doctorate preferred.
• Previous full-time faculty experience with teaching responsibilities is also preferred.
• Clinical expertise in an area of concentration, with preference for pediatrics and/or orthopedics.
• Two or more years of occupational therapy practice.
• Commitment to community partnerships and university service.
• Active participation in scholarly activity (e.g., grant writing, research)
• Previous teaching experience in an OTA or OT program
• Experienced with active service participation and/or leadership roles in university, community, and/or professional organizations.

Note: If the successful candidate is master's prepared, the position will be filled as a non-tenure track, instructor. If the successful candidate holds a terminal degree appropriate for the position, the position will be filled as a tenure-track, assistant professor.
Physical Demands
Work Hours
Annual Salary
Pay Plan
Faculty III
Posting Details
Posting Date
06/24/2026
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, the following items must be included.

• Letter of application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Teaching Philosophy
• Statement of research interests
• Copies of transcripts

For best consideration, please submit a completed application along with all required materials by July 25, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.