Associated Professorship in Occupational Therapy and Chronic Conditions

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) invites applications for an Associated Professorship in Occupational Therapy and Chronic Conditions at the Rehabilitation Research Laboratory (2rLab) within the Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care (DEASS). Occupancy level: 80%-100%. Starting date: 01.01.2027 or to be agreed.

Professional context

The Rehabilitation Research Laboratory 2rLab of the Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care at SUPSI conducts applied research, education, and service activities in the field of rehabilitation, with the aim of contributing to the advancement of knowledge and professional practices in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The Laboratory supports clinical practice through studies on the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions, the development of innovative approaches, and the validation of tools and methods for the assessment of pain, movement, disability, and participation.

2rLab is characterized by a strong interdisciplinary orientation and by close connections with clinical, professional, and institutional stakeholders in the region, while maintaining scientific collaborations at national and international levels. The team integrates expertise from physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and biomedical sciences, fostering the development of experimental and clinical projects relevant to contemporary rehabilitation.

In this context, the position of Associated Professor in Occupational Therapy and Chronic Conditions aims to strengthen the Laboratory’s academic leadership by broadening the existing expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation through the integration of occupational therapy perspectives. In particular, the position will contribute to the development of person-centred and occupation-based approaches aimed at improving participation, quality of life, and self-management in people living with chronic conditions.

The expected contribution includes the development of applied research in occupational therapy, the design of innovative interventions for the management of chronic conditions, and the transfer of knowledge to education, clinical practice, healthcare services, and professional communities.

Within this perspective, the position will contribute to consolidating interdisciplinary, evidence-based, and occupation-centred models of care, strengthening the role of occupational therapy within rehabilitation processes and health promotion.

Roles and responsibilities

Research and service

• Provide scientific leadership in the field of occupational therapy applied to chronic conditions by developing innovative research lines and producing scientific publications of national and international relevance.
• Design, acquire, and coordinate competitive research projects and service mandates, including related funding, in collaboration with clinical, institutional, and academic partners.
• Contribute to the scientific development of 2rLab by strengthening interdisciplinary activities and collaborations with other rehabilitation and health areas.
• Promote knowledge dissemination and transfer into professional practice, supporting the implementation of rehabilitation approaches centred on the person, occupations, and participation of people living with chronic conditions across all domains of daily life.
• Consolidate and develop collaborative networks at regional, national, and international levels with healthcare institutions, research organisations, and professional associations.

Teaching

• Design and deliver teaching activities in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and continuing education programmes, with particular reference to occupational therapy, self-management education, and interdisciplinary models of care.
• Contribute to the development of the Department’s educational offer and to pedagogical innovation within