Shirley Ryan AbilityLab logo
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Chicago, Illinois

Research Physical Therapist -Part-Time - tiHUB

Physical TherapistPart-Time

Listed compensation

$71k-$125k

Listing transparency2 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations and weekend coverage.

Employment & setting
Part-Time
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 1h ago · Verified live

Job Description

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions. By joining our team, you’ll be part of our life-changing mission and vision. You’ll contribute to an innovative, multifaceted culture that is second to none — one that embraces collaboration, excellence, discovery and compassion. You’ll play a role in something that’s never been done before as we integrate science and clinical care to help patients achieve better, faster outcomes — as we Advance Human Ability, together.

Job Description Summary

The Research Physical Therapist will follow a research protocol to evaluate and provide therapy to pediatric volunteers participating in a research study.

The Research Physical Therapist will consistently demonstrate support of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (SRAlab) statement of Vision, Mission and Core Values by striving for excellence, contributing to the team efforts and showing respect and compassion for patients and their families, fellow employees, and all others with whom there is contact at or in the interest of the institute.

The Research Therapist will demonstrate SRAlab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and Core Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.

Job Description

  • The Research Physical Therapist will:
  • Participate and help manage a research study focused on a pediatric population.
  • Participate in obtaining informed consent.
  • Administer a battery of assessment instruments according to specific research protocols.
  • Score, transcribe, code, and interpret test data.
  • Administer treatment procedures according to a research protocol.
  • Track subject performance during treatment.
  • Enter data and assist with various record-keeping tasks and data management.
  • Initiate clinical research questions and analyze and interpret data to answer these questions.

Assist in developing and maintaining grant applications and supporting documentation for submission to the IRB. Report relevant research findings to IRB.

May present information on research findings and SRAlab's presence in the research community to audiences within SRAlab and at outside conferences and academic meetings.

Perform all other duties that may be assigned in the best interest of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to the Principal Investigator for the time spent on a particular research project.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and physical therapy treatments and modalities at a level normally acquired through completion of Master's degree or DPT from an accredited school of physical therapy.

Current Illinois license as Physical Therapist.

Approximately three to six months on-the-job experience necessary to gain full knowledge of physical therapy techniques and objectives to develop and administer treatment programs to a pediatric patient population.

Current CPR or BLS certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross required.

Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, family members, physicians, other human service professionals.

Analytical ability necessary to prepare reports, maintain data, and identify concerns/responses of participants that require termination of interview or possible intervention.

Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail when administering assessments or treatments, observing patients, and maintaining records.

Flexibility to coordinate scheduling with other project staff.

Working Conditions

Normal office environment with little or no exposure to dust or extreme temperature.

Ability to lift 20 to 35 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 frequently to transfer and position patients

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Pay and Benefits*

  • Pay Range:
  • $71,200.00 - $124,500.00

Benefits

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits

*Benefits and benefits’ eligibility can vary by position. Actual compensation will be determined by equity and qualifications of the role.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, order of protection status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other characteristics protected by law.

  • EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law - Know Your Rights | View our Full Policy
  • Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Physical Therapist will manage research studies involving pediatric volunteers, including administering assessments and treatment protocols. They will also be responsible for data management, record-keeping, and assisting with grant applications and IRB documentation.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Master's degree or DPT from an accredited physical therapy program and possess a current Illinois physical therapist license. Additionally, current CPR or BLS certification and strong interpersonal and analytical skills are required.

Qualifications

Education
Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)

Key Skills

Pediatric physical therapy

Physical Therapist Career Context

Of the 50 active Physical Therapy listings this role was benchmarked against, 48% have no call, 74% require no weekends.

Physical Therapy pay on WeekdayDoc is down 1.6% vs. the prior quarter (through Aug 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$98k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $98k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Physical Therapist Jobs

43 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution43 jobs · 33 employers

11
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14
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3
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2
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Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks40 jobs · 33 employers

401k / retirement match
98%
CME allowance
70%
Sign-on bonus
48%
Loan repayment
18%
Relocation assistance
5%

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Work-life snapshot

4.8/ 10
Listing-based score

Living in Chicago

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$356k
Typical market rent
$2,342/mo
Residents’ average commute
33 min
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab logo

About Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Hospitals and Health Care
Chicago, Illinois
1,001-5,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Comprehensive Benefits Program
Flexible Scheduling