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 training programmes.
- Supervise thesis projects, applied research activities, and advanced educational activities.
- Foster the integration of research, professional practice, and education, contributing to the development of students’ scientific and clinical competencies.
Leadership/management
- Assume scientific and managerial responsibility for projects and initiatives within the Laboratory.
- Contribute to the strategic development of 2rLab and to strengthening its scientific identity in the field of rehabilitation.
- Actively collaborate with colleagues within the Laboratory and the Department in the development of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary initiatives.
- Participate in institutional and academic activities of the Department and SUPSI.
- Contribute to the scientific, organisational, and financial sustainability of the Laboratory’s research and service activities.
Skills profile and requirements
- PhD in Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Sciences, Public Health, or related disciplines.
- Relevant and continuous scientific production in the fields of occupational therapy, rehabilitation, and/or chronic conditions.
- Proven experience in the design, acquisition, and management of applied research projects and service mandates in university or research settings.
- Ability to develop interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaborations with clinical, institutional, and academic partners.
- Active membership in relevant national and international scientific communities.
- Significant experience in university teaching and in supervising students.
- Ability to integrate research, education, and knowledge transfer into professional practice.
- Ability to work collaboratively and to build professional networks.
- Interest in the development of innovative rehabilitation models centred on the person, participation, and quality of life in chronic conditions.
- Excellent knowledge of Italian and German and/or French, in addition to a good knowledge of English.
Additional preferred criteria
- Teaching qualification (or willingness to obtain one within 4 years of appointment).
- Knowledge of the Swiss university system and the social-healthcare context in Ticino.
- Proven experience in occupational therapy clinical practice and/or rehabilitation management.
We offer
- An academic position in a university of applied sciences.
- Stimulating research and training activities with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility, in a constantly evolving university environment.
- An interdisciplinary team of motivated colleagues.
- A work environment attentive to the quality of human relationships and innovation.
Application requirements
The requirements for this role are published in the “SUPSI Internal Directives” and the “SUPSI Personnel Regulations” available on the “Official Documents” page.
Interested candidates should submit their applications by 10.09.2026, using the dedicated application form. Applications should include the following:
- Cover letter in Italian, outlining your motivations.
- Complete curriculum vitae.
- List of scientific publications and copies of the five most significant publications.
- Academic degrees and work certificates.
- Honors and awards received.
- At least two recent reference letters attesting to professional, scientific, and teaching qualifications.
- Presentation of activities conducted in research projects.
- Presentation of teaching activities conducted at university level with relevant evaluations.
Additional information
For further information, please contact Luca Crivelli, DEASS Director (secretariat telephone: +41 58 666 64 44) or Marco Barbero (Head of Research at DEASS and Chair of 2rLab).
Please note that incomplete applications, applications sent to other addresses, and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Bando 26_2012
Dipartimento economia aziendale, sanità e sociale (DEASS), Manno
Associated Professorship in Occupational Therapy and Chronic Conditions
Grado di occupazione: 80-10%
Entrata in ruolo: 1° gennaio 2027 o da convenire
