Assistant/Associate Professor of Speech‑Language Pathology – Voice, Phonetics, and Clinical Simulation (Tenure‑Track, Full‑Time, Remote, Immediate Start)

Welcome to Viterbo University – Where Excellence Meets Compassion

Located in the vibrant, river‑kissed city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Viterbo University is a nationally recognized Catholic, Franciscan‑affiliated institution that blends rigorous liberal‑arts education with a deep commitment to service, community, and personal growth. With a student body of nearly 3,000, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where scholars, educators, and innovators thrive together. Our College of Nursing and Health, home to the Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, is renowned for producing graduates who excel in clinical practice, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As a future member of our faculty, you will be part of a campus that consistently ranks among the top places to live in the United States, offering breathtaking bluffs, world‑class healthcare facilities, and easy access to the cultural hubs of the Midwest.

Position Overview – A Unique Opportunity to Shape the Future of Speech‑Language Pathology

Viterbo University invites dynamic, scholarly, and teaching‑focused professionals to apply for a full‑time, nine‑month, tenure‑track appointment as an Assistant or Associate Professor in Speech‑Language Pathology, Voice, and Phonetics. This role is designed for individuals who are passionate about both undergraduate and graduate education, eager to contribute to cutting‑edge research, and committed to serving diverse student populations. The appointment commences on August 16, 2024, and while based in La Crosse, the position is offered with remote teaching flexibility, allowing you to engage students from anywhere while maintaining strong ties to our campus community.

Key Responsibilities – Teaching, Scholarship, Service, and Advising

Teaching (Approximately 65% Effort)

• Course Development & Delivery: Design, update, and teach a suite of courses that include Introduction to Phonetics (undergraduate), Voice & Resonance Disorders (graduate), Experimental Phonetics (graduate), Intercultural Communication (undergraduate), Interprofessional Communication in Healthcare (graduate), and Capstone Research Projects (graduate). Ensure syllabi align with program outcomes and accreditation standards.
• Laboratory & Simulation Instruction: Lead hands‑on sessions in the Clinical Simulation Learning Center, guiding students through acoustic analysis, voice assessment protocols, and evidence‑based therapeutic techniques.
• Assessment & Curriculum Improvement: Conduct systematic course assessments, analyze student performance data, and recommend curricular enhancements or resource acquisitions to support optimal learning experiences.
• Mentorship of Scholarly Projects: Supervise graduate student research, capstone projects, and dissertations, fostering rigorous methodology, scholarly writing, and dissemination of findings.

Scholarship (Approximately 10% Effort)

• Research Participation: Engage in research consistent with Boyer’s Model of Scholarship, including discovery (original research), integration (interdisciplinary synthesis), application (community‑focused projects), and systematic teaching scholarship.
• Public Dissemination: Publish peer‑reviewed articles, present at national and regional conferences, and collaborate on grant proposals that advance the fields of voice science, acoustic phonetics, and clinical communication disorders.
• Professional Development: Pursue continuing education, attend workshops, and remain active within relevant professional organizations such as the American Speech‑Language‑Hearing Association (ASHA) and the Voice Foundation.

Service (Approximately 15% Effort)

• University & College Service: Serve on departmental, college, and university committees, contributing to strategic planning, accreditation review, and policy development.
• Community Engagement: Participate in outreach initiatives, local clinics, and interprofessional partnerships that enhance community health and provide real‑world learning opportunities for students.
• Professional Organization Involvement: Represent Viterbo University at state, national, and international societies, fostering networks that benefit both faculty and students.

Student Advising (Approximately 10% Effort)

• Graduate Advising: Provide individualized guidance to graduate students regarding academic progress, research development, career pathways, and professional licensing requirements.
• Recruitment & Retention: Assist with recruitment efforts, graduate student orientation, and retention strategies to sustain a vibrant, diverse cohort of future speech‑language pathologists.

Essential Qualifications – What You Bring to the Table

• Doctoral Degree: Ph.D. in Communication Disorders and Sciences, or a closely related field (e.g., Linguistics, Acoustic Phonetics), or an Ed.D. with a focus on communication disorders.
• Accreditation Alignment: Ability to meet the standards of the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) and other relevant bodies governing speech‑language pathology programs.
• Research Potential: Demonstrated evidence of scholarly activity in voice science, acoustic phonetics, or related domains, with a clear trajectory toward independent research.
• Teaching Excellence: Proven effectiveness in higher‑education instruction, preferably at the graduate level, with a commitment to innovative pedagogy and inclusive classroom practices.
• Eligibility to Work in the United States: Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.; Viterbo University does not sponsor employment visas.

Preferred Experience & Additional Assets

• Undergraduate/Music Background: Undergraduate coursework or a minor in vocal performance, music theater, or music, providing a rich interdisciplinary perspective on voice.
• Graduate Training in Music/Vocal Performance: An M.S. or M.A. in Communication Disorders and Sciences, Music, or Vocal Performance that deepens clinical expertise.
• Clinical Simulation Expertise: Experience with simulation-based teaching, acoustic analysis software (e.g., Praat, MATLAB), and voice assessment tools.
• Professional Memberships: Active participation in ASHA, the Voice Foundation, the International Phonetic Association, or similar organizations.
• Grant Writing Experience: History of securing external funding for research or educational innovation.

Core Skills & Competencies for Success

• Effective Communication: Ability to convey complex scientific concepts clearly to diverse audiences, including undergraduate students, graduate scholars, and community partners.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Proven capacity to work across departments (e.g., Nursing, Health Sciences, Music) to develop interprofessional curricula and research projects.
• Technology Integration: Proficiency with learning management systems (Canvas, Blackboard), virtual classroom platforms, and specialized phonetic analysis software.
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Demonstrated experience fostering inclusive learning environments and supporting students from varied cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Organizational Acumen: Skillful management of multiple responsibilities, deadlines, and academic calendars while maintaining high standards of scholarly output.

Professional Growth – Your Career Trajectory at Viterbo

Viterbo University is dedicated to the long‑term development of its faculty. As a tenure‑track professor, you will benefit from:

• Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior faculty for guidance on research design, publication strategies, and teaching innovation.
• Funding Opportunities: Access to internal seed grants, support for external grant applications, and travel stipends for conference participation.
• Professional Development Workshops: Regularly scheduled sessions on curriculum design, assessment, technology integration, and leadership in higher education.
• Leadership Pathways: Opportunities to assume roles such as Course Coordinator, Program Director, or Committee Chair, paving the way for future administrative positions.
• Interdisciplinary Projects: Collaborative initiatives with the College of Nursing and Health, the School of Music, and community health partners, expanding your scholarly network.

Work Environment & Culture – A Community That Cares

At Viterbo, we blend academic rigor with Franciscan values of respect, compassion, and service. Faculty enjoy:

• Supportive Campus Climate: A collegial atmosphere where faculty mentorship, peer collaboration, and open dialogue are the norm.
• State‑of‑the‑Art Facilities: Access to a modern Clinical Simulation Learning Center, cutting‑edge acoustic labs, and comfortable faculty lounges.
• Balanced Lifestyle: Flexible remote teaching options, generous vacation and sabbatical policies, and a community that values work‑life harmony.
• Location Benefits: La Crosse’s low cost of living, proximity to the Mississippi River, plentiful outdoor recreation, and a thriving downtown scene provide an enriching quality of life.

Compensation, Benefits, & Perks

While exact salary figures are determined by experience and rank (Assistant vs. Associate Professor), Viterbo offers a competitive compensation package comparable to peer private institutions. The benefits suite includes:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contributions.
• Retirement Plans: 403(b) with matching contributions to help you plan for the future.
• Professional Development Funding: Support for conference travel, memberships, and continuing education.
• Tuition Benefits: Opportunities for reduced tuition for you, your spouse, or your children.
• Generous Leave Policies: Paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and a faculty‑renewal sabbatical after a defined period of service.
• Work‑From‑Home Flexibility: Remote teaching capabilities with IT support to maintain seamless virtual instruction.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Viterbo University is proud of its inclusive climate. We actively seek faculty who can contribute to a vibrant, multicultural academic community. Candidates who bring experience working with underrepresented student populations, who champion equity‑focused initiatives, and who incorporate diverse perspectives into curricula will thrive here. Our institutional policies prohibit discrimination on any protected characteristic and promote a culture where every voice is heard and valued.

How to Apply – Take the Next Step in Your Academic Journey

If you are excited about shaping the future of speech‑language pathology, advancing scholarly inquiry in voice and phonetics, and inspiring the next generation of clinicians and researchers, we encourage you to submit a complete application package. Please include:

• A concise letter of interest outlining your teaching philosophy, research agenda, and alignment with Viterbo’s mission.
• Your curriculum vitae or resume detailing academic credentials, publications, and professional service.
• Three professional references with contact information.

Applications will be reviewed beginning in mid‑October 2023 and will remain open until the position is filled. All materials should be uploaded through our online employment portal.

Join Us – Make a Difference at Viterbo University

Imagine a career where your expertise ignites curiosity, your research transforms practice, and your mentorship shapes compassionate professionals. At Viterbo University, you will find a community that celebrates academic excellence, nurtures personal growth, and values the power of collaboration. We look forward to welcoming a visionary educator who is ready to contribute to our storied tradition of service and scholarship. Apply today and become an integral part of a university that is as dedicated to your success as you are to your students’ futures.

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