
Department:
Legs + Walking Lab Therapy
Type of employment:
Full time
Shift:
Clinical Locomotor Specialist (Physical Therapist)
The Clinical Locomotor Specialist is an advanced practice Physical Therapist devoted tooptimizinggait rehabilitation within the inpatient rehabilitation setting. This role is ideal for clinicians who are passionate about gait analysis, evidence-based practice, emerging technology, and advancing the field of neurologic gait recovery through research, mentorship, and clinical innovation.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Expertise in Gait Rehabilitation
Conduct expert assessment of gait impairments across a wide range of neurologic and medically complex diagnoses.
Implement evidence-based gait training interventions tailored to patient-specific needs.
Perform orthotic assessments and guide prescription decisions in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
Integrate knowledge of diagnosis-specific prognosis for locomotor recovery to inform goal setting, plan of care development, and interventionselection
Technology Integration & Clinical Innovation
Develop hands-onexpertisewith advanced gait training technologies, including:
Robotic gait training systems
Virtual reality–based rehabilitation tools
AI-supported clinical decision-making platforms
Provideclinical insights to support product development, refinement, and optimization of gait training technologies.
Lead or contribute to initiatives that drive innovation in locomotor training andtechnology-enhancedrehabilitation.
Research, Knowledge Translation & Collaboration
Activelyparticipatein clinical research, quality improvement projects, and data-driven outcome evaluation.
Supportknowledgetranslation within the organization and at the profession-wide level through presentations, publications, and resource development.
Foster strong clinical collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to promote excellence in gait rehabilitation.
Mentorship & Education
Provide mentorship through our comprehensive gait mentoring program.
Teach and support skill development for internal staff and external learners through our academies, emphasizing neurologic gait training.
Serve as a role model and clinical resource for best practices in locomotor recovery.
Qualifications & Preferred Experience
Required:Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or equivalent; active state licensure as a Physical Therapist.
Preferred:ABPTS Board Certification in Neurologic Physical Therapy (NCS), though not required
Knowledge and experience in:
Early mobilization for individuals with complex neurologic conditions
Evidence-based gait rehabilitation practices
Body-weight–supported gait training modalities (treadmill and overground systems)
Experience with robotic or technology-assisted gait training is preferredbut notrequired; training opportunities provided.
Opportunities with This Role
Deepenexpertisewithcutting-edgetechnologies in gait rehabilitation.
Contribute to the development and evolution of robotics, VR-based systems, and AI-informed clinical tools.
Engage in impactful research and help shape the future of neurologic gait training practices.
Grow as an educator through structured teaching and mentoring roles.
Influence program-level and organization-wide clinical decision-making in locomotor recovery.
Pay and Benefits*:
Pay Range: $82,800.00 annually - $120,000.00 annually
Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Benefits
Generous Paid Time Off: Up to 25 days of PTO plus 6 holidays per year to recharge, travel, and focus on what matters most.
Professional Growth & Learning: Continuing education and approved CEUs for PT/OT/SLP, plus 50% reimbursement (up to $1,000) for advanced certifications.
Tuition Assistance Up to $5,250 annually in tuition reimbursement to support your next degree.
Career Advancement: Opportunities to grow within clinical/research specialties and leadership pathways across SRAlab’s integrated care teams.
Wellness + Balance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, robust wellness and mental health support.
Recognition + Rewards: Annual merit-based pay reviews and opportunities for differential pay for evening/weekend shifts.
Loan Forgiveness Eligibility: Qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
Mission-Driven Work: Be part of a team that transforms lives.
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers a comprehensive benefits program that is competitive with our industry peers in our geographic locations: https://www.sralab.org/benefits
A Senior Physical Therapist is committed to excellence in the profession of Physical Therapy, demonstrated by clinical expertise and contributions to the organization. A Senior Physical Therapist implements evidenced based care at the department level, to promote optimal patient outcomes.
The Senior Physical Therapist consistently demonstrates support of the SRALab statement of Mission and Vision 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 organization.
The Senior Physical Therapist excels in the SRALab Core Attributes: Communication, Accountability, Flexibility/Adaptability, Judgment/Problem Solving, Customer Service and SRALab Values (Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Collaboration, and Commitment to Excellence) while fulfilling job duties.
The Senior Physical Therapist:
Reporting Relationships
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required
Working Conditions
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.
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.
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an Affirmative Action Employer as required by law.

Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, formerly the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), is the global leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation for adults and children with the most severe, complex conditions — from traumatic brain and spinal cord injury to stroke, amputation and cancer-related impairment. The quality of our care and research has led to the designation of “No. 1 Rehabilitation Hospital in America” by U.S. News & World Report every year since 1991. Upon opening in March 2017, our $550 million, 1.2-million-square-foot research hospital became the first-ever “translational” hospital in which clinicians, scientists, innovators and technologists work together in the same space, surrounding patients, discovering new approaches and applying (or “translating”) research real time. This unique model enables patients to have 24/7 access to the brightest minds, the latest research and the best opportunity for recovery.
Interested in joining our team? By doing so, you will be part of our life-changing Mission and Vision. You’ll work in a truly inclusive environment where diversity and equity are championed through words and actions. You’ll contribute to an innovative culture that is second to none, one that embraces curiosity, 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. We invite you to visit our careers page to learn more: https://www.sralab.org/careers.