Occupational Therapy Researcher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the constantly evolving field of healthcare, the role of occupational therapy researchers has never been more critical.

As our understanding of human health and wellbeing grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can explore, enhance, and secure our knowledge in occupational therapy.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an occupational therapy researcher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the complexities of occupational therapy research,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable occupational therapy researcher job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Occupational Therapy Researcher Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Therapy Researchers are involved in investigating, developing, and implementing new methods and interventions in the field of occupational therapy.

They focus on enhancing the effectiveness of treatments and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities or impairments.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conducting comprehensive research in the field of occupational therapy
• Developing and implementing research studies to test the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions
• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to draw conclusions and provide evidence-based recommendations
• Writing research papers, reports, and articles to disseminate findings to the wider scientific community and stakeholders
• Applying for and managing grants and funding for research projects
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, scientists, and stakeholders for multidisciplinary research
• Presenting research findings at professional conferences, seminars, and meetings
• Contributing to the development of new therapeutic tools and techniques based on research findings
• Keeping up-to-date with the latest developments, trends, and advancements in occupational therapy research
• Ensuring all research activities adhere to ethical guidelines and regulatory standards

 

Occupational Therapy Researcher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapy Researcher to conduct extensive research in the field of occupational therapy.

Your responsibilities will involve examining and analyzing current treatment methods, developing innovative approaches and strategies, and contributing to the advancement of occupational therapy practices.

Our ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of occupational therapy, an analytical mindset, and the ability to disseminate complex information in an understandable and engaging manner.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct and manage research studies related to occupational therapy
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to draw meaningful conclusions
• Design and implement new treatment methods and strategies
• Publish research findings in scientific journals, books, or conferences
• Apply for research funding and manage budgets for research projects
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals
• Contribute to the development of occupational therapy educational programs
• Stay current with the latest research and developments in occupational therapy
• Ensure all research activities adhere to ethical and legal guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Occupational Therapy, Healthcare or a related field
• Proven experience as an Occupational Therapy Researcher or similar role
• Strong knowledge of research methodologies and data analysis techniques
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software, such as SPSS or SAS
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Therapy Researcher
• Work Environment: Academic or healthcare setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for conferences or collaborative research projects.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Research or Head of Occupational Therapy Department.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a list of published research to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Occupational Therapy Researcher Do?

Occupational Therapy Researchers work in various settings such as universities, healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, or research institutions.

They may also collaborate with other professionals in the field of occupational therapy or related disciplines.

Their primary role is to conduct extensive research to understand the effectiveness of different occupational therapy treatments, interventions, and programs.

This involves designing and executing studies, collecting data, and analyzing the results.

They often use their findings to develop new therapeutic techniques or improve existing ones.

They might also explore the potential effects of various factors such as age, injury, disability, and environment on an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks or work.

Occupational Therapy Researchers also play a crucial role in training future occupational therapists by presenting their research findings at conferences, workshops, and academic lectures.

They also contribute to the body of knowledge in their field by publishing their research in scientific journals.

Furthermore, they may be involved in the development of policies and guidelines in occupational therapy practice by providing evidence-based recommendations.

They also ensure ethical standards are maintained in research activities.

Their work contributes significantly to the advancement of occupational therapy as a profession and ultimately improves the quality of life for individuals who require occupational therapy services.

 

Occupational Therapy Researcher Qualifications and Skills

An effective Occupational Therapy Researcher should possess a mix of technical knowledge, research skills, and ability to work with diverse populations.

These include:

• Strong understanding of occupational therapy principles and practices to conduct meaningful research in this field.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate existing literature, identify gaps in knowledge, and propose new research questions.
• Proficiency in research design and statistical analysis to design, implement, and interpret results of quantitative and qualitative research studies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to write research proposals, present findings at conferences, and publish results in academic journals.
• High ethical standards to ensure that research is conducted according to established ethical guidelines and that subjects’ rights and welfare are protected.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of researchers, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues that may arise during the research process and find effective solutions.
• Experience with grant writing and fundraising to secure funding for research projects.

 

Occupational Therapy Researcher Experience Requirements

Occupational Therapy Researchers often start their career journey with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, psychology, biology, or a related field.

This is usually followed by a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy.

Entry-level researchers are typically required to have 1 to 2 years of experience in the field of occupational therapy.

This experience is often gained through internships, clinical rotations, or part-time roles at healthcare facilities, research institutions, or universities.

They should be familiar with conducting research, collecting data, and have a basic understanding of research methods and occupational therapy principles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience might have had more extensive roles in conducting occupational therapy research, such as managing research projects, presenting research findings at conferences, or publishing their work in peer-reviewed journals.

Those with over 5 years of experience in the field are often considered experts and may have held leadership roles in research teams.

They are expected to be proficient in advanced research methods, statistical analysis, and have a comprehensive understanding of occupational therapy theories and practices.

In addition to these experiences, Occupational Therapy Researchers are also required to have good problem-solving skills, communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Some roles may also require specific certifications or licenses, such as certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

 

Occupational Therapy Researcher Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Therapy Researchers typically need to have a master’s degree or doctorate in occupational therapy or a closely related field.

To prepare for this career, students can start with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, or anatomy, but a master’s degree in occupational therapy is the minimum requirement.

In addition to coursework, most programs also require students to complete an internship or supervised fieldwork.

The curriculum of these programs usually includes classes in physical, biological and behavioral sciences, along with specialized courses such as therapeutic techniques, research methods, and the design of adaptive devices or equipment.

In the U.S., all states require occupational therapists to be licensed, which requires passing the national examination for occupational therapists.

After gaining work experience, Occupational Therapy Researchers may choose to earn a specialty certification from the American Occupational Therapy Association in areas such as children and youth, mental health, or geriatrics.

Occupational Therapy Researchers are often required to continue their education and training throughout their careers to stay updated with the latest research and techniques.

This could be through continuing education classes, workshops, or earning additional certifications.

PhD programs in occupational therapy can lead to advanced research, consulting, or teaching positions, and are increasingly desired for researchers in the field.

To become successful in this role, in addition to education, the researcher should have strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

 

Occupational Therapy Researcher Salary Expectations

The average salary for an Occupational Therapy Researcher is approximately $75,400 (USD) per year.

This income can fluctuate based on factors such as the researcher’s level of experience, their geographical location, and the institution or company for which they work.

 

Occupational Therapy Researcher Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Occupational Therapy Researcher need?

An Occupational Therapy Researcher requires a mix of clinical and academic skills.

They should have a solid understanding of occupational therapy principles and practices and be proficient in research methodologies.

They should also have strong analytical skills to interpret data and present findings.

Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential to publish research findings and deliver presentations.

 

Do Occupational Therapy Researchers need a specific degree?

Yes, Occupational Therapy Researchers typically need a master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy or a related field.

They also usually require a background in conducting research, which may be gained during their postgraduate study or through work experience.

Some researchers might also have additional qualifications or certifications in research methodologies.

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Therapy Researcher’s resume?

A strong Occupational Therapy Researcher’s resume should highlight both their clinical and research experience.

Look for a solid educational background in occupational therapy, with a preference for advanced degrees.

Experience in conducting and publishing research in the field is highly valuable.

The candidate should also demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use various research methodologies and statistical analysis tools.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Therapy Researcher?

A good Occupational Therapy Researcher is curious and has a strong desire to contribute to the field.

They should be detail-oriented and have the ability to manage and analyze large data sets.

They should also be persistent and patient, as research often involves long periods of data collection and analysis.

Good interpersonal skills are also important, as they often work in teams and may need to collaborate with other professionals in the field.

 

Is it difficult to hire Occupational Therapy Researchers?

Hiring an Occupational Therapy Researcher can be challenging due to the specific combination of skills required.

The candidate should have a strong background in occupational therapy, as well as experience in conducting research.

Therefore, you might need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain top talent in this specialized field.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricate world of being an occupational therapy researcher.

Guess what?

It’s not just about researching.

It’s about shaping the landscape of health care, one study at a time.

Armed with our tailor-made occupational therapy researcher job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take your next step.

But why not take it further?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every research study contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape the future of healthcare. Together.

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