Adjunct Faculty Appointments: School of Physician Assistant Studies, Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University • Calabasas, CA

5d

About The Position

Pepperdine University School of Physician Assistant Studies invites applications for adjunct faculty appointments supporting its developing graduate Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) Program. Adjunct faculty help prepare future Physician Assistants through high-quality instruction that supports student learning, clinical reasoning, professional development, and readiness for clinical practice. The program seeks candidates committed to excellence in PA education and student development.

Instructional assignments are based on program needs and individual qualifications. Depending on the assignment, adjunct faculty may teach lectures, laboratories, clinical skills, small groups, case-based learning, simulations, OSCEs, practical assessments, or other instructional activities. They assess student performance using established rubrics, evaluation tools, and program standards, and may participate in program committees.

Adjunct faculty are expected to attend all assigned instructional activities, prepare in advance, and coordinate unforeseen absences with course leadership so appropriate coverage maintains uninterrupted instruction. They communicate student concerns and performance or professionalism issues to course leadership in a timely manner, model professional and ethical conduct, and maintain a supportive, structured, and professional learning environment. Acceptance of an appointment signifies a commitment to fulfill assigned instructional responsibilities; failure to meet expectations may result in reassignment or withdrawal of the appointment.

Requirements

• Master’s or doctoral degree from a nationally accredited college or university.
• At least one year of clinical or professional experience.
• Professional licensure, certification, or specialty certification.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience teaching, precepting, or mentoring PA students or students in other health professions.
• Clinical expertise aligned with PA program instructional needs, including anatomy, biomedical science, clinical medicine, clinical reasoning, pharmacology, medical-surgical content, behavioral and mental health, women’s health, pediatrics, emergency medicine, procedural skills, or other areas of PA practice.
• Experience with simulation, skills instruction, OSCEs, practical assessments, or clinical evaluation tools.
• Experience supporting student learning in a structured academic or clinical education environment.
• Commitment to student-centered teaching and mentorship.
• Ability to model professionalism, ethical behavior, humility, service, and respect.
• Ability to engage effectively with interdisciplinary teams.
• Support for the mission and values of Pepperdine University and the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction to PA students.
• Support student achievement of course learning outcomes and program competencies.
• Facilitate development of clinical reasoning, professional identity, and safe patient care practices.
• Participate in assigned lectures, laboratory instruction, clinical skills instruction, small-group facilitation, case-based learning, simulation activities, OSCEs, practical assessments, or other instructional activities.
• Evaluate student performance using established rubrics, evaluation tools, and program standards.
• Participate in program committees as assigned.
• Maintain compliance with Program and University policies.
• Communicate regularly with program faculty and leadership to support student success.
• Uphold a supportive, structured, and professional learning environment.
• Attend all assigned instructional responsibilities and prepare for teaching activities in advance.
• Coordinate unforeseen absences in advance with course leadership and arrange appropriate coverage to maintain uninterrupted instruction.
• Communicate student concerns, performance issues, and professionalism concerns to course leadership in a timely manner.
• Model professional and ethical behavior consistent with PA Program and Pepperdine University expectations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time