Assistant/Associate Professor - College of Optometry (12 mos. Tenure-track)

Ferris State University•Big Rapids, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University seeks a diverse group of outstanding applicants for a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. The candidate will be expected to develop in the areas of patient care, didactic teaching, advising, scholarly/professional activities, and service and will be responsible for teaching primarily in clinic, with additional responsibilities in the laboratory and classroom. Candidates are expected to foster a meaningful learning experience for our students; faculty are expected to be student-oriented, advise, and integrate current technology into the learning environment. Additionally, faculty will participate in collaborative efforts to foster curricular efforts, participate in assessment of student learning, and further develop programmatic enhancement. Specifically, we expect the candidate to be willing to engage students outside the classroom, support and expand our existing academic initiatives, and be willing to mentor students beyond a traditional academic advising role. In support of teaching, candidates will engage in scholarly/professional activities and participate in department, college, and university committees. Online teaching could be required but primarily, courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State University's Campuses. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment and will perform duties at the Big Rapids location. The anticipated start date for the position the Fall of 2026. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed.

Requirements

At the time of appointment, the applicant must hold the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree.
Applicant must have completed a residency or other graduate degree in vision science or other healthcare discipline. If candidate does not have additional certification or degree, equivalent experience in patient care or healthcare education will be considered.
At least one year of residency experience, or 3 years of consistent clinical experience post-graduation if no residency was completed, or commensurate work/professional experience
At the time of appointment, the applicant must have or be eligible to obtain a Michigan optometry license with DPA and TPA certifications, and be eligible for appointment to the clinical staff of the college.
The applicant must have a Michigan license prior to starting clinical care.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences

Nice To Haves

The applicant should demonstrate experience and a strong level of interest in clinical and didactic instruction in primary care optometry.
It is also preferred that the candidate have experience working within a team-teaching environment and demonstrate the ability to initiate and complete scholarly/professional activities.

Responsibilities

Teach full-time during the 12-month academic year.
Serve on program committees and represent the program(s) on College and University committees.
Collaborate with faculty on curriculum development, assessment, and quality assurance.
Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State University's Campuses. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan by the first day of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site.
Maintain records and conduct assessments and advising in accordance with policies and procedures developed by the university, college, school, department, and/or program.
Perform duties in accordance with established University policies.
Act as liaison between the program and professional organizations through active, individual involvement and, potentially, as the program-appointed representative.
Enthusiastically support student success through active involvement with individual students, student organizations, and student competitions, both within and outside of the classroom.
Remain current in the profession.
Work with colleagues to develop new curricular initiatives.
Cultivate an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.