CPM Pre-clinical Science Faculty

Samuel Merritt University • Oakland, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

As a faculty member within the Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine, this person is responsible for guiding the learning of students in classroom and laboratory settings. Instructional duties include planning courses and curricula, didactic and laboratory teaching, evaluating courses, populating and managing the learning management system (Canvas), and participating in board preparation activities. Related duties include academic advising, attending CPM and SMU meetings, serving on CPM and SMU committees, and participating in University events and ceremonies. Faculty at the rank of Assistant Professor are also expected to engage in scholarly activities in the teaching specialty as defined in the Faculty/Staff Handbook. Basic science courses in the CPM curriculum include: Human Anatomy, Lower Extremity Anatomy, Embryology, Integrated Cell and Tissue Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Medical Microbiology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Pathology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience. The position is a full-time regular faculty appointment responsible for basic science instruction in the Doctor of Podiatric Medicine curriculum. The teaching assignment is set by the CPM Associate Dean of Academics and matched to the candidate's discipline, and may include didactic instruction, laboratory instruction, or both. The position is based at the SMU Oakland campus and is fully in-person.

Requirements

• Earned doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MBBS, DO, DPM, EdD, or equivalent) in the teaching discipline or a closely related biomedical field.
• Graduate-level training, postdoctoral training, residency, or fellowship in the teaching discipline.
• Content expertise in one or more of the basic science disciplines taught in the CPM curriculum.
• Ability to teach basic science content to professional doctoral students, including lecture, laboratory, and case-based formats.
• Ability to direct a course end-to-end: syllabus, learning objectives, instructional materials, assessments, grading, and course evaluation.
• Skill in assessment writing, including multiple-choice items in national board format, and use of performance data to revise instruction.
• Ability to identify academically at-risk students early and provide remediation and academic coaching.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish positive rapport with students, faculty, and staff.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities that change frequently, use keen judgment, and resolve student and faculty concerns.
• High-level proficiency with the learning management system (Canvas), online teaching platforms (Webex, Zoom), and standard productivity software (Microsoft Office).
• Able to handle privileged information in a confidential manner.
• Detail-oriented and skilled in the organization of complex projects.
• Professional in manner and attire.
• No professional license is required for candidates holding a research doctorate.

Nice To Haves

• Prior teaching experience at the graduate, professional, or health professions level is strongly preferred.
• Experience teaching in a DPM, MD, DO, DDS, or PA curriculum is especially desirable.
• Experience preparing students for a national licensing examination (APMLE, USMLE, COMLEX, or equivalent).
• Experience as a course director with responsibility for syllabus, assessment, and grading.
• Record of scholarly activity appropriate to rank, which may include peer-reviewed publication, educational scholarship, conference presentation, or funded research.
• Additional certifications may be required depending on the nature of the instructional assignment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as course director and primary instructor for assigned basic science courses.
• Develop and maintain syllabi, learning objectives, instructional materials, laboratory exercises, and student assessments aligned with program objectives, CPME standards, and the APMLE Part I content outline.
• Select and use situation-appropriate teaching methods, including lecture, discussion, laboratory sessions, case-based learning, audiovisual, online sessions, and live-streaming.
• Direct and teach laboratory sessions associated with assigned courses where the assignment includes a lab, and maintain laboratory safety and professionalism standards.
• Populate and manage the learning management system (Canvas) for assigned courses.
• Coordinate with other faculty to align basic science and clinical instruction and to support integration across the curriculum.
• Participate in APMLE Part I board preparation activities in the assigned content domain.
• Complete formative and summative evaluations of student performance according to University policy, and document deficiencies in writing in a timely manner.
• Advise students on academic and professional issues and inquiries.
• Provide review sessions, remediation, and individual academic coaching in the assigned discipline.
• Communicate repetitive student performance concerns to the chair of the PPGR committee and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
• Respond to student voice or e-mail messages within 48 hours.
• Serve on CPM and SMU committees as assigned, including curriculum, admissions, APMLE board preparation, and accreditation-related committees.
• Attend CPM and SMU meetings and participate in shared governance.
• Support CPM admissions activities including applicant interviews and recruiting events.
• Attend University events and ceremonies as required (e.g., commencement, Professional Enrichment Day, Faculty Organization meetings).
• Meet or exceed the scholarship expectations for the faculty rank as defined in the Faculty/Staff Handbook.
• Actively participate in course and curriculum development and CPME accreditation activities.
• Arrive to classes and laboratory sessions punctually.
• Notify the CPM Academic Office regarding illness or unavoidable absence in advance of scheduled sessions.
• Other duties as assigned by the CPM Dean.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Education reimbursement
• Employee discounts through Marketplace
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Nine paid holidays, plus a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Two floating holidays
• One paid Volunteer Work Day
• Five Education Leave Days

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree