Faculty - Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies (MSPA) Program

Job Posting Title:

Part-Time Faculty, Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies (MSPA) Program

Job Description:

Overview

The part-time faculty member contributes to course development, instruction, and coordination within the MSPA Program. This individual brings clinical expertise and educational experience to support the program’s instructional mission while maintaining active professional or clinical practice. This is a part-time, non-tenure track faculty appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, with an expected effort of 0.2 to 0.5 FTE, based on a 40-hour work week. Effort and responsibilities are assigned commensurate with FTE and may vary by academic term depending on instructional, programmatic, and accreditation needs.

The Principal Faculty member collaborates with program leadership and fellow faculty in key areas including curriculum delivery, student assessment, admissions, accreditation support, and continuous program evaluation. Responsibilities are assigned commensurate with part-time appointment status and aligned with ARC-PA Standards for principal faculty participation.

The successful candidate shares the mission of Keck Graduate Institute and the MSPA Program and serves as an advocate for the Physician Associate profession. The Principal Faculty member reports to the Program Director and works closely with the Director of Didactic Education and other program faculty to support compliance with ARC-PA Standards and the delivery of a high-quality educational experience.

This position is well suited for clinicians and educators who wish to contribute to PA education while maintaining active clinical or professional practice.

Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) was founded in 1997 as the first higher education institution in the United States dedicated exclusively to education and research related to the applied life sciences. KGI offers innovative postgraduate degrees and certificates that integrate life and health sciences, business, pharmacy, engineering, and genetics, focusing on industry projects, hands-on industry experiences, and team collaborations. KGI employs an entrepreneurial approach and industry connections that allow students to become leaders in healthcare and the applied life sciences.

Located in beautiful Claremont, California, KGI is a member of the Claremont Colleges, a consortium of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and The Claremont Colleges Services, which provides shared institutional support services. Each nationally recognized college has its own campus, students and faculty, and distinctive mission, and each offers top-notch curricula, small classes, distinguished professors, and personalized instruction. The Claremont Colleges consistently place at the top of national college rankings, including Forbes, Money and U.S. News and World Report, and the Princeton Review.

Education and Experience

The successful candidate possesses a Master's Degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or a doctoral degree (M.D. or D.O.) from an accredited medical school. PA applicants should have at least 2 years of clinical experience; current NCCPA certification; and PA licensure or eligibility for PA licensure in California. M.D. or D.O. candidates must have a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience post-residency; current certification by an ABMS- or AOA-approved specialty board; and active licensure (or eligibility for licensure) as an allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic physician (D.O.) in the state of California. Exceptions to the above requirements may be made for individuals with exceptional promise as educators with professional development and engagement to pursue education as a primary goal. Prior higher education experience (in a Physician Associate/Assistant program for PA applicants)  is highly preferred but not required.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Provides high-quality instruction in areas of clinical expertise, consistent with assigned teaching load;
• Serves as Course Director for designated courses, as assigned;
• Develops and evaluates course materials, learning activities, and assessments in collaboration with program faculty;
• Assesses student performance using written assignments, examinations, OSCEs, laboratory practicals, and other evaluation methods;
• Participates in academic advising and provides student support and remediation as appropriate to assigned role.
• Collaborates with the Director of Didactic Education and program faculty to support the design, delivery, and evaluation of didactic coursework;
• Participates in ongoing accreditation-related activities, including data collection, assessment, and self-study processes, as assigned;
• Contributes to continuous program and curricular evaluation efforts to ensure compliance with ARC-PA Standards;
• Participates in periodic review of program mission, goals, and competencies in collaboration with program leadership and principal faculty.
• Participates in admissions-related activities, which may include applicant review, interviews, recruitment, and candidate evaluation;
• Supports clinical education through participation in clinical site development, monitoring, or evaluation activities, as assigned and appropriate to part-time appointment.
• Serves in appropriate committees in the MSPA Program and the School of Health Sciences;
• Maintains professional currency through clinical practice, continuing education, and engagement with the PA profession;
• Engages in scholarly and service activities consistent with rank and part-time appointment expectations;
• Serves on selected School of Health Sciences or MSPA Program committees, as assigned;
• Contributes to interprofessional collaboration across programs within the School of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, and Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences.
• Performs other duties consistent with the scope of a part-time principal faculty appointment as assigned by the Program Director, Director of Didactic Education, Director of Clinical Education, or Dean of the School of Health Sciences.

Part-time appointment status does not preclude designation as Principal Faculty if hired at 0.5 FTE, and responsibilities are structured to meet ARC-PA Standards for principal faculty participation. FTE status below 0.5 FTE will have a faculty appointment but not be considered as Principal Faculty in alignment with the ARC-PA Standards.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Individuals must possess knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential function of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions may be performed, with or without, reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team and collaboratively with other departments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing; possess the ability to listen to all points of view, build consensus, and inform others of policies and decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and present complex issues to diverse individuals and groups.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
• Experience working with a diverse campus community and possess a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Workload, Scheduling, and Flexibility

The MSPA Program recognizes that part-time faculty may maintain active clinical practice or other professional responsibilities. As such, this position offers flexibility in scheduling and workload distribution, consistent with assigned FTE and program needs.

Instructional, advising, committee, and programmatic responsibilities may be fulfilled through a combination of on-campus, hybrid, and remote engagement, as appropriate to the role and in alignment with institutional policies and ARC-PA Standards. However, part-time faculty should expect to be on campus for up to the expected hours commensurate with their FTE.

Teaching schedules, service assignments, and accreditation-related responsibilities are coordinated collaboratively with program leadership to support both faculty effectiveness and program continuity.

Hours, Classification, and Status

This is a Faculty, part-time, exempt position with an FTE of 0.2–0.5.

Teaching schedules will vary based on course assignments and the operational needs of the department or Institute.

The base salary range is $117,000–$143,000 annually, prorated based on FTE, with benefits eligibility based on the applicable FTE.

KGI offers a comprehensive compensation and benefit package. To learn more, visit https://services.claremont.edu/benefits-administration/

Physical and Mental Requirements
Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; attention to details with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans. Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods, standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.  Finger dexterity is required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than the whole hand(s), or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.  Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters.  Ability to hear within normal parameters.  Ability to bend and stoop, for example, to file.  Ability to move about.  Ability to lift and carry short distances up to 20 lbs., for example, to lift or move office supplies, files, books, and packages.  

To Apply

• A confidential review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please submit the following:

• A cover letter detailing your professional experience and qualifications

• A comprehensive curriculum vitae outlining academic and professional achievements

• Contact information for three professional references, including name, title, relationship to the applicant, email address, and direct phone number

• A statement of teaching philosophy

• A statement of research philosophy

• Preliminary budgetary requirements for research start-up, if applicable

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Keck Graduate Institute is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all terms and conditions of employment.

Employment Eligibility

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without employer sponsorship. No visa sponsorship is available from Keck Graduate Institute.

KGI is a participating employer in E-Verify and uses the system to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees as required by federal law. For more information about E-Verify, please visit www.e-verify.gov.