Assistant Professor of Biomechanics

Description:
 

Job Description Summary:
 

The position is a full-time regular faculty appointment responsible for biomechanics instruction across the didactic curriculum and the biomechanics clinical rotation, and for serving as the lead podiatrist in the Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC) with a strong emphasis on podiatric research within the MARC. The position is based at the SMU Oakland campus and is fully in-person.

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, laboratory, and clinical settings. Instructional duties include planning courses and curricula, didactic and clinical 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 relevant current clinical practice or scholarly activities in the teaching specialty as defined in the Faculty/Staff Handbook.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Biomechanics Teaching (Didactic and Rotation)

Biomechanics Course Instruction - 40%

• Serve as course director and primary instructor for the CPM biomechanics course sequence.
• Develop and maintain instructional materials, lectures, lab exercises, case-based learning, and student assessments aligned with program objectives and CPME standards.
• Select and use situation-appropriate teaching methods for biomechanics content, including lecture, discussion, laboratory casting/gait workshops, audiovisual, online sessions, live-streaming, and clinical scenarios.
• Coordinate with other faculty to align theory and clinical instruction and to support integration across the curriculum.
• Populate and manage the learning management system (Canvas) for assigned courses.
• Participate in APMLE Part II board preparation activities in the biomechanics content domain.

Biomechanics Clinical Rotation Instruction - 25%

• Serve as rotation instructor for the CPM biomechanics clinical rotation.
• Supervise students in rotation activities including gait evaluation, physical examination of the lower extremity, casting, orthotic fabrication and dispensing, and follow-up.
• Provide direct clinical rotation teaching at the chair-side and in the MARC.
• Complete formative and summative evaluations of student performance according to University policy, and document deficiencies in writing in a timely manner.
• Communicate repetitive student performance concerns to the chair of the PPGR committee and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Academic Advising and Student Support - 5%

• Advise students on academic and professional issues and inquiries, including career pathways in biomechanics and sports medicine.
• Respond to student voice or e-mail messages within 48 hours.
• Maintain licensure and certification required for the teaching assignment.

Scholarship and Research (MARC-based)

MARC Research Leadership - 20%

• Lead and participate in podiatric research projects conducted in the Motion Analysis Research Center, including gait analysis, orthotic outcomes, footwear research, and athletic performance studies.
• Develop research protocols, obtain IRB approvals, and coordinate data collection and analysis in collaboration with CPM faculty, SMU faculty, and external partners.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, workshops, and invited commentary.
• Mentor DPM students and SMU learners in research projects conducted at the MARC.
• Pursue external funding opportunities (grants, sponsored research, industry partnerships) appropriate to the MARC research portfolio.
• Meet or exceed the scholarship expectations for the faculty rank as defined in the Faculty/Staff Handbook.

Service and MARC Operations (MARC Lead Podiatrist)

MARC Lead Podiatrist Duties - 5%

• Serve as the designated lead podiatrist for the Motion Analysis Research Center and function as the primary CPM point of contact for MARC operations, research partnerships, and clinical referrals.
• Coordinate scheduling of MARC-based teaching, research, and clinical sessions with other MARC stakeholders.
• Support the onboarding and training of students, staff, and visiting researchers in MARC protocols and equipment.

Committee Assignments and University Service - 5%

• 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).

Other Duties as Assigned

• Actively participate in course and curriculum development and CPME accreditation activities.
• Arrive to classes and clinical rotations punctually. Notify the CPM Academic Office regarding illness or unavoidable absence in advance of course or rotation sessions.
• Other duties as assigned by the CPM Dean.

Skills and Abilities:

• Content expertise in lower-extremity biomechanics, gait analysis, orthotic therapy, and sports medicine.
• Ability to teach biomechanics didactically to professional doctoral (DPM) students, including lecture, laboratory, and case-based formats.
• Ability to supervise students in a biomechanics clinical rotation, including gait evaluation, casting, orthotic fabrication, and patient care.
• Working familiarity with motion analysis technology, force plates, pressure mapping, video gait analysis, and related MARC instrumentation.
• Experience designing and conducting clinical or translational research, including protocol development, data collection, and dissemination.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish positive rapport with students, faculty, staff, community partners, and external collaborators.
• 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.
• Available for occasional weekend and evening events (e.g., admissions events, commencement, research partner events).

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience:

• Earned doctoral degree in podiatric medicine (DPM) from a CPME-accredited college of podiatric medicine.
• Completion of a CPME-accredited podiatric medical and surgical residency; additional fellowship or focused training in biomechanics, sports medicine, or motion analysis is preferred.
• Current, unrestricted California podiatric license (DPM) required, or ability to obtain prior to start date.
• Board certification or board qualification in an ABPM or ABFAS specialty preferred.
• Prior academic teaching experience at the DPM or allied health level is strongly preferred; teaching experience in biomechanics, orthotics, or sports medicine is especially desirable.
• Prior research experience in biomechanics, gait, orthotics, or sports medicine is strongly preferred, including peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation, or funded research activity.
• Three or more years of clinical experience post-residency is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to stand, walk, and move around a clinical or laboratory environment for extended periods while instructing students and attending to patients or research subjects.
• Able to sit for extended periods while teaching didactic sessions, reviewing student work, or conducting research analysis.
• Able to use hands and fingers to handle instruments, palpate patients, cast and modify orthotics, and operate motion analysis equipment.
• Able to lift up to 30 pounds and push and pull carts containing equipment, instruments, or supplies.
• Able to move between classrooms, the MARC, and clinical spaces on the Oakland campus several times per day.
• Able to express and exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through verbal and written communication.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current, unrestricted California podiatric license (DPM).
• Additional clinical certifications may be required depending on the nature of the instructional assignment.

Work Environment:

Office Location: Oakland Campus – Onsite

• This is an onsite position based in Oakland, CA, requiring regular in-office presence to support daily operations, collaboration, and student or team engagement.
• Work is performed primarily on campus in a dynamic academic environment, with direct interaction across multidisciplinary teams.

Employee Status:

Regular

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Job Shift:

Pay Range:

up to $180,000 (annual/exempt) based on experienceSamuel Merritt University currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements. Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.