Assistant Professor - Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Professor (Principal Faculty), Master of Science in Physician Associate Studies (MSPA) Program

Job Description:

Position Overview:

The full-time Principal Faculty member is responsible for course development, instruction, and coordination for the MSPA Program. This experienced clinician and educator joins the team as a non-tenure track at the rank of Assistant Professor. The Principal Faculty member is actively involved in multiple other facets of the program, including admissions, accreditation, and mission and programmatic review.

The successful candidate must share in the mission of KGI and the MSPA Program, as well as be a strong advocate for the PA profession. The Principal Faculty member reports directly to the Program Director and works collaboratively with the Director of Didactic Education and other PA Program faculty to ensure the program is in full compliance with ARC-PA Standards.

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 must also have a minimum of 3 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 5 years of clinical experience; 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) and experience in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within an organization are 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 student instruction and teaches in areas of clinical expertise;

• Coordinates instruction (i.e., serves as Course Director) within designated courses;

• Evaluates student performance (e.g., written assignments, examinations, research projects, objective structured clinical examinations [OSCEs], lab practicals);

• Engages in the academic advising of students;

• Provides remedial instruction as needed;

• Assists the Director of Didactic Education with the design, implementation, coordination, evaluation, and long-term management of didactic courses to ensure the curriculum is fully compliant with ARC-PA Standards;

• Participates in ongoing accreditation activities, as well as continuous programmatic and curricular evaluation;

• Collaborates with Program Director and other principal faculty to develop, review, and revise the mission statement, goals, and competencies of the program as necessary;

• Participates in the PA program’s admissions process, including student recruitment, review of applications, evaluation of candidates, and final selection for admission;

• Assists clinical site development and ongoing clinical site monitoring to ensure the quality and sufficiency of SCPEs;

• Engages in faculty development activities through ongoing clinical practice and/or continuous education in order to remain aware of issues impacting Physician Associate/Assistant education and clinical practice;

• Fosters academic and clinical collaborations with other programs in the School of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, and the Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences;

• Engages in active scholarship and service;

• Serves in appropriate committees in the School of Health Sciences;

• Performs other duties as determined by the Director of Didactic Education, Director of Clinical Education, Program Director, and/or the Dean of the School of Health Sciences.

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.

Hours, Classification, and Status: 

This is a Faculty, full-time, benefits-eligible, exempt position.

Typical working hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; however, teaching schedules will vary based on course assignments and the operational needs of the department or Institute.

Salary range: $117,000 - $143,000 annualized. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. Placement within the range is also contingent upon the academic rank of appointment, based on years of faculty experience, with the upper end of the range reserved for those appointed at the full professor rank.

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.

Ability to travel locally as needed to meet business requirements, which may include driving or other modes of transportation. Occasionally, will be required to stand for prolonged periods of time at activities/events on and off-campus.

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.