Academic and Clinical Faculty Optometry

University of Detroit Mercy; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Dental and vision options

Tuition remission

retirement plan

Job summary

University of Detroit Mercy invites applications for full-time faculty positions in the School of Optometry, with interests in primary care, ocular disease, contact lenses, or other specialties. The role emphasizes teaching, mentoring, and scholarship in a collaborative, student-centered environment.

Starting salary is $120,000 annually, with additional compensation commensurate with experience; faculty rank determined by qualifications.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE accredited institution.
• Completion of an ACOE accredited residency or 3 years of clinical experience.
• Prior teaching and/or research experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Shape the next generation of optometrists through engaging teaching and mentorship across didactic, lab, and clinical settings.
• Coordinate and improve courses, develop syllabi and assessments.
• Provide feedback to students to support development and professional growth.
• Supervise student interns in clinical training to foster competence.
• Engage in scholarly activity and professional dissemination.

Skills

Teaching and mentoring

Clinical instruction

Didactic teaching

Research experience

Communication skills

Education

Doctor of Optometry degree (ACOE accredited)

Job description

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Optometry invites applications for full-time faculty positions. We welcome a diverse group of applicants with interests in primary care, ocular disease, low vision, contact lenses, vision science, or other specialties who are passionate about teaching and mentoring future optometrists in a collaborative, student-centered, and community-focused environment.

Candidates may contribute to clinical instruction, didactic teaching, research, or a combination of these areas, depending on experience and professional interests. Faculty rank will be determined commensurate with qualifications and experience. Early career optometrists will find robust faculty mentorship, onboarding support, and professional development opportunities designed to foster long-term success in academic optometry.

The program is located in Novi, Michigan, a vibrant and welcoming suburban community in Metro Detroit. Novi offers excellent schools, diverse dining, abundant recreation, and affordable living relative to many major metropolitan areas. Its proximity to Detroit provides convenient access to world-class cultural institutions, professional sports, and a thriving healthcare and research ecosystem. Novi is consistently ranked among the top places to live in the United States.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Shape the next generation of optometrists through engaging, high-impact teaching and mentorship across didactic, laboratory, and clinical education settings, aligned with program needs and expertise.
• Participate in the delivery, coordination, and continuous improvement of courses, including development of syllabi, learning objectives, instructional materials, and assessments.
• Provide timely, constructive, and appropriate feedback to students to support academic and professional development.
• Participate in the clinical training and supervision of student interns, fostering clinical competence and professionalism.
• Engage in scholarly activity appropriate to assigned faculty rank and career goals, which may include educational scholarship, clinical research, or professional dissemination.
• Maintain active participation in local, state, and national optometric organizations, contributing to the profession and staying current with evolving standards of care.
• Actively participate in program, school, and university committees in support of the mission and goals of the School of Optometry.
• Foster supportive, professional, and collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, students, and clinical partners.
• Adopt and advance the mission and goals of the School of Optometry and the University.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the continued growth and success of the School of Optometry.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education – A Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE accredited institution.
• Experience – Completion of an ACOE accredited residency or 3 years of clinical experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior teaching and/or research experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Attention to detail and the ability to work with a team in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional organizational skills and an ability to meet deadlines in an efficient manner
• Computer proficiency, specifically with MS Office and aptitude to learn new computer applications
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to use independent judgment and maintain confidentiality

Physical Requirements

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping.

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Licenses/Certifications

Licensed and in good standing or eligible for optometry licensure in the state of Michigan.

Starting annual salary of $120,000, with higher compensation commensurate with experience.

Anticipated Schedule

The position is available immediately, with a start date as soon as possible or as mutually agreed upon. Faculty assignments determined by program needs, faculty experience, and professional interests

Benefits Summary

At the University of Detroit Mercy we continually strive to provide a high-quality, comprehensive benefits package to our valued employees. We offer our employees the following:

Medical

• Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network
• Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life
• Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents (dependents shall be as defined for Internal Revenue Service purposes).
• The fee for such services shall be waived for the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled adult and dependents, up to a cap of $3,000 per individual per calendar year. Beyond the $3,000 cap amount, employees will be responsible to pay 25% of any remaining fees for the balance of that year.

Vision

• Option to purchase additional vision plan through Heritage
• Vision benefits available at Detroit Mercy Eye Institute
  • $35 Comprehensive Eye Exam
  • Contact Lens Exam starting at $7o
  • 50% off Optical Frames
  • 25% off Sun Frames
  • 30% off Prescription Lenses
  • 20% off Prescription Contact Lenses
  • *Cannot be combined with insurance*

Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options

Employee Assistance Program

• Provided to everyone in your household

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

Life and AD&D

• One times base salary up to a hundred thousand dollars

Option to purchase additional life insurance, accident insurance, and/or critical illness insurance

Tuition Remission Benefit for you, your spouse, and children

Retirement Plan

• Employees have a choice of the following: Employees who contribute 3% shall receive an Employer contribution of 6%, and employees who contribute 4% in the plan shall receive an Employer contribution of 8%.

Michigan’s largest, most comprehensive private University, University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. Detroit Mercy seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University’s mission, diversity, and excellence of its academic community. University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Aff

Pay Range

Commensurate with experience

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