Chair of Biomedical Sciences

Benedictine College; Atchison (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Benedictine College is looking for a preclinical faculty member for the School of Osteopathic Medicine, focusing on administrative leadership in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. The role includes significant responsibilities in teaching, research, and curriculum management.

The successful candidate will have a terminal degree and at least 5 years of academic leadership experience in a medical education setting. A collaborative approach and an ability to work with faculty to ensure academic integrity and quality are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years full-time experience in teaching and medical education leadership.
• Experience in oversight, management, and evaluation of faculty and staff.
• Good standing status with regulatory boards.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with SOM leadership and faculty to build preclinical curriculum.
• Manage the Department of Biomedical Sciences budget effectively.
• Teach in area of expertise within the SOM curriculum.

Skills

Teaching and academic leadership

Research and scholarly activity

Collaboration and teamwork

Budget management

Curriculum development

Education

Terminal degree (DO, MD, PhD, EdD)

Job description

Department: School of Osteopathic Medicine

Entity: Benedictine College

Reports to: Associate Dean of Pre-Clinical Curriculum

Employment Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

This position is for a preclinical faculty member whose FTE will focus primarily on administrative leadership of the Department of Biomedical Sciences.

The role is structured as an academic leadership appointment with an expected distribution of effort across administration, teaching, scholarship, and service based on FTE allocation at the time of hire.

It will also include additional work in teaching, research and scholarly activity, and institutional service, with the expectation that administrative responsibilities represent the primary portion of effort.

The Chair of Biomedical Sciences works with faculty and SOM leaders to create and implement policies and procedures for the Department of Biomedical Sciences, integrating foundational biomedical science disciplines within a framework of osteopathic principles and practices and Catholic bioethics to train and form SOM students for the application of basic science to the clinical setting.

This position also requires oversight of recruiting, hiring, management, and evaluation of biomedical science faculty, as well as participation in teaching, research and scholarly activity, and committee service within the SOM.

Faculty Appointment and Rank

This position will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor within the School of Osteopathic Medicine, based on qualifications and experience.

Tenure is not awarded upon hire but will be available in accordance with the SOM Promotion and Tenure Policy.

Requirements

Job Responsibilities

Administrative Duties

1. Collaborate with SOM leadership, the Chair of Clinical Sciences, Associate Dean OMM, Simulation Director, and pre-clinical faculty to build a mission‑aligned osteopathic preclinical curriculum that prepares students for the clinical years.
2. Collaborate with Chair of Clinical Sciences to create a cohesive and unified preclinical faculty approach to teaching, mentorship, and academic excellence.
3. Collaborate with other Associate and Assistant Deans, leaders, and staff to ensure efficient and effective operations and curriculum delivery.
4. Develop interprofessional collaborative experiences with leaders and faculty from other health science programs and departments to advance interprofessional education and practice initiatives.
5. Ensure mission alignment and achievement of SOM strategic goals.
6. Work with the Associate Dean of Preclinical Curriculum and SOM Dean to determine the individual biomedical science faculty position FTE contributions to research and scholarly activity, service, teaching and administrative duties according to the needs of the SOM.
7. Develop and implement an annual faculty evaluation process to support faculty development, promotion, and performance improvement.
8. Provide evaluation data and recommendations to the Associate Dean of Preclinical Curriculum and Dean regarding faculty development, promotion, recognition, and corrective action when appropriate.
9. Plan, develop, and manage the Department of Biomedical Sciences budget in collaboration with the Associate Dean of Preclinical Curriculum and SOM Dean to ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining academic quality.
10. Oversee and manage administrative staff supporting preclinical courses, where applicable.

Teaching Responsibilities

1. Provide lectures in area of expertise and facilitate interactive group discussions based on mutually agreed‑upon teaching load and availability.
2. Maintain an active teaching presence within the SOM curriculum consistent with faculty FTE allocation.

Research and Scholarly Activity

1. Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Research, Associate Dean of Medical Education, and Assistant Dean of Learning Outcomes to identify and support publishable work related to curricular design, outcomes, and educational innovation.
2. Maintain an active program of scholarly activity aligned with institutional expectations for faculty leadership roles.

Service

1. Participate in applicable committees, including but not limited to Admissions and Curriculum Committees.
2. Collaborate with Associate Dean of Preclinical Curriculum and SOM leadership regarding faculty mentorship programming and scheduling.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Terminal degree (DO, MD, PhD, EdD)
2. Minimum of 5 years full‑time, uninterrupted experience in teaching and academic leadership in a medical education setting
3. Demonstrated experience and productivity in medical education, research/scholarly activity, and professional service
4. Demonstrated experience in oversight, management, and evaluation of faculty and staff
5. Good standing status with regulatory and governmental boards and agencies
6. Eligible for SOM malpractice insurance, if applicable

Licensure/Certification

1. Active, unrestricted medical license (MD, DO)
2. Current AOA or ABMS Board Certification (MD, DO)

EOE