CPM Pre-clinical Science Faculty

Samuel Merritt University; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Mental health resources

Education reimbursement

Paid vacation and holidays

Volunteer day

Educational leave days

Nine paid holidays

Job summary

Samuel Merritt University invites applications for a faculty position in the College of Podiatric Medicine in Oakland, CA. The role emphasizes teaching both didactic and laboratory courses, curriculum development, and active engagement in board preparation activities.

The successful candidate will direct courses, manage syllabi and assessments, coordinate with colleagues, and support student advising while contributing to scholarly activities in the teaching discipline.

Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree in a biomedical teaching discipline.
• Graduate-level or postdoctoral training in the teaching field.
• Prior graduate/professional teaching experience preferred.
• Experience with national licensing exam prep preferred.
• Course director experience with syllabus, assessment, and grading preferred.
• Scholarly activity relevant to rank may include publications or presentations.
• Additional certifications may be required depending on assignment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as course director and primary instructor for basic science courses.
• Develop and maintain syllabi, objectives, materials, labs, and assessments.
• Use diverse teaching methods: lectures, labs, case-based learning, online sessions.
• Direct and teach laboratory sessions and uphold safety standards.
• Populate Canvas for assigned courses and manage LMS materials.
• Coordinate with faculty to align basic science and clinical instruction.
• Participate in APMLE Part I board preparation activities.
• Complete evaluations and document deficiencies in writing.

Skills

Content expertise in basic sciences

Lecture and lab teaching

Canvas LMS proficiency

Curriculum development

Assessment design

Effective communication

DEI commitment

Education

Doctoral degree in teaching discipline or related biomedical field

Graduate/postdoctoral training

Prior teaching in graduate/health professions

Experience with licensing exams (APMLE/USMLE/COMLEX)

Course director experience (syllabus/assessment/grading)

Scholarly activity related to teaching

Professional licenses/certifications as required

Tools

Canvas

WebEx/Zoom

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description:

Job Description Summary: 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 and laboratory settings. Instructional duties include planning courses and curricula, didactic and laboratory 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 scholarly activities in the teaching specialty as defined in the Faculty/Staff Handbook.

• Human Anatomy
• Lower Extremity Anatomy
• Embryology
• Integrated Cell and Tissue Biology
• Biochemistry
• Physiology
• Medical Microbiology
• Immunology
• Medical Genetics
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience

Duties and Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Teaching (Didactic and Laboratory Instruction - 70%)

• Serve as course director and primary instructor for assigned basic science courses.
• Develop and maintain syllabi, learning objectives, instructional materials, laboratory exercises, and student assessments aligned with program objectives, CPME standards, and the APMLE Part I content outline.
• Select and use situation-appropriate teaching methods, including lecture, discussion, laboratory sessions, case-based learning, audiovisual, online sessions, and live-streaming.
• Direct and teach laboratory sessions associated with assigned courses where the assignment includes a lab, and maintain laboratory safety and professionalism standards.
• Populate and manage the learning management system (Canvas) for assigned courses.
• Coordinate with other faculty to align basic science and clinical instruction and to support integration across the curriculum.
• Participate in APMLE Part I board preparation activities in the assigned content domain.
• Complete formative and summative evaluations of student performance according to University policy, and document deficiencies in writing in a timely manner.

Academic Advising and Student Support (20%)

• Advise students on academic and professional issues and inquiries.
• Provide review sessions, remediation, and individual academic coaching in the assigned discipline.
• Communicate repetitive student performance concerns to the chair of the PPGR committee and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
• Respond to student voice or e‑mail messages within 48 hours.

Service and Scholarship (10%)

• 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).
• Meet or exceed the scholarship expectations for the faculty rank as defined in the Faculty/Staff Handbook.
• Actively participate in course and curriculum development and CPME accreditation activities.
• Arrive to classes and laboratory sessions punctually. Notify the CPM Academic Office regarding illness or unavoidable absence in advance of scheduled sessions.
• Other duties as assigned by the CPM Dean.

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MBBS, DO, DPM, EdD, or equivalent) in the teaching discipline or a closely related biomedical field.
• Graduate‑level training, postdoctoral training, residency, or fellowship in the teaching discipline.
• Prior teaching experience at the graduate, professional, or health professions level is strongly preferred. Experience teaching in a DPM, MD, DO, DDS, or PA curriculum is especially desirable.
• Preferred: experience preparing students for a national licensing examination (APMLE, USMLE, COMLEX, or equivalent).
• Preferred: experience as a course director with responsibility for syllabus, assessment, and grading.
• Preferred: record of scholarly activity appropriate to rank, which may include peer‑reviewed publication, educational scholarship, conference presentation, or funded research.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• No professional license is required for candidates holding a research doctorate.
• Additional certifications may be required depending on the nature of the instructional assignment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Content expertise in one or more of the basic science disciplines taught in the CPM curriculum.
• Ability to teach basic science content to professional doctoral students, including lecture, laboratory, and case‑based formats.
• Ability to direct a course end‑to‑end: syllabus, learning objectives, instructional materials, assessments, grading, and course evaluation.
• Skill in assessment writing, including multiple‑choice items in national board format, and use of performance data to revise instruction.
• Ability to identify academically at‑risk students early and provide remediation and academic coaching.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish positive rapport with students, faculty, and staff.
• 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, board review sessions, commencement).

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.

Mental/Physical Requirements:

This position will be performed in an office, classroom, laboratory, etc. setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person, video and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers.

In addition to, but not limited to:

• Able to stand, walk, and move around classroom and laboratory environments for extended periods while instructing students.
• Able to sit for extended periods while teaching didactic sessions, preparing materials, and reviewing student work.
• Able to use hands and fingers to handle laboratory specimens, instruments, models, and audiovisual equipment.
• Able to work in an anatomy laboratory environment where the assignment includes anatomy instruction.
• Able to lift up to 30 pounds and push and pull carts containing equipment, models, or supplies.
• Able to move between classrooms, laboratories, and offices 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.

Employee Status:

Regular

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Range:

Up to $106,000 [annually/exempt], depending on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant factors.

Organization:

At Samuel Merritt University (SMU), we are dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community committed to advancing healthcare through exceptional education, compassionate care, and community service. Known for our leading‑edge programs in health sciences, SMU equips students and faculty with the knowledge and skills to make impactful contributions to health and wellness.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. SMU welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where anyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

Samuel 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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental health and wellness resources
• Education reimbursement
• Employee discounts through Marketplace
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave
• Nine paid holidays, plus a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s Day
• Two floating holidays
• One paid Volunteer Work Day
• Five Education Leave Days