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

The Principal Faculty/Assistant Professor of Physician Associate Studies will provide high quality instruction in clinical and didactic areas serving as Course Director and teaching within their own expertise. This position requires the evaluation of student performance, including written-assignments, exams, research projects, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), and lab practicals. The Principal Faculty/Assistant Professor of Physician Associate Studies will engage in academic advising, offer remedial instruction when necessary, and support the ongoing development and coordination of didactic courses in alignment with ARC-PA standards.

This position will also assist the Director of Didactic Education in designing, implementing, evaluating, and managing the curriculum, ensuring full compliance with accreditation standards. The Principal Faculty/Assistant Professor of Physician Associate Studies will also be involved in continuous program evaluation and accreditation activities. The position may involve additional duties as assigned by the Director of Didactic Education, Director of Clinical Education, Program Director, and/or Dean of the School of Health Sciences.

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

A master's degree from an ARC-PA accredited program or a doctoral degree (M.D. or D.O.) from an accredited medical school is required along with at least three years of clinical experience, must also have current NCCPA certification, PA licensure or eligibility for PA licensure in CA. M.D or D.O candidates must have a minimum of five years of clinical experience along with 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. Prior higher education experience (in a Physician Assistant program for PA applicants) is preferred.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Teaching & Curriculum Development (50%)

• Provides high-quality student instruction and teaches in areas of expertise.
• Coordinates instruction (i.e. serves as Course Director) within designated courses.
• 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.
• Collaborates with Program Director and other Principal Faculty to develop, review, and revise the mission statement, goals, and competencies of the program as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Student Support & Admissions (20%)

• Engages in academic advising of students.
• Provides remedial instruction as needed.
• Participates in the PA program's admission 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Accreditation, Faculty Development & Collaboration (20%)

• Assists the PA program and KGI with the process of maintaining provisional accreditation.
• Participates in ongoing accreditation activities, as well as continuous programmatic and curricular evaluation.
• Engages in faculty development activities through ongoing clinical practice and/or continuing education in order to remain aware of issues impacting PA education and clinical practice.
• Fosters academic and clinical collaborations with other programs in the School of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, and, Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Scholarship, Service & Other Duties (10%)

• Engages in active scholarship and service.
• Serves in appropriate committees in the School of Health Sciences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in clinical practice relevant to Physician Associate (PA) education.
• Ability to coordinate and direct courses, ensuring alignment with programmatic goals and accreditation standards.
• Understanding of ARC-PA accreditation standards and ability to ensure curriculum compliance.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty and administration in the development and evaluation of program goals, mission and competencies.
• Strong academic advising and mentorship skills to support student success.
• Experience with student admissions processes, including recruitment, application review, and candidate evaluation.
• Familiarity with PA program accreditation processes, including self-study preparation and compliance with ARC-PA standards.
• Engagement in scholarly activities, including research, presentations, and publications.
• Willingness to serve on institutional committees and contribute to program service needs.
• Available for occasional work on evenings and weekends, as event schedules may require.

Hours, Classification, and Status

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

The regular hours of this position are Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Hours may vary due to the needs of the College or department.

Salary range: $110,000 - $120,000 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.

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 of time. Standing for extended periods of time. Reaching and extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity 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, depending on business needs. 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