Job Abstract

The Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston is recruiting for a non-tenure track Open Rank Clinical Faculty - Assistant Dean for Foundational Sciences in the department of Biomedical Sciences.

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Associate Dean for Medical Education, the Assistant Dean for Foundational Sciences is responsible for spearheading the development, integration, and delivery of an integrated four-year curriculum of biomedical and health systems sciences; works collaboratively with course directors, biomedical, clinical science, and health systems sciences faculty, and institutional leadership to ensure the highest standards of educational excellence; and assures medical student achievement of appropriate competencies.

Key Responsibilities:

0.5 FTE – Assistant Dean for Foundational Sciences

1. Vertical and Horizontal Integration: Collaborate with faculty across different courses and disciplines to ensure seamless integration of content vertically across the curriculum and horizontally within specific courses, fostering interdisciplinary connections and reinforcing key concepts.
2. Develop and Deliver Evidence-Based Pedagogy: Utilize and ensure best practices in medical education to develop and deliver innovative and evidence-based teaching strategies, ensuring that the curriculum reflects contemporary medical knowledge and pedagogical advancements.
3. Facilitate Learner-Centered Experiences: Design and implement educational experiences that prioritize active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, engaging students in meaningful ways that promote deep understanding and application of knowledge.
4. Preparation for Clinical Practice: Develop curricular components and related competencies that bridge foundational science knowledge with clinical application, emphasizing the development of clinical reasoning, communication skills, and professionalism.
5. Evidence-Based Assessment of Learner Achievement: Contribute to the development and implementation of robust assessment methodologies to evaluate learner achievement, using data-driven insights to inform curricular enhancements and optimize student learning outcomes, including following the progress of students throughout the curriculum based on assessments.
6. Curriculum Outcome Achievement: Work closely with faculty and stakeholders to define and assess curriculum outcomes, monitoring progress and making adjustments as necessary to ensure alignment with institutional goals and accreditation standards.
7. Program Evaluation and Assessment: Participate in ongoing program evaluation and assessment activities, collecting and analyzing data to inform continuous improvement efforts and ensure the effectiveness of educational interventions.
8. Ensure Success on External Outcome Measures: Implement strategies to support student preparation and success on external assessments, including licensure exams, tracking student performance and implementing targeted interventions as needed.
9. Academic Advising and Tutoring: In collaboration with the offices of student affairs and medical education, provide guidance and support to students through academic advising and tutoring initiatives, helping them navigate the curriculum, identify learning needs, and achieve their academic goals.
10. Remediation: Assist in developing remediation plans and alternate pathways for students who are not progressing as intended in the curriculum.

0.5 FTE – Activities in the Department of Biomedical Sciences

1. Develop and teach integrated biomedical content (discipline to be determined by applicant’s expertise) to undergraduate medical students, utilizing traditional, interactive, and active learning/flipped modalities.
2. Develop both formative and summative assessments for integrated biomedical sciences content.
3. Participate in accreditation activities.
4. Supervise student scholarly projects and serve as an advisor to medical students.
5. Participate in the interview and selection process of College of Medicine (COM) faculty and students.
6. Produce scholarly works
7. Service on College of Medicine and University committees
8. Other duties as assigned
   
   

FTE: 1.0 total

Reports To: Associate Dean for Medical Education

Salary and rank commensurate with background and experience.

The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and recognizes protected classes of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, religion, age (40 and above), national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, and gender expression as required by federal law. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in a relevant field (MD, DO, PhD) with a strong background in medical education or a related discipline.
• Previous experience in medical education leadership or curriculum development preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in evidence-based pedagogy and curriculum design, with a track record of implementing innovative educational initiatives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders and foster a culture of educational excellence.
• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data-driven decision-making, with the ability to utilize assessment data to drive continuous improvement.
• Experience in supporting learners from a wide array of backgrounds in medical education and the ability to promote a positive learning environment that values and respects all students and faculty members.