Assistant Professor, Biomechanics

About the role

Job Description Summary: The position is a full-time regular faculty appointment responsible for biomechanics instruction across the didactic curriculum and the biomechanics clinical rotation, and for serving as the lead podiatrist in the Motion Analysis Research Center (MARC) with a strong emphasis on podiatric research within the MARC. The position is based at the SMU Oakland campus and is fully in-person. 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, laboratory, and clinical settings. Instructional duties include planning courses and curricula, didactic and clinical 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 relevant current clinical practice or scholarly activities in the teaching specialty as defined in the Faculty/Staff Handbook. Duties and Responsibilities: Biomechanics Teaching (Didactic and Rotation) Biomechanics Course Instruction - 40% Serve as course director and primary instructor for the CPM biomechanics course sequence. Develop and maintain instructional materials, lectures, lab exercises, case-based learning, and student assessments aligned with program objectives and CPME standards. Select and use situation-appropriate teaching methods for biomechanics content, including lecture, discussion, laboratory casting/gait workshops, audiovisual, online sessions, live-streaming, and clinical scenarios. Coordinate with other faculty to align theory and clinical instruction and to support integration across the curriculum. Populate and manage the learning management system (Canvas) for assigned courses. Participate in APMLE Part II board preparation activities in the biomechanics content domain. Biomechanics Clinical Rotation Instruction - 25% Serve as rotation instructor for the CPM biomechanics clinical rotation. Supervise students in rotation activities including gait evaluation, physical examination of the lower extremity, casting, orthotic fabrication and dispensing, and follow-up. Provide direct clinical rotation teaching at the chair-side and in the MARC. Complete formative and summative evaluations of student performance according to University policy, and document deficiencies in writing in a timely manner. Communicate repetitive student performance concerns to the chair of the PPGR committee and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Academic Advising and Student Support - 5% Advise students on academic and professional issues and inquiries, including career pathways in biomechanics and sports medicine. Respond to student voice or e-mail messages within 48 hours. Maintain licensure and certification required for the teaching assignment. Scholarship and Research (MARC-based) MARC Research Leadership - 20% Lead and participate in podiatric research projects conducted in the Motion Analysis Research Center, including gait analysis, orthotic outcomes, footwear research, and athletic performance studies. Develop research protocols, obtain IRB approvals, and coordinate data collection and analysis in collaboration with CPM faculty, SMU faculty, and external partners. Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, workshops, and invited commentary. Mentor DPM students and SMU learners in research projects conducted at the MARC. Pursue external funding opportunities (grants, sponsored research, industry partnerships) appropriate to the MARC research portfolio. Meet or exceed the scholarship expectations for the faculty rank as defined in the Faculty/Staff Handbook. Service and MARC Operations (MARC Lead Podiatrist) MARC Lead Podiatrist Duties - 5% Serve as the designated lead podiatrist for the Motion Analysis Research Center and function as the primary CPM point of contact for MARC operations, research partnerships, and clinical referrals. Coordinate scheduling of MARC-based teaching, research, and clinical sessions with other MARC stakeholders. Support the onboarding and training of students, staff, and visiting researchers in MARC protocols and equipment. Committee Assignments and University Service - 5% 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). Other Duties as Assigned Actively participate in