What are the responsibilities and job description for the Open Rank Instructional Professor - Health Profession Educator, Biomedical Sciences position at University of Houston?
Department: Vision Sciences Salary: Commensurate with experience
Description
The University of Houston College of Optometry, Department of Vision Sciences, invites applications for two open-rank, non-tenure track Health Professions Educators to serve as Instructional Assistant Associate, or Full Professors with expertise in teaching biomedical sciences. We seek dedicated faculty educators to teach foundational biomedical science courses—including human anatomy, physiology, general pathology, cellular biology, pharmacology, microbiology, and immunology—with relevance to the eye, visual system, and systemic health.
These faculty positions will primarily support the first two years of the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) curriculum, with a focus on integrating biomedical science content into applied clinical practice. Successful candidates will join a collaborative team of faculty educators, instructional designers, and program administrators committed to excellence in professional education and student success.
Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience.
Responsibilities
Teach biomedical science content for professional doctoral students in optometry.
Collaborate with other college faculty to improve content integration across the professional program curriculum.
Contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, and instructional innovation.
Mentor and support students, in preparation for national board examinations.
Participate in academic service and, as appropriate, scholarship of teaching and learning.
Qualifications
A doctoral degree in health professions education, or relevant biomedical science discipline (Ph.D., M.D., O.D., Pharm.D., or equivalent).
Demonstrated excellence in teaching biomedical sciences in a health professions program.
Experience with curriculum development and instructional design in a health professional program is preferred.
Commitment to fostering student success.
Application Process
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, applications should be received by February 15, 2026.
Required Application Materials
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Teaching Philosophy (1–2 pages)
Contact information for three references
Please Direct Inquiries To
Dr. Wendy Harrison, Faculty Search Committee Chair
Email: wwharris@central.uh.edu
Dr. Vallabh Das, Vision Sciences Department Chair
Email: vdas@central.uh.edu
The University of Houston College of Optometry is internationally recognized as a leader in optometric education, vision-related biomedical research, and community health service. For more information, please visit www.opt.uh.edu.
Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.
All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.
The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.
Description
The University of Houston College of Optometry, Department of Vision Sciences, invites applications for two open-rank, non-tenure track Health Professions Educators to serve as Instructional Assistant Associate, or Full Professors with expertise in teaching biomedical sciences. We seek dedicated faculty educators to teach foundational biomedical science courses—including human anatomy, physiology, general pathology, cellular biology, pharmacology, microbiology, and immunology—with relevance to the eye, visual system, and systemic health.
These faculty positions will primarily support the first two years of the Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) curriculum, with a focus on integrating biomedical science content into applied clinical practice. Successful candidates will join a collaborative team of faculty educators, instructional designers, and program administrators committed to excellence in professional education and student success.
Salary and rank will be commensurate with experience.
Responsibilities
Teach biomedical science content for professional doctoral students in optometry.
Collaborate with other college faculty to improve content integration across the professional program curriculum.
Contribute to curriculum development, program assessment, and instructional innovation.
Mentor and support students, in preparation for national board examinations.
Participate in academic service and, as appropriate, scholarship of teaching and learning.
Qualifications
A doctoral degree in health professions education, or relevant biomedical science discipline (Ph.D., M.D., O.D., Pharm.D., or equivalent).
Demonstrated excellence in teaching biomedical sciences in a health professions program.
Experience with curriculum development and instructional design in a health professional program is preferred.
Commitment to fostering student success.
Application Process
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, applications should be received by February 15, 2026.
Required Application Materials
Cover Letter
Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Teaching Philosophy (1–2 pages)
Contact information for three references
Please Direct Inquiries To
Dr. Wendy Harrison, Faculty Search Committee Chair
Email: wwharris@central.uh.edu
Dr. Vallabh Das, Vision Sciences Department Chair
Email: vdas@central.uh.edu
The University of Houston College of Optometry is internationally recognized as a leader in optometric education, vision-related biomedical research, and community health service. For more information, please visit www.opt.uh.edu.
Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.
All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.
The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.