Description

At the University of Pikeville and Tanner College of Dental Medicine (TCDM), innovation and excellence drive our approach to preparing the next generation of health professionals. The TCDM invites applications for the full-time faculty appointment in General Pathology/Physiology at the rank of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor, commensurate with experience and qualifications. We seek a dynamic, collaborative educator-scholar with expertise in pathology, physiology, and related biomedical sciences to contribute to a highly integrated, accelerated 3-year DMD curriculum.  The successful candidate will teach across foundational and systems-based biomedical sciences while supporting integration with clinical education and patient care.

The General Pathology/Physiology position is based primarily in the Department of Oral Health Science, and includes opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching and collaboration across programs in TCDM as needed.

Program Overview:

TCDM’s curriculum is:

• Accelerated (3-year) and competency-based
• Built on integrated, systems-based biomedical sciences
• Designed to link foundational science with oral diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making

Faculty are expected to teach across disciplines and contribute to a curriculum that emphasizes clinical relevance, critical thinking, and oral-systemic health integration.

Responsibilities: 

Teaching & Curriculum Development 

Develop content and deliver teaching to predoctoral dental students or other health profession education students utilizing active learning and innovative technologies, in the following areas:

• General and oral pathology
• Physiology and pathophysiology
• Integrated systems-based biomedical sciences (e.g., endocrine, GI, musculoskeletal, hematologic systems)

Contribute to key courses such as:

• Foundations of Biomedical Science
• Integrated Systems-Based Biomedical Sciences
• Oral Pathology and Integration courses
• Design, develop, integrate, and assess curriculum in alignment with CODA Standards.
  Incorporate innovative teaching, including integrated case-based methodology, digital tools, and active student-directed learning activities to ensure students gain a comprehensive understanding of general pathology.

Deliver instruction through:

• Didactic lectures
• Case-based and small-group learning
• Student-directed learning (SDL)
• Incorporating clinical correlations and oral-systemic relationships into teaching
• Integration with Clinical Education

Student Engagement and Mentorship 

• Active engagement with students through mentoring and academic advising, with a focus on supporting their professional development.
• Foster a supportive learning environment that promotes student success and provide guidance in research and scholarly activities when appropriate.

Interprofessional Collaboration and Service

• Collaborate with colleagues across dental and other health profession programs within the university to advance interprofessional education.
• Serve on committees, school initiatives, community outreach, and professional service, contributing to the growth and reputation of the institution.

Research and Scholarship

• Contribute to scholarly activity through research, publications, and conference presentations.
• Pursue opportunities for collaborative projects and external funding and to support the school’s mission by engaging in scholarly work that advances dental and health sciences education.

Requirements:

• Terminal degree (Ph.D., D.Sc., D.M.D., D.D.S., D.O., M.D., D.H.Ed., or equivalent) in Pathology, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Experience in health professions education in an academic setting at a doctoral level is preferred.
• Experience in any/all of the following is preferred:
  • Integrated or systems-based curricula
  • Case-based or small-group learning
  • Ability to teach across multiple biomedical disciplines
  • Experience with competency-based education and educational technologies
  • Clinical background (DDS/DMD or MD) preferred but not required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Deliver high-quality instruction in general pathology/physiology as applicable to predoctoral dental students, or other health profession education students, and other students as assigned.
• Participate in curriculum design, development, integration, and assessment in alignment with Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards and other accrediting bodies.
• Utilize innovative teaching methods, including active learning, small-group instruction, case-based learning, and digital resources.
• Integrate artificial intelligence (AI) tools and methodologies into health education to enhance teaching, simulation, clinical decision-making, assessment, and student engagement while promoting responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies.
• Engage in student mentoring, academic advising, and professional development activities.
• Collaborate with faculty across basic, clinical, and behavioral sciences to promote an interprofessional and integrated learning environment.
• Actively contribute to interprofessional education by working with other health profession programs within the university (e.g., medicine, optometry, nursing, and other health disciplines).
• Contribute to scholarly activity, including research, publications, and presentations at regional, national, or international meetings.
• Participate in service to the school, university, community, and profession, including committee work and outreach initiatives.

The University of Pikeville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. UPIKE offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, telemedicine, long term disability, tuition waivers, a 403(b)-retirement plan, and HSA, FSA, & dependent care accounts. UPIKE also offers a generous holiday schedule and paid leave program.

Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please, specifically address the qualifications, competencies and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.

The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.

The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.

For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, copies of transcripts, and the contact information for three to five professional references.