Associate Program Director, Assistant or Associate Professor, Tenure-Track, Physician Assistant Studies

Midwestern University's College of Health Sciences, Downers Grove, Illinois, invites applications for the position of Associate Program Director and Assistant or Associate Professor, Physician Assistant Studies. The Associate Program Director works under the direction of the Program Director to provide leadership and oversight for the PA Program's didactic curriculum, assessment processes, and continuous quality improvement efforts, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards. This role collaborates closely with the faculty to evaluate and strengthen curriculum and student assessment, mentor faculty, coordinate key academic processes, and support accreditation and self-study activities. The Associate Program Director also provides administrative leadership in the Program Director's absence and represents the program at institutional and professional meetings as appropriate.

This faculty member is expected to demonstrate high standards in teaching excellence, clinical experiences, service, and research productivity. The position reports directly to the Program Director. This is a 12-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty appointment. Academic rank is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Associate Program Director Responsibilities:

• Assume the duties of Acting Director in the absence of the Program Director.
• Organize and moderate faculty meetings in the absence of the Program Director.
• Conduct an annual overview of the curriculum to ensure it aligns with the current PANCE blueprint.
• Make recommendations for curriculum change to the PA Program Director and the PA Education Committee as needed.
• Oversee the mid-year and summative examinations.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of ongoing/future assessments. Provide oversight and monitoring of the program's assessment and evaluation processes. Work with course coordinators to assess the performance of implemented assessments.
• Mentor faculty in the development of formative and summative assessments.
• Review course syllabi and objectives on a quarterly basis.
• Review course textbooks. Review recommendations for changes in textbooks recommended for all PA courses.
• Review and approve quarterly block schedules.
• Conduct orientation to block schedules with didactic year students at Program Meetings.
• Review and provide guidance on the clinical-year curriculum in partnership with the Medical Director and Director(s) of Clinical Education.
• Represent the PA program at administrative meetings as deemed appropriate by the Program Director.
• Represent the Midwestern University PA program at national AAPA and PAEA conferences as deemed necessary by the Program Director.
• Assist the Program Director in performing an annual review and update of the MWU Catalog and the Clinical Year Handbook.
• Assist in the Program's self-study and accreditation process, ensuring that accreditation standards related to the Program curriculum are appropriately addressed, and assist in compiling and completing documentation for the accreditation process.
• Work, communicate, and collaborate effectively with faculty and staff.

Faculty Responsibilities:

• Lecture in areas of expertise/interest/need within the PA curriculum.
• Teach in small group settings to enhance students' clinical reasoning and professional development.
• Assist in the construction, grading, and analysis of assessments used to evaluate students' knowledge, skills and attitudes.
• Develop, organize, and implement curricula as a Course Director.
• Assist in student advising and mentoring.
• Develop and publish scholarly work that enhances knowledge in areas that are consistent with the needs of the Program and/or the Profession.
• Serve on Program, College and/or University committees to support various needs or projects within the University.

Requirements:

• Graduate-level degree in physician assistant studies. Doctoral degree in a related field preferred.
• Current NCCPA certification and current or eligible for an Illinois PA license.
• Must have 3 years of full time experience in PA education.
• Experience in academia, clinical practice, and a record of scholarly activity is preferred
• Demonstrated abilities in teaching, service, and mentorship.

Compensation:

$133,000 - $138,000

The salary and benefits are commensurate with experience. Review of applications will begin September 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Please submit your application packet through MWU's online job board at www.midwestern.eduYour online application should include:

• Cover letter (upload as an attachment)
• CV (upload as an attachment)

Questions should be directed to: Dr. Don Martinez, Program Director for Physician Assistant Studies. [redacted], [redacted]