Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Details Hours:
15 hours per week
Department:
College of Naturopathic Medicine Closing Date:
Open until filled
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Associate Dean of Biomedical Sciences provides leadership and support for foundational sciences across the ND and Chinese Medicine programs, and where applicable SUGS. Core responsibilities include oversight of biomedical sciences curriculum and ownership of designated biomedical sciences courses; leadership in the incorporation of Lecturio and other medical education technologies in support of the new curriculum rollout; subject-matter support for accreditation in biomedical sciences; NPLEX I and II board preparation oversight; and student and faculty support in conjunction with the Executive Dean. The role works in coordination with the Associate Dean of Chinese Medicine to support alignment across shared ND and CM foundational science content.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Curriculum Oversight & Development Maintain academic oversight of all Biomedical Sciences courses across all active curricula, covering approximately 27-31 courses per new program version. Lead the Year 1 foundational science sequence: Medical Physiology I-III, Clinical Biochemistry I-II, Clinical Anatomy I-III (with labs), Pathology I-III (new curricula) or Foundations of Pathology (old curricula), Immunology, Microbiology, Medical Histology Lab, and Case-Based Biomedical Integration I-III. Oversee new course content in the NEW curricula, including Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Genetics, and Medical Ethics. Manage the Social Determinants of Health course (Year 1) and Social Determinants Workshops #1 and #2 (Years 2-3), and the EIP Seminar series (I-III) as a longitudinal evidence literacy thread. Coordinate NPLEX I preparation, ensuring foundational science curriculum maps to board examination content. Coordinate the CM/ND biomedical interface with the Associate Dean of Chinese Medicine on shared foundational science content. Science Curriculum Integration & Scaffolding Work closely with the Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences to ensure vertical integration — foundational science content should explicitly scaffold into clinical diagnosis, pathology, and systems-based clinical courses. Ensure the Case-Based Biomedical Integration series (I-III) effectively bridges basic and clinical sciences with meaningful horizontal integration across Year 1. Coordinate with the Associate Dean of Therapeutic Modalities on biochemistry and physiology content that underlies pharmacology, botanical medicine, and clinical nutrition. Faculty Management & Coordination Provide academic direction and first-line evaluation for biomedical sciences faculty. Submit faculty performance assessments to the Executive Dean for contracting and HR purposes. Conduct or oversee course evaluations and faculty peer reviews for biomedical sciences courses. Lead or co-lead Biomedical Sciences faculty meetings, including agenda development, communication of priorities, and follow-up on action items. Accreditation & Academic Affairs Draft Biomedical Sciences sections of accreditation self-studies; maintain required contact hours, learning outcomes, and NPLEX I and II alignment documentation. Participate in Curriculum Committee with particular responsibility for foundational science content decisions and pre-clinical curriculum sequencing. Student Affairs Serve as the primary point of contact for student concerns within the biomedical sciences domain. Escalate unresolved issues, academic standing decisions, or conduct matters to the Executive Dean, VP of Clinical Education, Innovation & Curriculum Strategy, and/or Provost as appropriate. Participate in ND admissions recruitment and interviews; create and maintain channels for student input on biomedical sciences curriculum. Key Course Areas Overseen Medical Physiology I-III Clinical Biochemistry I-II, Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry (NEW) Pathology I-III (NEW curricula) / Foundations of Pathology (OLD curricula) Clinical Anatomy I-III + Labs (all curricula) Medical Histology Lab, Case-Based Biomedical Integration I-III Immunology, Microbiology (all curricula) Medical Genetics, Medical Ethics (NEW curricula) Social Determinants of Health (Year 1 course, all curricula) + Workshops #1 & #2 Evidence Informed Practice / EIP Seminar Series
I-III NPLEX I & II
Biomedical Sciences Review
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Doctoral degree in a biomedical science discipline (PhD) or health professions doctoral degree (ND, MD, DO) with strong foundational science background; terminal degree in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, or related field strongly preferred. Minimum 5 years academic experience teaching or directing foundational science courses in a health professions program. Prior academic leadership experience (department chair, program director, or equivalent). Experience with NPLEX I or equivalent health professions board examination curriculum alignment. Demonstrated expertise in science curriculum design, pedagogical best practices, and competency-based assessment. Familiarity with integrated or case-based curriculum approaches; experience with biomedical-clinical integration preferred.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This in-person position will be based at our campus in Portland, Oregon.
