Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), located in the Willowbrook neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, stands as a beacon for health professions education and research. Founded in 1966 amid the Watts riots to address healthcare disparities in underserved communities, CDU has evolved into a vital institution focused on training diverse professionals in medicine, science, and public health. Named after Dr. Charles Richard Drew, the pioneering surgeon known for his work on blood plasma preservation during World War II, the university embodies a commitment to equity and excellence.
The university operates three colleges: the College of Medicine offering the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, the College of Science and Health with undergraduate and graduate programs in biomedical sciences, public health, and physician assistant studies, and the new College of Allied Health. With its mission-driven approach, CDU attracts job seekers passionate about urban health challenges, making it an ideal place for careers in higher ed jobs centered on community impact.
Jobs at Charles R. Drew University span faculty appointments, research roles, administrative positions, and clinical staff opportunities, all contributing to its goal of eliminating health inequities in South Los Angeles and beyond.
Established as a response to the 1965 Watts Rebellion, CDU was created to train physicians and health professionals for medically underserved areas. Over the decades, it has navigated challenges including a temporary closure in 2006 due to financial issues, reopening in 2017 with renewed vigor under new leadership. Today, CDU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and holds candidate status for its MD program from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
The university's mission—to develop a diversified health professionals workforce committed to eliminating health disparities—shapes every job role. Employees contribute to innovative programs like the Urban Health Diabetes Research Network and partnerships with Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, offering hands-on clinical training. This historical context makes working at CDU rewarding for those seeking meaningful research jobs and teaching positions.
CDU offers diverse employment opportunities tailored to its health-focused mission. Faculty positions include assistant, associate, and full professors in departments like Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Biomedical Sciences. Research roles encompass postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and laboratory technicians focusing on chronic diseases and health equity.
Administrative jobs cover areas like academic affairs, student services, and HR, while clinical positions include physician assistants and nursing staff. For a comprehensive look at university job types, including adjunct professor jobs and lecturer roles, explore our dedicated resource.
Many positions emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration, aligning with CDU's integration of education, research, and community service.
To secure jobs at CDU, candidates need strong academic credentials. Faculty roles generally require a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or MD (Doctor of Medicine) in fields like biomedical sciences, public health, or clinical specialties. Research positions often seek candidates with a master's degree minimum, preferably with lab experience.
Research focus at CDU centers on health disparities affecting African American, Latino, and low-income populations, including diabetes prevention, cardiovascular health, and translational medicine. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, grant funding from NIH (National Institutes of Health) or HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration), and prior teaching or clinical work in diverse settings.
Key skills and competencies include:
Entry-level roles may prioritize bachelor's degrees with relevant internships, while senior positions value leadership in professional organizations like the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
To fully understand careers at CDU, here are key terms defined:
The application process for jobs at CDU begins with monitoring the university's career page and platforms like AcademicJobs.com/university-jobs. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter, and references online. Selected candidates undergo interviews, often including teaching demonstrations or research presentations.
Actionable tips:
Current openings often prioritize candidates committed to Los Angeles' diverse communities.
CDU excels in diversity, recruiting faculty and staff from underrepresented groups. Initiatives include the CDU Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, scholarships for minority students turning into staff, and partnerships with the Charles R. Drew/Martin Luther King Jr. Transitional MD Program for underrepresented physicians. The university hosts cultural competency training and celebrates events like Black History Month, fostering an inclusive workplace where 70% of students identify as underrepresented minorities, reflected in staff composition.
CDU promotes work-life balance through flexible scheduling for research faculty, employee wellness programs including gym access and mental health support, and proximity to Los Angeles' beaches and cultural sites. Campus life features collaborative events, professional development workshops, and community outreach like health fairs in Willowbrook. With a small, tight-knit community of about 700 students, employees enjoy mentorship opportunities and a supportive atmosphere amid urban vibrancy.
Jobs at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science offer a chance to make a difference in health equity while advancing your career in a dynamic Los Angeles setting. Whether seeking higher ed jobs, faculty positions, or research roles, CDU provides growth opportunities. Explore more career advice at higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. Start your journey with higher ed faculty jobs tailored to innovative institutions like CDU.
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