Des Moines University (DMU), located in West Des Moines, Iowa, stands as a premier institution dedicated to graduate-level health sciences education. Founded with a mission to advance healthcare through innovative teaching, research, and service, DMU attracts professionals seeking meaningful careers in medicine, pharmacy, and allied health fields. Jobs at Des Moines University span faculty appointments, research positions, administrative roles, and support staff opportunities, all centered around preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders.
The university's focus on osteopathic medicine distinguishes it, emphasizing holistic patient care. With over 1,800 students and a faculty-to-student ratio that fosters close mentorship, DMU offers a collaborative environment ideal for educators and researchers passionate about integrated health sciences. Whether you're a physician seeking to teach Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) students or a scientist exploring biomechanics, jobs here provide impact in a supportive academic community.
DMU's commitment to excellence is evident in its rankings and accreditations, including full approval from the American Osteopathic Association. Professionals in jobs at Des Moines University contribute to cutting-edge programs like the Master of Physician Assistant Studies and Doctor of Physical Therapy, directly influencing healthcare outcomes in the United States.
Established in 1898 as the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Des Moines University has evolved into a multifaceted health sciences university. It merged with additional colleges over decades, including podiatric medicine in 1972 and health sciences in 2014, expanding its scope. Today, DMU operates four colleges: Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine, Health Sciences, and Pharmacy & Health Sciences.
This rich history shapes jobs at Des Moines University, where faculty often engage in legacy-building research, such as advancements in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The university's growth reflects Iowa's healthcare needs, with expansions like the 2020 Master Health Facility enhancing simulation labs for clinical training. Employees benefit from this legacy, participating in traditions like white coat ceremonies that symbolize professional transitions.
Understanding DMU's evolution—from a single college to a leader in interprofessional education—helps job seekers appreciate the institution's emphasis on teamwork in roles across departments.
DMU's programs directly inform the demand for specialized jobs. The College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) trains DO physicians, creating needs for clinical faculty skilled in primary care. Podiatric Medicine (CPM) focuses on foot and ankle specialists, while Health Sciences offers degrees in physical therapy (DPT), physician assistant studies (MPAS), and public health (MPH).
Pharmacy & Health Sciences provides PharmD and biomedical sciences tracks, opening roles in pharmacology research and translational medicine. These programs emphasize evidence-based practice, so jobs at Des Moines University often require expertise in interprofessional collaboration, where teams from multiple disciplines simulate real-world healthcare scenarios.
This structure ensures diverse job openings, from tenure-track professors to lab coordinators. For broader insights, visit our university job types page.
To fully grasp jobs at Des Moines University, key terms include:
Jobs at Des Moines University demand rigorous credentials tailored to health sciences.
Required Academic Qualifications: Faculty roles typically need a PhD, DO, MD, DPM, or equivalent terminal degree in the relevant field. For example, COM faculty require board certification in osteopathic medicine. Administrative positions may accept master's degrees like MPH or MHA with substantial experience.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Emphasis on areas like musculoskeletal health, neuroscience, and rural medicine. DMU's Research Enterprise supports over 100 projects annually, prioritizing federally funded studies via NIH grants.
Preferred Experience: 3-5 years of teaching or clinical practice, peer-reviewed publications (aim for 5+), and grant-writing success. Clinical research jobs favor experience with IRB protocols.
Skills and Competencies: Proficiency in simulation-based teaching, data analysis software (e.g., SPSS), grant management, and mentorship. Soft skills include cultural competence and team leadership, vital for IPE.
| Role Type | Key Qualification | Preferred Skill |
|---|---|---|
| Faculty | DO/PhD | OMT expertise |
| Researcher | PhD | Grant funding |
| Clinician | Board certified | Patient simulation |
Applying for jobs at Des Moines University starts with monitoring the careers page at dmu.edu. Submit a tailored CV, cover letter highlighting DMU alignment, teaching philosophy statement, and three references. Interviews involve teaching demos and research presentations.
Actionable tip: Quantify achievements, e.g., 'Mentored 20 students to 95% residency match rate.' Leverage resources like how to write a winning academic CV.
DMU prioritizes diversity through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), offering unconscious bias training and the Pipeline Program for underrepresented minorities in medicine. The Faculty Diversity Recruitment Committee targets inclusive hires, with 25% underrepresented faculty growth since 2018. Initiatives include LGBTQ+ allyship groups and accessibility audits, fostering an equitable workplace for all jobs at Des Moines University.
DMU supports balance with flexible scheduling, parental leave, and EAP counseling. The 27-acre campus features modern labs, a wellness center with yoga classes, and trails for recreation. Employee events like health fairs and family picnics build community. Proximity to Des Moines offers cultural amenities, dining, and low cost of living (Iowa ranks high for affordability). Remote-hybrid options exist for some research roles, enhancing appeal for jobs here.
DMU invests in growth via sabbaticals, tuition remission (up to 50% for dependents), and 403(b) matching. Annual professional development funds ($2,000+) support conferences. Promotion tracks reward scholarship, with many advancing to leadership like department chairs.
Check higher ed faculty jobs, research jobs, and professor salaries for benchmarks.
In summary, jobs at Des Moines University offer transformative opportunities in a dynamic health sciences hub. From shaping future DO physicians to pioneering research, contribute to Iowa's healthcare legacy. Explore openings via higher ed jobs, career advice at higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post yours at post a job. DMU's supportive culture and location make it ideal for long-term academic careers.
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