"Course Director: Foundations of Research - BYU School of Medicine"

Job Summary

The Course Director for the Foundations of Research course at the Brigham Young University (BYU) School of Medicine will serve as a core faculty member in the Department of Preparatory Learning. This longitudinal course spans the first year of medical school and is designed to equip students with foundational knowledge in research principles, scientific methodology, and critical appraisal skills necessary for clinical decision-making and scholarly contributions. The Course Director will collaborate with Organ System Course Directors to align research instruction with relevant biomedical content and ensure integration of research topics within the broader curriculum.

Last day to apply is Saturday, November 1, 2025 @ 11:59 p.m. MST

Position Start Date: February 1, 2026

Required Degree

PhD, or equivalent terminal degree. The required degree must be completed by the start date.

Experience

• Strong background in research and research methodology.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching and curriculum development related to research methods, biostatistics, or a related field.
• Strong commitment to student learning and mentoring.
• Experience in collaborative, interdisciplinary academic environments.
• Alignment with and commitment to the mission, values, and spiritual aims of Brigham Young University and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Preferred: Active record of scholarship in educational research or discipline-specific investigations.
• Preferred: Previous experience in medical education or health professions education.
• Preferred: Familiarity with USMLE Step 1 research content and exam requirements.

Duties/Expectations

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of the longitudinal Foundations of Research course.
• Coordinate with Organ System Course Directors to align research instruction with course-specific content.
• Teach core research topics including hypothesis generation, experimental design, statistical analysis, research ethics, and evidence-based medicine.
• Collaborate with the Associate Dean of Research and the Associate Dean of Global and Humanitarian Service to help students prepare for research experiences during medical school.
• Help match students to research mentors and research teams/Strategic Research Initiatives (SRI’s).
• Support students in developing research questions and preparing for mentored research projects and scholarly presentations.
• Collaborate with the Phase 1 Director, Thread Leaders, and other course directors to ensure vertical and horizontal research curriculum integration.
• Participate in research and scholarly activity as part of faculty responsibilities.
• May be assigned additional responsibilities within the School of Medicine, including participation in teaching, curriculum review, committee service, and other institutional initiatives.

Documents Required at the Time of Application

Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter and Mission Alignment Statement to the faculty application. Also include contact information for 3-5 professional references.

Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered.

Mission Alignment Statement

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrine and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball).

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

Employment Requirements

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be required to hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend. All faculty are required to abide by the university’s Honor Code and Dress & Grooming Standards. Preference is given to qualified candidates who are members in good standing of the affiliated church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Successful candidates are expected to support and contribute to the academic and religious missions of the university within the context of the principles and doctrine of the affiliated church.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.