"Open Rank, Tenured/Tenure Track, PhD or OD/PhD - Optometric Medicine"

Job Description

This full-time, tenure-track faculty position involves teaching in classroom, laboratory, and possibly clinical settings (depending on terminal degree(s)); course development and assessment; and supervision and mentoring of optometry students. The faculty member will engage in scholarly activity consistent with rank and tenure expectations, participate in institutional service and governance, and represent the College in professional and community settings. Additional responsibilities include supporting accreditation efforts, modeling professionalism and ethical conduct, and performing other duties as assigned by College of Optometric Medicine administration.

Interested candidates should complete an application, submit a cover letter describing qualifications, teaching interests and alignment with the mission, curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation and contact information for at least three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Start date is projected to be on or after July 1, 2026.

We welcome applications to multiple positions and encourage candidates to apply to any roles for which they are qualified and interested.

Rank will be awarded based on qualifications.

Minimum Training and Experience

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution
• Eligibility for optometry licensure in North Carolina, if additional advanced degree includes an OD
• Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, or supervise at the doctoral/professional level
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Commitment to excellence

Management Preference

• Prior faculty experience in optometric education
• Additional advanced degree (OD, MS, MPH, MEd, etc.)
• Eligibility for optometry licensure in North Carolina, if additional advanced degree includes an OD
• Fellowship or Diplomate in the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)
• Record of scholarly activity (presentations, publications, or funded projects)
• Active engagement in professional organizations

Areas of Need

Candidates with expertise in the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:

• Basic and Biomedical Sciences (e.g., anatomy, neuroanatomy, physiology, immunology, vision science, body systems, optics)

If additional advanced degree includes an OD:

• Clinical and Pre-clinical Optometric Education (examination techniques, procedures, treatment and management of ocular disease, surgical/laser procedures, public health, interprofessional care)
• Clinical Patient Care in adult primary care, ocular disease, pediatrics, contact lenses, geriatrics, binocular vision, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, orthoptics, and/or low vision.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.