Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU), located in Pomona, California, stands as a premier institution dedicated to graduate-level education in the health professions. Established in 1977, WesternU has grown into a multifaceted university with colleges of osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dental medicine, optometry, podiatric medicine, health sciences, and graduate nursing. The university's emphasis on interprofessional education—where students from different health disciplines learn together—sets it apart, preparing professionals for collaborative real-world practice. Situated in the heart of Southern California, the Pomona campus benefits from its proximity to diverse communities and medical centers, making it an attractive hub for careers in healthcare education and research.
For job seekers interested in higher education, WesternU offers rewarding opportunities that combine teaching, research, and clinical practice. Positions range from faculty roles to administrative leadership and support staff, all contributing to the university's mission of advancing health sciences. Whether you're a physician seeking to educate the next generation or a researcher exploring innovative therapies, jobs at Western University of Health Sciences provide a platform to make meaningful impacts.
Founded by Dr. Sidney Olson as the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP), WesternU began with a vision to address physician shortages in underserved areas. Over the decades, it expanded to include multiple colleges, now serving over 3,800 students across two campuses: the main one in Pomona and a satellite in Lebanon, Oregon. The university's mission centers on fostering competent, caring, and compassionate healthcare professionals through innovative education, research, and service.
This history of growth influences its job landscape, prioritizing hires who align with interprofessional collaboration and community engagement. Faculty often engage in longitudinal studies or clinical rotations at affiliated sites like Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, enriching career paths with practical application.
WesternU's colleges offer Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Optometry (OD), and more. Departments span basic sciences, clinical education, and public health, creating diverse job openings in teaching and research.
Careers here involve curriculum development, student mentoring, and simulation-based learning, appealing to those passionate about higher ed faculty jobs.
Job categories at WesternU mirror its health-focused mission. Faculty positions dominate, including assistant, associate, and full professors in clinical and basic sciences. Research roles like postdoctoral fellows and lab managers support ongoing projects in pharmacology and veterinary pathology. Administrative jobs cover deans, department chairs, and HR specialists, while clinical positions involve patient care at university clinics.
For a full breakdown, visit university job types. Common openings include lecturer positions in anatomy or pharmacology, research assistants in biomedical labs, and executive roles in academic affairs. Salaries are competitive, with faculty averaging $150,000-$250,000 annually, bolstered by California's vibrant healthcare market.
To qualify for most faculty jobs at WesternU, candidates need terminal degrees relevant to the discipline. For example:
Administrative roles may require advanced degrees like MHA (Master of Health Administration) or MBA, plus leadership experience in academia.
WesternU's research emphasizes translational science, interprofessional health outcomes, and community health disparities. Key areas include neuroscience, infectious diseases, pain management, and veterinary public health. Expertise in grant writing for federal funding (e.g., NIH R01 grants) or industry partnerships is essential. Labs utilize advanced tools like CRISPR for gene editing or imaging for veterinary diagnostics, requiring proficiency in these technologies.
Employers at WesternU seek candidates with peer-reviewed publications (5+ for assistant professor), grant funding history, and teaching portfolios. Clinical experience, such as 3-5 years in practice, is preferred for clinical faculty. Leadership in professional organizations like AOA (American Osteopathic Association) or AAVMC (Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges) strengthens applications. For postdocs, prior fellowship awards or first-author papers are advantageous.
Check postdoctoral success tips or become a university lecturer for guidance.
Essential skills include strong communication for interprofessional teams, data analysis using SPSS or R, and curriculum design with active learning methods. Competencies like cultural humility, ethical decision-making, and technology integration (e.g., simulation software) are critical. Soft skills such as mentorship and teamwork align with WesternU's collaborative culture.
The application process starts on WesternU's careers site, requiring a CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy statement, and references. Screening involves committee review, followed by interviews with teaching demos and research presentations.
For CV advice, see how to write a winning academic CV.
WesternU champions diversity through the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, offering pipeline programs for underrepresented minorities in health professions. Initiatives include the Summer Prematriculation Program for disadvantaged students, faculty development workshops on bias training, and partnerships with organizations like SNMA (Student National Medical Association). The university tracks metrics like faculty diversity, aiming for representation matching California's demographics, and supports affinity groups for LGBTQ+ and first-generation professionals.
WesternU promotes balance with flexible schedules, sabbaticals, and wellness programs including EAP (Employee Assistance Program) counseling and fitness centers. The Pomona campus boasts green spaces, a library with 24/7 access, and events like faculty mixers. Proximity to LA offers cultural outings, while the university's four-day workweeks in some departments aid family life. Employee testimonials highlight supportive mentorship and community service opportunities enhancing job satisfaction.
Interprofessional Education (IPE): A teaching approach where students from multiple health professions learn together to improve collaborative practice.
Osteopathic Medicine: A branch of medicine emphasizing holistic care, musculoskeletal manipulation, and preventive health (DO degree).
Translational Research: Studies bridging basic science discoveries to clinical applications for patient benefit.
Postdoctoral Fellowship: Advanced training post-PhD for research specialization, often 2-5 years.
Jobs at Western University of Health Sciences offer a unique blend of education, research, and service in California's dynamic healthcare landscape. From faculty openings to research assistant roles, opportunities abound for qualified professionals. Explore more on higher ed jobs, career advice at higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post your opening via post a job. With its commitment to excellence, WesternU is ideal for advancing your academic career.
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