Assistant Professor, Biomechanics

Biomechanics Teaching (Didactic and Rotation)

• Biomechanics Course Instruction - 40%
• Serve as course director and primary instructor for the CPM biomechanics course sequence.
• Select and use situation-appropriate teaching methods for biomechanics content, including lecture, discussion, laboratory casting/gait workshops, audiovisual, online sessions, live-streaming, and clinical scenarios.
• Coordinate with other faculty to align theory and clinical instruction and to support integration across the curriculum.
• Populate and manage the learning management system (Canvas) for assigned courses.
• Participate in APMLE Part II board preparation activities in the biomechanics content domain.
• Biomechanics Clinical Rotation Instruction - 25%
• Serve as rotation instructor for the CPM biomechanics clinical rotation.
• Supervise students in rotation activities including gait evaluation, physical examination of the lower extremity, casting, orthotic fabrication and dispensing, and follow-up.
• Complete formative and summative evaluations of student performance according to University policy, and document deficiencies in writing in a timely manner.
• Communicate repetitive student performance concerns to the chair of the PPGR committee and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
• Academic Advising and Student Support - 5%
• Advise students on academic and professional issues and inquiries, including career pathways in biomechanics and sports medicine.
• Respond to student voice or e-mail messages within 48 hours.
• Maintain licensure and certification required for the teaching assignment.

Scholarship and Research (MARC-based)

• MARC Research Leadership - 20%
• Lead and participate in podiatric research projects conducted in the Motion Analysis Research Center, including gait analysis, orthotic outcomes, footwear research, and athletic performance studies.
• Develop research protocols, obtain IRB approvals, and coordinate data collection and analysis in collaboration with CPM faculty, SMU faculty, and external partners.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, workshops, and invited commentary.
• Mentor DPM students and SMU learners in research projects conducted at the MARC.
• Pursue external funding opportunities (grants, sponsored research, industry partnerships) appropriate to the MARC research portfolio.
• Meet or exceed the scholarship expectations for the faculty rank as defined in the Faculty/Staff Handbook.

Service and MARC Operations (MARC Lead Podiatrist)

• MARC Lead Podiatrist Duties - 5%
• Serve as the designated lead podiatrist for the Motion Analysis Research Center and function as the primary CPM point of contact for MARC operations, research partnerships, and clinical referrals.
• Career pathways in biomechanics and sports medicine.
• Serve on CPM and SMU committees as assigned, including curriculum, admissions, APMLE board preparation, and accreditation-related committees.
• Attend CPM and SMU meetings and participate in shared governance.
• Support the onboarding and training of students, staff, and visiting researchers in MARC protocols and equipment.

Skills And Abilities

• Content expertise in lower-extremity biomechanics, gait analysis, orthotic therapy, and sports medicine.
• Ability to teach biomechanics didactically to professional doctoral (DPM) students, including lecture, laboratory, and case-based formats.
• Ability to supervise students in a biomechanics clinical rotation, including gait evaluation, casting, orthotic fabrication, and patient care.
• Experience designing and conducting clinical or translational research, including protocol development, data collection, and dissemination.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish positive rapport with students, faculty, staff, community partners, and external collaborators.
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities that change frequently, use keen judgment, and resolve student and faculty concerns.
• High-level proficiency with the learning management system (Canvas), online teaching platforms (Webex, Zoom), and standard productivity software (Microsoft Office).
• Detail-oriented and skilled in the organization of complex projects.
• Professional in manner and attire.
• Able to handle privileged information in a confidential manner.
• Able to handle occasional weekend and evening events (e.g., admissions events, commencement, research partner events).

Minimum Qualifications

• Earned doctoral degree in podiatric medicine (DPM) from a CPME-accredited college of podiatric medicine.
• Completion of a CPME-accredited podiatric medical and surgical residency; additional fellowship or focused training in biomechanics, sports medicine, or motion analysis is preferred.
• Current, unrestricted California podiatric license (DPM) required, or ability to obtain prior to start date.
• Board certification or board qualification in an ABPM or ABFAS specialty preferred.
• Prior academic teaching experience at the DPM or allied health level is strongly preferred; teaching experience in biomechanics, orthotics, or sports medicine is especially desirable.
• Prior research experience in biomechanics, gait, orthotics, or sports medicine is strongly preferred, including peer-reviewed publication, conference presentation, or funded research activity.
• Three or more years of clinical experience post-residency is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand, walk, and move around a clinical or laboratory environment for extended periods while instructing students and attending to patients or research subjects.
• Able to sit for extended periods while teaching didactic sessions, reviewing student work, or conducting research analysis.
• Able to use hands and fingers to handle instruments, palpate patients, cast and modify orthotics, and operate motion analysis equipment.
• Able to lift up to 30 pounds and push and pull carts containing equipment, instruments, or supplies.
• Able to move between classrooms, the MARC, and clinical spaces on the Oakland campus several times per day.
• Able to express and exchange ideas by means of the spoken word and receive detailed information through verbal and written communication.

Work Environment

• Office Location: Oakland Campus – Onsite
• This is an onsite position based in Oakland, CA, requiring regular in-office presence to support daily operations, collaboration, and student or team engagement.
• Work is performed primarily on campus in a dynamic academic environment, with direct interaction across multidisciplinary teams.

Employee Status

• Regular Exemption Status
• United States of America (Exempt)

Time Type

• Full time

Job Shift

• Pay Range: up to $180,000 (annual/exempt) based on experience

Samuel Merritt University

• Currently provides base salary ranges for all positions-on job advertisements-in the United States based on local requirements.
• Individual compensation will ultimately be determined based on a variety of relevant factors including but-not limited to qualifications, geographic location, and other relevant skills.