Assistant Teaching Professor / Assistant Professor - Physician Assistant Studies

Location: Gulf Park, 730 East Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, Mississippi, 39560, United States

This is a full-time, twelve-month faculty position in the Physician Assistant Studies MSM degree program. The program is in the initial provisional accreditation review process and anticipates starting its first student cohort in January 2027.

About the Role

This position involves teaching graduate courses, developing a programmatic line of research (if tenure-track), and providing service to the school, college, university, and professional organizations.

Responsibilities

• Teach graduate students in a variety of courses and labs, including preparation of course materials such as syllabi, lectures, assignments, assessments, and evaluation of students’ work. Teaching methods include traditional lectures, lab demonstrations, OSCEs, simulations, interprofessional activities, and assessments of clinical and technical skills.
• Coordinate assigned courses, including administration, learning management system activities (Canvas), exam proctoring, grade tracking, remediation planning, and course/instructor evaluations.
• Provide advisement, mentorship, and academic counseling for assigned students, monitoring their academic and professional progress through program completion.
• Attend and participate in all program meetings, activities, ceremonies, retreats, and events.
• Serve on program committees, including curriculum, admissions, student progress, advisory board, and program evaluation committees.
• Participate in ongoing program evaluation activities, including data collection and analysis, program self-study, accreditation compliance, and report preparation.
• Engage in personal and professional development related to teaching, clinical knowledge and skills, and evidence-based practice.
• Advocate for the profession and the USM PA program at academic, professional, and social functions.
• Participate in service opportunities impacting the university, professional, and local communities.
• Perform other duties, activities, and projects as assigned by the Program Director, School Director, or College Dean.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (doctorate preferred) from an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning.
• For PA applicants: graduation from an ARC-PA accredited PA program, current (or emeritus) NCCPA certification, and active (or eligibility for) Mississippi licensure.
• For MD or DO applicants: graduation from a U.S. regionally-accredited medical school, current (or previous) board specialty certification, and active (or eligibility for) Mississippi licensure.
• For other health professionals or content specialists: graduation from a U.S. regionally accredited professional school, current (or eligibility for) certification and licensure in Mississippi (if required for practice by the specialty).
• At least 3 years of clinical practice experience (for PAs, MDs, DOs, or other health professionals) or 3 years of professional experience in the area of specialization (for content specialists).
• Specialized clinical knowledge in the PA profession, demonstrated by graduate-level coursework or professional experience.
• Ability to deliver accurate, concise, and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively on interdisciplinary teams.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional work experience as a faculty member in a PA program (2 or more years preferred).
• Experience teaching in traditional classroom environments or clinical teaching as a preceptor.
• Experience as a Director (or Associate Director) of Didactic Education, Director (or Associate Director) of Clinical Education, or Clinical Coordinator.
• Experience with the initial or continuing accreditation of PA or other health profession degree programs.
• Evidence of strong organizational, administrative, and team-based operational skills.
• Experience working or engaging with national professional organizations.

About the University

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, recognized as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1910, USM delivers programs to over 13,000 students across campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, additional teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and online.

USM is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and language development for children with communication disorders. The university is a national leader in disciplines such as cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development. USM offers programs in emerging technologies, including computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering, and addresses workforce shortages in education and nursing.

USM is one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. The university's student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports as the Golden Eagles. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.