The Department of Comparative Pathobiology in Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University invites applications for an Assistant (Teaching) Professor of Veterinary Clinical Skills. This is a continuous-term track (tenure-track equivalent) position in the teaching track.
We seek an enthusiastic individual with a strong aptitude for teaching veterinary students and an understanding of the clinical skills needed to be a proficient veterinary clinician. This position is expected to teach in our clinical skills courses in the professional curriculum. The successful candidate will actively work with the Kelley Simulation Laboratory Manager, Large Animal Simulation Laboratory Manager, and a diverse group of faculty and staff to develop, implement, and support course instruction. Applicants with evidence of and interests in scholarly activity exploring new educational approaches and in pursuing pedagogical research are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of clinical experience, preferably in small animal or mixed animal practice, and experience teaching clinical skills, delivering competency-based instruction, and working with simulation models in a veterinary curriculum. They must have excellent interpersonal skills and effective oral and written communication skills.
Cummings School is home to the Joseph Kelley, DVM Simulation Laboratory, a newly established 3,000-sq-ft teaching space dedicated to hands on learning of veterinary procedures and surgeries, and a growing Large Animal Simulation Laboratory. Both facilities support our veterinary students and have a developing role as a resource for interns and residents as well as in veterinary continuing education.
The successful candidate will be expected to devote 28-30 weeks to educational activities. Time for research and scholarly activity related to pedagogical interests and to clinical work for maintaining skills will total 12-16 weeks. Service commitments are typically 3-5 weeks for an assistant professor. Five weeks are available for vacation and other time off. The exact distribution of activities, within the guidelines of the school, will be dependent on the interests and expertise of the successful candidate.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a DVM, VMD, or equivalent in a relevant area of expertise by the date of hire. A graduate degree or postdoctoral training in education or evidence of scholarly activities in veterinary education, including publishing in instructional or pedagogical journals, is considered an asset. Excellent communication skills and a reputation for collegiality are required. The successful candidate will have a minimum of two years of clinical experience and demonstrate attributes required to excel in teaching, including previous veterinary teaching experience involving simulation models.
Application Instructions
Applications received by June 1, 2023, will receive full consideration. Candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter describing their qualifications and experience, and a teaching philosophy statement. The cover letter should also address the candidate’s strengths and experiences in diversity, equity, and inclusion as they relate to teaching and/or service. The names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references are required.
Application materials should be submitted electronically through Interfolio (https://apply.interfolio.com/124755). The start date is negotiable but a start date of August 1, 2023 is preferred. Direct any questions to the department chair, Dr. Andrea Varela-Stokes at andrea.varela-stokes@tufts.edu.
Cummings School is situated in Grafton, MA on a 600-acre semi-rural campus, forty-five minutes west of Boston and next door to Worcester, the second largest city in Massachusetts. There is a regional rail service stop adjacent to campus and easy access to cultural and sporting events. The campus is a short drive from beautiful beaches, mountains, and other unique features of New England. The area is a hub of biotechnology and higher education. The K-12 education system is excellent. Housing is readily available close to campus or in any number of surrounding towns.