Open Rank, Non-Tenure Track, OD - Optometric Medicine

* Doctor of Optometry (OD) or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution

* Eligibility for optometry licensure in North Carolina, if position requires clinical care

* Completion of an accredited residency program or a minimum of three (3) years clinical experience with an active unrestricted license

* Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, or clinically supervise at the doctoral/professional level

* Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills

* Commitment to excellence

N/A

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke College of Optometric Medicine develops compassionate, skilled and independent optometric physicians through excellence in education, patient care, and research to serve local and regional ocular health needs.

The College of Optometric Medicine ( COM) provides doctoral level education and clinical training in preparation for licensure. At its full capacity, COM will support full-time faculty and staff of approximately 35 employees and a population of approximately 128 graduate students. The Doctor of Optometry program provides a comprehensive four-year curriculum in basic science, optometric science, clinical training, and provision of patient care in the second, third and fourth years of the program and will be accredited by the Accrediting Council on Optometric Education. The unit will also support a public eye care clinic.

The primary purpose of this position is to support the mission of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke College of Optometric Medicine by providing high-quality didactic, clinical, and/or laboratory instruction while advancing scholarship, patient care, and service. The faculty member will contribute to the preparation of compassionate, competent, and independent optometric physicians equipped to meet the vision and eye health needs of local and regional populations.

This full-time, non-tenure-track faculty position involves teaching in classroom, laboratory, and/or clinical settings; course development and assessment; and supervision and mentoring of optometry students. The faculty member will engage in scholarly activity consistent with rank, 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 clinical care, 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.

* Prior faculty experience in optometric education

* Additional advanced degree (PhD, MS, MPH, MEd, etc.) or LPSE/Laser credentials

* Fellowship or Diplomate in the American Academy of Optometry ( FAAO)

* Record of scholarly activity (presentations, publications, or funded projects)

* Active engagement in professional organizations ( AAO, AOA, state/local societies)

Areas of Need

Candidates with expertise in two or more of the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:

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

* 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.

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.