Assistant/Associate Professor & Physician Assistant Learning Specialist, 12 Month Salaried (College of Medicine)

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The Learning Specialist will be responsible for the development, implementation, and assessment of a structured intervention program for physician assistant students who have need of support to achieve academic success. This role requires expertise in the science of learning, strong pedagogical skills, and experience supporting students with academic difficulties in a rigorous academic environment. The specialist will also contribute to educational research and will provide data for curriculum evaluation.

Academic Support and Intervention (Primary Focus – 85%)

• Student Success Program: Develop and execute a structured, evidence-based academic intervention program for PA students in need of academic support. This includes planning and facilitating appropriate activities, as well as developing and monitoring success metrics.
• Small Group Instruction: Lead small group teaching sessions focused on developing metacognitive skills, effective study strategies (e.g., retrieval practice, spaced repetition), time management, test-taking skills, and effective resource utilization specific to the medical curriculum. Collaborate with faculty to integrate basic and clinical science expertise as the context for applying developing cognitive skills.
• Individual Coaching: Provide one-on-one academic coaching as part of higher level personalized intervention plans. Assessment and Monitoring: Track student progress, attendance, and outcomes within the intervention program, providing regular reports to the School of Physician Assistant Practice Program Director and other relevant faculty.
• Liaison with Office of Student Counseling Services: Collaborate with faculty in the Office of Student Counseling Services to identify and refer students requiring additional mental health support.

Educational Research and Curriculum Evaluation (10%)

• Research: Participate in scholarly activities and research including the outcomes of the structured intervention program and the efficacy of various instructional and learning strategies.
• Curriculum Evaluation: Provide analytic data on Student Success program participation and outcomes to the Curriculum Committee for curriculum courses and phase reviews. Participate with the Student Success team and with the Student Progress Committee sharing individual student academic progress outcomes.

Service (5%)

Committee participation and service consistent with the College of Medicine mission.

• Doctoral Degree: An earned PhD or EdD from an accredited institution in Education, Cognitive Psychology, Educational Psychology, Educational Neuroscience, Science of Learning, or a closely related field and a record of achievement in teaching, academic research, and service.
• Expertise in Learning Science: Documented background and training in the science of learning, including familiarity with contemporary cognitive load theory, memory retrieval mechanisms, and metacognitive strategies.
• Experience in Academic Support: Experience providing academic support, coaching, or remediation specifically to under-performing PA or medical students or students in other rigorous professional health science programs.
• Program Development: Proven ability to design, implement, and assess structured academic support or intervention programs.

• Experience in Academic Support: A minimum of four years of experience providing academic support, coaching, or remediation specifically to under-performing PA or medical students or students in other rigorous professional health science programs.
• Medical Education Experience: Previous experience teaching a basic or foundational science course (e.g., Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology) in a health professional school.
• Board Certification Examination Familiarity: Deep understanding of the content and structure of standardized examinations including PANCE, USMLE Step 1 or other similar examinations to aid students with successful preparation strategies.
• Data Analysis: Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative educational research methods and statistical analysis.

The Florida State University College of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated and highly skilled Learning Specialist to join the School of Physician Assistant Practice. This is a critical faculty role to foster the academic success of pre-clinical and clinical year Physician Assistant students.

Benjamin J Smith, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, Program Director and Associate Dean, School of Physician Assistant Practice, College of Medicine benjamin.smith@med.fsu.edu

One of the nation’s elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news! Learn more about our university and campuses.

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs. Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

If qualified and interested in a specific Faculty job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at https://hr.fsu.edu/facultyjobs. If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service. Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include education details even if attaching a Vita.

Applications must include the following materials:

• Cover Letter outlining qualifications, expertise in the science of learning, and specific experience providing academic support to under-performing PA, medical or other professional health science students.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing educational background, professional experience, scholarship/research activities, and service contributions.
• Statement of Teaching/Coaching Philosophy (maximum 2 pages) describing your philosophy and approach to academic remediation and coaching, the development of metacognitive skills, and the implementation of evidence-based study strategies.
• Contact Information for three Professional References who can speak to your qualifications and experience. References will be contacted for final candidates only.

This is a Faculty position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

Rank will be commensurate with experience.

This is a non-tenure earning Clinical role.

This position is open until filled.

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.