Full Job Description
Principal Faculty members are responsible for the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of the didactic and clinical components of the Physician Assistant curriculum. This full-time, 12-month position includes teaching, student advising, assessment, program evaluation, and participation in accreditation and service activities. The role supports the academic success and professional development of PA students while ensuring alignment with ARC-PA standards. The primary purpose of this position is to contribute to the program’s mission by fostering educational excellence and preparing students for clinical practice.
This career-track appointment is not eligible for tenure.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.
- Teaching and Instruction
- Responsible for delivering high-quality instruction across the didactic and clinical phases of the program, including facilitating lectures, small group sessions, and skills labs.
- Provide remedial instruction when needed and may serve as course directors, managing course organization, lecture scheduling, and student assessment.
- Course directors analyze student performance data, generate annual course reports, and support learners through academic counseling and referrals when appropriate.
- Utilize appropriate instructional technologies and tools to enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Contribute to the ongoing development, review, and revision of the program’s mission, goals, and competencies to ensure alignment with accreditation standards and evolving healthcare practices.
- Actively involved in instructional design, curriculum implementation, and course coordination.
- Participate in the program’s self-assessment and evaluation processes and engage in program-wide planning and policy development efforts in collaboration with leadership and peers.
- Provide academic advising, mentorship, and counseling to students throughout the program.
- Support student success by monitoring academic progress, offering timely feedback, and coordinating with the Student Success Committee when concerns arise.
- Play a key role in the admissions process, including applicant review and participation in interview and selection activities.
- Engage in scholarly activities such as research, publications, and professional presentations.
- Maintain clinical and professional expertise through ongoing development, licensure, and certification. Participation in grant-related work and staying informed about advances in PA education and clinical practice are also components of this responsibility.
- May include occasional evening commitments for outreach events with prospective PA students and weekend responsibilities for admissions fairs and interview days.
- Contribute to the broader mission of the Program and University by serving on committees, participating in service initiatives, and supporting community engagement efforts.
- Assist with clinical site development and monitoring as needed and help ensure that all activities adhere to institutional and accreditation standards.
- May also be assigned additional duties that support the administration and growth of the program.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Instructional Delivery and Curriculum Development
- Student Advisement and Mentorship
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Master’s Degree
- PAs need a current NCCPA board certification or emeritus certification status. Non-PA applicants, in healthcare specialties, must hold board certification relevant to their field.
- Licensed or eligible to practice in the State of Arizona.
- Minimum of 2 years patient care experience in certified profession.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills.
- Doctoral degree and 3 years of teaching experience, preferably in PA education.
If invited to interview, please be prepared to provide three (3) professional references.
Please include a Teaching Philosophy document, as the additional document.