Assistant or Associate Professor, Public Health, Tenure Track - Pacific University : Job Details

Job DetailsJob LocationForest Grove Campus - Forest Grove, ORPosition TypeFull TimeDescriptionPacific University achieves excellence and distinction by investing in exceptional people to think, care, create, and pursue justice in our world. We embrace discovery in a close nurturing environment that leads to genuine transformation. Our community is diverse, sustainable, and dedicated to discovery and excellence in teaching, scholarship and practice. At Pacific University we thrive in an extraordinary environment, surrounded by the beauty of the great Pacific Northwest, with campus locations in Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Eugene. We humbly acknowledge and thank the original caretakers of the lands on which we live, work, teach, acquire and share knowledge.Tenure-Track Position in Public HealthThe Public Health Program of Pacific University invites applications for a tenure-track, full-time, 9-month position (FTE 1.0) beginning August 2025. The Position and the InstitutionWe seek a new colleague at the Assistant Professor rank (Associate Professor rank may be considered) who brings promise for excellence in both teaching and mentorship of undergraduate students. We encourage applications from individuals of all identities and backgrounds and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued.Responsibilities for this position include teaching a variety of introductory and upper-level courses in both the Public Health program and core undergraduate curriculum, as needed. The successful candidate will be expected to introduce new courses in their area of expertise to the curriculum, maintain an active and productive research program, demonstrate a strong commitment to the values and principles of a liberal arts education, and collaborate effectively with colleagues within the program and across the university. Teaching expectationsWe seek candidates who have potential for excellence in teaching, which is a critical focus of our faculty. In particular, we seek a new colleague who can contribute to creating engaging and inclusive learning environments for our student body: more than 20% of our students are first-generation college students, we are designated as an Asian American Native American and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI), and we are pursuing status as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with 18% of current undergraduates and 20% of the incoming class identifying as Latino/a/x/e. As a program, we explore and support innovative and inclusive pedagogical approaches that will help us meet those goals, which might include contributing to one of these minors: Indigenous Studies, Latinx Studies and/or Asia-Pacific studies.Specific teaching responsibilities include core departmental courses (e.g. lower-division epidemiology and program development/evaluation), upper-division electives taught on a rotating basis, and contributing to the general liberal arts curriculum as needed. Preference will be given to applicants with expertise in developing curriculum and teaching in race and ethnicity (e.g., Indigenous health, Latinx studies, antiracism, multiracial studies). Candidates with a background in mental health and/or disability studies are also especially encouraged to apply.Pacific faculty typically teach a 20 credit course load (5-6 classes per year, typically 2 and 4-credit courses), which are spread across fall, winter (Jan. term), and spring terms. In addition, all tenure-track faculty are expected to serve as academic advisors and contribute in meaningful ways to departmental and university-wide service beginning in year two.QualificationsQualificationsCandidates must hold a PhD in public health or a closely related field, by the beginning of the academic year (candidates with a terminal degree in public health are preferred). Demonstrated teaching effectiveness, a strong commitment to student engagement, and evidence of ability to engage in a promising research agenda is essential. Pacific particularly values experience and interest in including undergraduates in research. Who we arePacific University is an independent, comprehensive university in Forest Grove and Hillsboro, Oregon (about 25 miles west of Portland). The Public Health Program is part of the College of Arts and Sciences (ca. 1400 students, located in Forest Grove), a liberal arts undergraduate college where faculty and staff are committed to a culturally responsive, personalized education. The University also includes a College of Health Professions (including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant Studies, Pharmacy, Dental Science, and Professional Psychology), a College of Optometry, a College of Education, and a College of Business. The Public Health program at Pacific is an interdisciplinary major grounded in the social sciences. Details can be found at The Forest Grove areaPacific University is located in Forest Grove, OR, a town of around 25,000. The town is home to some of the state's oldest and most respected wineries, but you'll also be able to find an abundance of local beer, kombucha, sake, artisan sourdough bread, and local farm-fresh produce. May through October there is a Wednesday farmer's market in the small but vibrant downtown area. Forest Grove is within the TriMet district and is served by a public bus line which operates 7 days per week. Pacific University has been the most distinctive aspect of the town throughout its history, and Old College Hall on campus is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Forest Grove is within a 30-minute or less driving distance of downtowns for Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro. Forest Grove also provides easy access to many exceptional natural areas for a variety of outdoor activities (hiking, biking, surfing, climbing, etc.), including the Cascade and Coastal Mountain Ranges, volcanos, rivers, lakes, high deserts, and the Oregon Coast.Please combine all application materials into a single file (.doc or .pdf), in the order listed below. The application materials include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing your candidacy, addressing your training, experience, knowledge, and skills to demonstrate how you will succeed at Pacific. Specifically, embed your approach to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion as you discuss:
  • Your interest in a Public Health faculty position at an undergraduate-serving liberal arts institution like Pacific University.
  • Your approach to mentoring undergraduate researchers, with attention to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Identify one or two possible special topics courses that you would be interested in teaching within the Public Health Program. Describe your ability or potential to teach one of the classes you identify, including how your teaching methods are inclusive and culturally responsive.

• A CV (no page limit). Summarize your educational and professional experiences and accomplishments.

• A brief teaching statement (maximum 2 pages) that addresses your approach(es) to teaching, including strategies you use to engage undergraduates with learning and to create a culturally responsive learning environment. We are interested in details about teaching you have done (especially any examples where you were in charge of designing activities, modules, or classes), as well as ideas you have from pedagogical training (e.g., workshops, Future Faculty-style courses, etc.). Descriptions of activities, assignments, examples of teaching practices, or pedagogical trainings should include explanations for how they enhance student learning and belonging for all students, including strengths or interest in experiential and relationship-based teaching. While teaching experience of some kind is required, we are also interested in the promise of excellence in teaching at Pacific. Thus, you may discuss both approaches you have used (successful or not) and ones you would like to try.

• A research statement (maximum 2 pages) that describes a plan for your research program at Pacific, at least for the pre-tenure years. Please focus on future plans, though of course you may also review prior work and accomplishments briefly. Highlight any approaches that enhance accessibility or inclusion in your research. Specifically, address the following (in any order/format):
  • What question(s) will you address, and why are they significant?
  • How are you prepared to address them?
  • What approach(es) will you use?
  • What resources will you need to carry out this program?
  • How will undergraduates be involved in your research, over the summer or during the academic year?

• Evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g. summary of course evaluations, peer observations)

• Names and contact information for three references who can address your teaching experience and potential, your potential for establishing a successful research program with undergraduates at a liberal arts college, and (or) your EDI values and alignment with Pacific's mission. We will contact these letter-writers directly for short-listed candidates later in the review process.

Review processThe search committee will include Public Health faculty, non-Public Health faculty (internal and external to the School of Social Sciences), Public Health students, and a non-voting administrator who is responsible for ensuring equity in the review process. All applications will be initially evaluated using a rubric that includes teaching experience, ability or potential to teach, research experience, experience or promise in mentoring undergraduate research, potential for success in the area of scholarship, preparation to teach a diverse student body, and commitment to service and community engagement. Contact Dr. Rebecca Schoon ([email protected]) with questions.Review of applications will begin February 14th, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. At Pacific University, we are dedicated to offering experiences that are authentic, holistic, equity-minded, and responsive. We understand that diverse perspectives and life experiences contribute to personal and professional growth and help create a thriving community. As we continue to develop our equity practices, we actively promote access to opportunities and equitable pay for all employees.Pacific University is a safe, welcoming work environment that values community and collaboration. We believe in fostering a workplace where every employee is respected, their contributions are valued, and they are provided opportunities to succeed.Compensation and BenefitsWe offer a comprehensive benefits package for qualifying employees. Current benefits include:

• Generous paid time off (for vacation, holidays-including winter break-and sick leave)
• Medical coverage with alternative care options (with in-network services covered at 100% after payroll deduction)
• Comprehensive dental and vision plans
• Annual 9% retirement contribution after one year of service with no match required
• Free mental health appointments
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependent child(ren) who meet eligibility requirements
• Employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurance
• On-campus benefits, including free access to our sports facility and library
• Discounts on campus food, bookstore purchases, clinic services, and outdoor program gear rentals (including kayaks, snowshoes, and bikes)

Equal Opportunity EmploymentPacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all applicable laws, including those concerning employment and workplace policies. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We are proud to encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups.Notice of Nondiscrimination PolicyPacific University makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, religion or religious creed, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. Applicable laws include, but are not limited to, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs at 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, OR 97116 or via email at [email protected] ProcessTo apply, please upload your application materials along with your Paycom application. Persons who do not follow and complete the application process will not be considered for employment. Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. During the selection process, we will strive to provide timely notifications. The selection process may vary from recruitment to recruitment but typically includes multiple interviews and may take several weeks depending on the position. All qualified applicants will be notified once the selection process has closed.Offers of employment at Pacific University are contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States and a successful criminal background check.