Chair, Department of Preparatory Learning, School of Medicine

Job Title: 

Chair, Department of Preparatory Learning, School of Medicine

Posting End Date: July 9, 2025 at 12:00 AM (MST) 

*NOTE: Last day to apply is Wednesday, July 8, 2025

Position Start Date:  September 15, 2025

Required Degree: 

MD or Doctoral degree (phD, EdD, ScD, Dsc or equivalent) in a foundational biomedical science discipline (e.g., anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, biochemistry). The required degree must be completed by the start date.

Experience: 

Required Qualifications

· Strong record of teaching and scholarship in medical or health professions education

· Demonstrated leadership experience in faculty development or academic administration

· Experience in curriculum development, active learning pedagogy, and educational innovation

· Alignment with the mission and values of Brigham Young University and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience leading interdisciplinary academic teams or departments

· Familiarity with accreditation standards and curricular assessment (e.g., LCME)

· Track record of externally funded research or program development

· Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to faculty mentorship and collaboration

· Commitment to fostering a culture of covenant belonging and academic excellence

Job Summary

The Chair of the Department of Preparatory Learning is responsible for leading the foundational sciences faculty and ensuring the effective integration and delivery of the pre-clerkship medical curriculum. This role encompasses strategic leadership in faculty recruitment, development, and evaluation; support of high-quality teaching and scholarship; and alignment with the medical school's accreditation and educational goals. The Chair is critical in fostering innovation in basic science pedagogy, advancing faculty research, and contributing to continuous quality improvement and institutional decision-making through committee and leadership engagement.

Duties/Expectations: 

· Recruit, onboard, and retain expert faculty in foundational science disciplines (e.g., anatomy, physiology, biochemistry)

· Support faculty through training, mentorship, evaluation, and career development

· Ensure the effective delivery and integration of basic sciences content within the curriculum

· Promote active learning, curriculum innovation, and the use of educational technology

· Encourage and support faculty scholarship and basic science research

· Engage in continuous quality improvement of teaching and departmental processes

· Participate in curriculum committees and contribute to LCME accreditation efforts

· Collaborate with academic leadership to support and implement strategic priorities

· Foster an inclusive and collegial department culture grounded in academic excellence

· Manage departmental resources and staffing aligned with institutional goals

Documents Required at the Time of Application: Please attach your updated curriculum vitae, cover letter and Mission Alignment Statement to the faculty application.

Note: Failure to attach the required documents may result in your application not being considered. 

Mission Alignment Statement

BYU is committed to hiring faculty members who enthusiastically embrace and energetically advance its unique mission. To this end, please include a one-page mission alignment statement as part of your application that addresses how you might, as a BYU faculty member: (1) live a life of loyalty to Jesus Christ and His restored Church and align yourself with doctrines and teachings declared by living prophets, seers, and revelators; (2) demonstrate intentionality in building faith in Jesus Christ and testimony of His restored gospel among students and others in the BYU community; and (3) teach your subject matter with the Spirit of God and strive to keep it “bathed in the light and color of the restored gospel” (Spencer W. Kimball). 

Applicants who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints include a one-page mission alignment statement that describes understanding of and commitment to the Mission of Brigham Young University and the AIMS of a BYU Education.

Employment Requirements

All new employees who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Sain