Assistant Professor of Practice

Description

About the Program:

The Minor in Science and Patient Advocacy prepares students to be advocates and allies for individuals living with rare diseases. Through courses that integrate science, ethics, policy, and lived experience, students develop the tools to drive meaningful change. The program includes immersive summer experiences, capstone projects, and partnerships with advocacy organizations and families.

Position Description:

The Science Preprofessional Department at the University of Notre Dame invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor of the Practice to contribute to our innovative, interdisciplinary curriculum in Rare Disease Advocacy and Policy. Exceptional candidates at the Associate or Full Professor of the Practice level will also be considered.  This position is a core teaching role within the Minor in Science and Patient Advocacy, a nationally unique program designed to educate and empower students to become compassionate, informed advocates for individuals and families affected by rare diseases. In addition, the position will support broader teaching needs within the Science Preprofessional Department, including courses in medical ethics, Catholic social tradition, and other related topics as needed. We seek a passionate educator with expertise in one or more of the following areas: 

• Bioethics related to rare, undiagnosed, or disabling conditions
• Health policy and public policy as they impact rare disease communities
• Storytelling, narrative medicine, or science communication for awareness and advocacy
• Patient, family, and caregiver engagement strategies
• Advocacy models, including legislative, regulatory, and grassroots approaches 

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about bridging scientific knowledge with lived experience and committed to student-centered, experiential teaching that advances health equity and social justice. 

Responsibilities:

• Teach one or more existing courses in the area of rare disease advocacy and/or policy 
• Develop additional courses or add to the existing curriculum in the following areas:
  • Bioethics of Rare and Undiagnosed Conditions
  • Health Policy and Legislative Advocacy for Rare Diseases
  • Narrative Medicine and Patient-Centered Storytelling
  • Interdisciplinary Capstone in Rare Disease Advocacy
  • Teach additional courses for the Science Preprofessional Department as needed 
• Develop and revise course syllabi and materials in alignment with program goals and evolving community needs 
• Foster inclusive, collaborative, and applied learning environments 
• Advise and mentor students, including support for capstone projects, immersion experiences, or internships 
• Collaborate with the Director of the Patient Advocacy Initiative and community partners (patients, families, advocacy organizations) for course implementation and to maintain curricular relevance
• Participate in departmental and program events, student presentations, and occasional evening/weekend advocacy activities 

Qualifications

Required: 

• A health-related advanced degree and/or distinguished practice experience relevant to rare disease advocacy, policy, bioethics, narrative medicine or related fields
• Knowledge of or experience working in rare disease, patient advocacy, health disparities, or disability studies
• A commitment to student-centered teaching, interdisciplinary learning, and public engagement
• A commitment to values such as human dignity, compassion, and justice, and an ability to engage students in conversations about the ethical and social dimensions of healthcare
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

Preferred: 

• Direct experience collaborating with rare disease patients, families, or advocacy organizations
• Familiarity with policy development, legislative advocacy, or healthcare reform
• Experience in mentoring students in applied projects or internships
• A demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines and with external partners
• We especially welcome applicants with experience in qualitative methods (such as interviewing patients or analyzing narrative data), media production (such as creating advocacy videos, podcasts, or digital campaigns), or collaborative work with patient communities (such as co-developing outreach or education projects with families or rare disease organizations).
• Master’s or Doctoral degree in bioethics, public health, health humanities, social sciences, education, health policy, or a health-related field
• Demonstrated experience teaching at the undergraduate level 

Applicat