Position Information
- Division: Academic Affairs
- Department: Optometric Medicine (Office)
- Working Title: Open Rank, Tenured/Tenure Track, PhD or OD/PhD - Optometric Medicine
- Vacancy Type: Tenure Track Faculty
Required Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited institution
- Eligibility for optometry licensure in North Carolina, if additional advanced degree includes an OD
- Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, or supervise at the doctoral/professional level
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
- Commitment to excellence and to serving a diverse student population
- FTE: 1
- Recruitment Range: Salary commensurate with education and experience
- Anticipated Hiring Range: Salary commensurate with education and experience
- Position #: 3602
- FLSA Status: Exempt
- Months per year: 12
- Is this a grant funded position? No
- If yes, please indicate the end date of the grant.(if applicable): N/A
Primary Purpose of Organization Unit
Mission: The University of North Carolina at Pembroke College of Optometric Medicine develops compassionate, skilled and independent optometric physicians through excellence in education, patient care, and research to serve local and regional ocular health needs.
The College of Optometric Medicine (COM) provides doctoral level education and clinical training in preparation for licensure. At its full capacity, COM will support full-time faculty and staff of approximately 35 employees and a population of approximately 128 graduate students. The Doctor of Optometry program provides a comprehensive four-year curriculum in basic science, optometric science, clinical training, and provision of patient care in the second, third and fourth years of the program and will be accredited by the Accrediting Council on Optometric Education. The unit will also support a public eye care clinic.
Primary Purpose of Position
The primary purpose of this position is to support the mission of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke College of Optometric Medicine by providing high-quality didactic, clinical, and/or laboratory instruction while advancing scholarship, patient care, and service. The faculty member will contribute to the preparation of compassionate, competent, and independent optometric physicians equipped to meet the vision and eye health needs of local and regional populations.
Job Description
This full-time, tenure-track faculty position involves teaching in classroom, laboratory, and possibly clinical settings (depending on terminal degree(s)); course development and assessment; and supervision and mentoring of optometry students. The faculty member will engage in scholarly activity consistent with rank and tenure expectations, participate in institutional service and governance, and represent the College in professional and community settings. Additional responsibilities include supporting accreditation efforts, modeling professionalism and ethical conduct, and performing other duties as assigned by College of Optometric Medicine administration.
Sign-on bonus and faculty development funds are available for qualified applicants.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior faculty experience in optometric education
- Additional advanced degree (OD, MS, MPH, MEd, etc.)
- Eligibility for optometry licensure in North Carolina, if additional advanced degree includes an OD
- Fellowship or Diplomate in the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)
- Record of scholarly activity (presentations, publications, or funded projects)
- Active engagement in professional organizations
Areas of Need
Candidates with expertise in the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:
- Basic and Biomedical Sciences (e.g., anatomy, neuroanatomy, physiology, immunology, vision science, body systems, optics)
If additional advanced degree includes an OD:
- Clinical and Pre-clinical Optometric Education (examination techniques, procedures, treatment and management of ocular disease, surgical/laser procedures, public health, interprofessional care)
- Clinical Patient Care in adult primary care, ocular disease, pediatrics, contact lenses, geriatrics, binocular vision, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, orthoptics, and/or low vision.
Lic or Certification required by statute or regulation
Posting Information
- Job Opening Date: 10/16/2026
- Job Closing Date:
- Open Until Filled: Yes
- Posting Category: Faculty
- Posting Number: EPA01184
Special Instructions to Applicants
This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.
UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- C V/Resume
- Cover Letter
Optional Documents
- Other Document
