Open Rank - Instructional Faculty – Vision Science Education - (497289)

Department: Clinical Sciences

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Description

The University of Houston College of Optometry invites applications for a full-time, open-rank, non-tenure-track instructional faculty position in Vision Science Education. We seek an innovative educator with expertise in foundational and applied vision sciences who will advance professional education, integrate basic and clinical sciences, and promote student success.

Clinician-educators, clinician-scientists, and vision scientists are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will teach core vision science subjects and collaborate with faculty, academic leadership, and instructional support professionals to strengthen curriculum coordination and educational effectiveness. Relevant expertise may include physiological optics, visual perception, binocular vision, ocular anatomy and physiology, visual neuroscience, visual function, and related clinical vision sciences.

Primary Responsibilities

1. College-Wide Educational Excellence and Pedagogical Leadership

Collaborate across the College to advance evidence-based teaching and learning practices.

• Promote active learning, case-based instruction, clinical reasoning, formative assessment, and meaningful feedback.
• Work with academic leadership and faculty to align learning objectives, teaching methods, assessments, and educational expectations.
• Support faculty development through peer collaboration, workshops, educational mentoring, and sharing effective practices.
• Evaluate and improve student learning, educational outcomes, and preparation for professional practice.

2. Interdisciplinary Course Coordination and Curricular Integration

Work with faculty teaching related subjects to improve continuity, sequencing, and clinical relevance across the professional curriculum.

• Facilitate working groups around intersecting themes, including optics and visual perception, anatomy and physiology, ocular disease, visual neuroscience, and clinical examination.
• Partner with course directors and subject experts to reinforce essential concepts and identify unnecessary duplication or instructional gaps.
• Connect foundational science to clinical assessment, diagnosis, and patient management.
• Encourage shared instructional resources, peer discussion, and coordinated approaches to assessment and improvement.
• Support consistent achievement of professional competencies within the College's curricular framework and accreditation requirements.

3. Direct Instruction and Core Vision Science Education

Teach foundational and applied vision sciences, primarily in the first two years of the Doctor of Optometry program.

• Teach or coordinate courses and modules in physiological optics, visual perception, binocular vision, visual neuroscience, ocular anatomy and physiology, or related areas, according to expertise and program needs.
• Design engaging instruction that demonstrates the clinical relevance of scientific principles.
• Use active learning, problem-solving, case-based instruction, and clinical reasoning to help students apply knowledge to patient care.
• Develop objectives and assessments emphasizing conceptual understanding, integration, and clinical application.
• Mentor students in academic development, clinical readiness, and preparation for national board examinations.

Qualifications

Required

• An earned doctoral degree (O.D., Ph.D., or equivalent) in optometry, vision science, neuroscience, biomedical science, or a closely related discipline.
• Expertise in foundational or applied vision science relevant to optometric education.
• Demonstrated teaching effectiveness or strong potential for excellence in health professions or graduate education.
• Understanding of how basic vision science informs clinical assessment, diagnosis, and patient management.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills across scientific and clinical disciplines.
• Commitment to educational excellence, student success, and continuous improvement.

Preferred

• Teaching experience in optometry, medicine, or another health profession.
• Clinical practice or research experience, or demonstrated translation of vision science into clinical education.
• Experience with interdisciplinary course coordination, faculty collaboration, or curricular integration.
• Training or expertise in pedagogy, instructional design, learning assessment, or scholarship of teaching and learning.
• Experience with active learning, case-based education, simulation, or innovative instruction.
• Educational leadership, faculty mentoring, or successful collaborative educational initiatives.

Expertise in every listed area is not expected. Candidates whose strengths complement existing faculty and connect science with clinical education are welcome.

Faculty Appointment and Professional Development

This is a full-time, open-rank, non-tenure-track instructional appointment in the Department of Clinical Sciences. Rank and compensation will reflect qualifications and experience.

Teaching excellence, educational leadership, and academic service are central to the position. Educational scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development are encouraged. An independently funded research program is not required.

About the University of Houston College of Optometry

The College is internationally recognized for professional optometric education, vision-related biomedical research, and evidence-based clinical care. Faculty unite basic vision science, clinical investigation, and patient care to prepare graduates for evolving healthcare needs.

Located in Houston near the Texas Medical Center, the College offers collaboration across academic, clinical, and research partners. Its mission emphasizes innovative optometric education, impactful eye research, and evidence-based healthcare that improves wellness and public health.

Application Process

Review begins upon posting and continues until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, apply by February 15, 2027.

Applicants should submit:

1. A cover letter outlining qualifications, teaching interests, and approach to educational collaboration and leadership.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. A statement of teaching philosophy and educational experience (1–2 pages).
4. Names and contact information for three professional references.

Applicants are encouraged to explain how they connect foundational vision science with clinical education and collaborate to improve teaching and learning.

Questions may be directed to:

• Dr. David Berntsen | Chair, Department of Clinical Sciences | DBerntsen@central.uh.edu
• Dr. Geunyoung Yoon | Faculty Search Committee Chair | gyoon2@central.uh.edu

Employees are expected to have a home address in the state of Texas for the duration of their appointments.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.