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Pepperdine University

Faculty Employment at the School of Physician Assistant Studies

Pepperdine University's School of Physician Assistant Studies invites applications for full-time faculty positions and administrative appointments for the 2025=2026 academic year. Pepperdine partners with Interfolio to collect all faculty job applications electronically. Please click on the position title to see detailed information and apply via the links located at the end of each description.

*Pepperdine University, Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS) has applied for Accreditation - Provisional from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). The MSPAS program anticipates matriculating its first class in September 2027 pending achieving Accreditation - Provisional status at the April 2027 ARC-PA meeting. The program will not commence in the event that provisional accreditation is not received. Accreditation - Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding accreditation-provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students.

The MSPAS program at Pepperdine University is pending approval by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC)

 


Open Positions

  Principal Faculty

Principal Faculty

The developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program at Pepperdine University seeks a candidate to serve in a full-time 12-month faculty appointment as a principal faculty member for its graduate program, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies.  Depending on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, this may be a tenure-track or clinical faculty appointment.  The principal faculty member has primary responsibility for supporting the design, delivery, and assessment of the curriculum, as well as student evaluation, program self-assessment, and accreditation activities. Other duties include teaching, scholarship, academic advising, service, admissions, and professional activities. 

Required Educational and Experience Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Current or emeritus NCCPA certification
  • At least two years of full-time clinical experience at the time of appointment
  • Eligibility for state licensure in California

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience as a full-time faculty in a PA program. 
  • Prior experience with ARC-PA accreditation and/or curriculum development
  • Doctoral degree in a related field
  • Demonstrated commitment to student success
  • An established research agenda, including, but not limited to a record of successful publication, presentation, and grantsmanship

Personal Attributes:

  • An active and abiding Christian faith, a sincere commitment to advancing Pepperdine University’s Christian mission, and a dedication to the integration of faith and learning.
  • Commitment to the highest moral, ethical, and academic standards.
  • The skill to develop relationships of trust across a wide range of internal and external constituents.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide content expertise on the curriculum design, implementation, coordination, and evaluation.  
  • Develop course syllabi and instructional content in accordance with university guidelines and ARC-PA accreditation standards.
  • Provide classroom and small-group instruction aligned with the program learning outcomes. 
  • Participate in the identification, development, and maintenance of clinical partnerships that support high-quality Supervised Clinical Practice Experiences.
  • Participate in the program’s ongoing curriculum evaluation and continuous quality improvement efforts to ensure alignment with the program’s mission, the NCCPA blueprint, and current clinical practice standards.
  • Collaborate with colleagues in the College of Health Science and external partners to develop and participate in interprofessional education experiences.
  • Provide student instruction, evaluate student performance, and assure the availability of remedial instruction.
  • Advise and mentor PA students by providing academic counseling.
  • Participate in student recruitment, application review, and the admissions process.
  • Support all phases of the program’s accreditation and continuous review process, including evaluating the program, development of the self-study, and preparation for site visits.
  • Participate in the development, review and revision of the program’s mission statement, goals, and competencies.
    Support review of the PA program’s handbooks and manuals.
    Serve on program and university committees and engage in service activities.
  • Maintain clinical competence through ongoing education or clinical practice as appropriate. 
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the dean.

Located in western Los Angeles County near Ventura County, Pepperdine University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute through their teaching, research, and service to foster academic excellence and cultivate a sense of belonging between the University and surrounding communities.

The salary for this 12-month appointment will range from $115,000 to $140,000 and reflects what Pepperdine reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Applicants will submit materials at apply.interfolio.com/169822.

For more information, please contact the chair of the search committee:

 Dr. Amy Bronson (amy.bronson@pepperdine.edu) 
 Founding Dean, School of Physician Assistant Studies
 Pepperdine University
 24255 Pacific Coast Highway
 Malibu, CA 902633

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. Pepperdine University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists.

It is the intent of the University to create and promote a diverse workforce consistent with its stated goals and mission.

 

  Assistant Dean of Academics

Assistant Dean of Academics

The developing Physician Assistant (PA) Program at Pepperdine University seeks a candidate to serve in a full-time faculty appointment as the Assistant Dean of Academics for its graduate program, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. The assistant dean has primary responsibility to plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate the PA curriculum. The assistant dean is a key member of the leadership team, reports directly to the dean, and in collaboration with the dean supports all curricular, assessment, and instructional aspects of the PA Program.  Initial duties will also include curriculum development and preparation for the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) application and site visit. Other duties include teaching, scholarship, academic advising, service, admissions, and professional activities. 

In addition to serving as a principal faculty member, the Assistant Dean of Academics will collaborate with the dean in the improvement and refinement of the curriculum for the PA program, to meet University and program goals, in accordance with the accreditation standards of the ARC-PA.

Required Educational and Experience Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
  • Current or emeritus NCCPA certification
  • At least two years of full-time clinical experience at the time of appointment
  • Two or more years as a full-time faculty in a PA program.
  • Eligibility for state licensure in California

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience with ARC-PA accreditation and/or curriculum development
  • Doctoral degree in a related field
  • Strong administrative skill-set
  • Demonstrated commitment to student success
  • An established research agenda, including, but not limited to a record of successful  publication, presentation, and grantsmanship

Personal Attributes:

  • An active and abiding Christian faith, a sincere commitment to advancing Pepperdine University’s Christian mission, and a dedication to the integration of faith and learning.
  • Commitment to the highest moral, ethical, and academic standards.
  • The skill to develop relationships of trust across a wide range of internal and external constituents.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide academic leadership and oversight of the curriculum design, implementation, coordination, and evaluation. 
  • Develop, maintain, and revise course syllabi and instructional content in accordance with university guidelines and ARC-PA accreditation standards.
  • Lead the program’s ongoing curriculum evaluation and continuous quality improvement efforts to ensure alignment with the program’s mission, the NCCPA blueprint, and current clinical practice standards.
  • Coordinate and onboard faculty and guest lecturers, ensuring appropriate content delivery and alignment of instructional content with course objectives.
  • Facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration among program faculty to support curricular planning and delivery.
  • Collaborate with colleagues in the College of Health Science and external partners to develop and implement interprofessional education experiences.
  • Provide student instruction, evaluate student performance, and assure the availability of remedial instruction.
    Advise and mentor PA students by providing academic counseling.
  • Participate in student recruitment, application review, and the admissions selection process.
  • Contribute to all phases of the program’s accreditation and continuous review process, including evaluating the program, development of the self-study, preparation for site visits, and submission of required reports.
  • Participate in the development, review and revision of the program’s mission statement, goals, and competencies.
  • Maintain and update the PA program’s handbooks and manuals.
  • Serve on program and university committees and engage in service activities as assigned.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the dean.

Located in western Los Angeles County near Ventura County, Pepperdine University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute through their teaching, research, and service to foster academic excellence and cultivate a sense of belonging between the University and surrounding communities.

The salary for this 12-month appointment will range from $140,000 to $160,000 and reflects what Pepperdine reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The assistant dean will serve an initial term of three years. Pending successful performance, the appointment can be renewed for successive terms.

Applicants will submit materials at apply.interfolio.com/169888.

For more information, please contact the chair of the search committee:

 Dr. Amy Bronson (amy.bronson@pepperdine.edu) 
 Founding Dean, School of Physician Assistant Studies
 Pepperdine University
 24255 Pacific Coast Highway
 Malibu, CA 90263

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. Pepperdine University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University.

Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists.

It is the intent of the University to create and promote a diverse workforce consistent with its stated goals and mission.

 


Potential Candidates

Pepperdine University was established in 1937 by Mr. George Pepperdine, a Christian businessman, who stressed the desirability of a holistic education built on a Christian value system. The institution is committed to the ideals of the founder. Successful candidates must demonstrate an active commitment to the Christian mission of the University. Located near Los Angeles in Southern California, Pepperdine University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute through their teaching, research, and service to the diversity and excellence of the University and our surrounding community.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Pepperdine is committed to providing a work environment free from all forms of harassment and discrimination. Engaging in unlawful discrimination or harassment will result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University. Pepperdine is religiously affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. While students, faculty, staff and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, Pepperdine reserves the right to seek, hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the institution, including the right to prefer co-religionists. It is the intent of the University to create and promote a diverse workforce consistent with its stated goals and mission.

 


Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

  • A letter of application
  • A curriculum vitae
  • Three current letters of reference. All letters should be specific to the position and completed within one year prior to the date of submission. The name and email address for each individual providing a letter of recommendation is required when submitting an application.
  • Transcripts of all graduate work (Unofficial copies are acceptable for the application; however, official transcripts may be required for selected applicants.)
  • Teaching statement. The teaching statement should reflect on the candidate's values, beliefs, and goals regarding the teaching and learning process and any pedagogical practices used or envisioned to achieve these goals. 1,500 word maximum length please.
  • Scholarly/Creative agenda. The statement should outline applicants' short- and long-term objectives and goals for their research and/or creative activities. Candidates should reflect on currently published or presented work(s) as a foundation for the statement. 1,500 word maximum length please.
  • Response to Mission. Pepperdine University's mission statement declares that we are a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Religiously affiliated with the churches of Christ, it is the purpose of Pepperdine to pursue the very highest employment and academic standards within a context which celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith. In pursuit of its mission, Pepperdine reserves the right to recruit and hire persons who richly embrace the goals and Christian mission of the University.

Candidates should thoughtfully reflect on the Christian missions of Pepperdine University and the School of Physician Assistant Studies and address the following areas in their response.

  • A consistent pattern of support for generally accepted Christian values and the mission of Pepperdine University.
  • Active participation in a community of faith.
  • Either current practice or vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom and clinical practice. In your response, also reflect on the School of Physician Assistant Studies Mission, Vision and Values statement and share your philosophy of health, healing, and compassion as they relate to current issues in healthcare.

Depending on the position, the search committee may request additional materials to accompany the application (e.g., prior teaching evaluations, portfolio of scholarly work, etc.)

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University's reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

All documents submitted must represent the original contributions of the applicant and may not be prepared using a generative artificial intelligence tool, except to provide an accommodation in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and state and local regulations regarding individuals with disabilities.