Assistant or Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences and Academic Success

RUSVM

Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is the number one provider of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) to the U.S.* and offers a DVM program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. Located on St. Kitts, RUSVM includes the Ross University Veterinary Clinic and is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. A cutting-edge curriculum, with innovative use of technologies and simulations, provides the best possible training for tomorrow’s veterinarians.

RUSVM prepares students to become veterinary leaders by drawing connections among animals, people and the planet, as a member of the One Health Initiative. We offer research programs focused on emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases, conservation medicine and ecosystem health. Visit veterinary.rossu.edu for more information, and follow RUSVM on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.


*Based on the total number of DVM graduates at RUSVM compared to U.S. schools in 2024.
 

Are you passionate about supporting future veterinarians in their academic journey? Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) invites applications for a unique faculty role dedicated to shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals through the VET-STEP (Support, Training and Enhanced Performance) program. Faculty at Ross play a central role in delivering dynamic education and mentoring within a year-round academic calendar.

This specific position is designed for an engaged educator with a robust understanding of the RUSVM Semester 1 curriculum and a commitment to student success and retention. The successful candidate will split their expertise between high-impact academic coaching through the Student Success Center, specifically supporting students who are repeating their first semester and classroom instruction in one (or more depending on the skills) foundational sciences disciplines.

The successful candidate will report to the Head of Department, Biomedical Sciences and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Core responsibilities:

· Facilitation of semester‑long academic support through a one‑on‑one academic coaching process, with a particular focus on students experiencing academic difficulty. This includes helping students identify root causes of underperformance, assessing strengths and needs, developing individualized academic action plans, and referring students to appropriate campus support services when concerns extend beyond academics.

· Collaboratively develop teaching and learning resources that align with the Semester 1 curriculum, focusing on simplifying complex biological concepts.

· Design and facilitate small-group sessions using inquiry-based learning, questioning dialogues, and exploratory talk to enhance critical thinking in veterinary medical sciences.

· Participate in team-taught Veterinary Physiology, Gross Anatomy or Microanatomy courses.

· Collaboration with student engagement and counseling departments to support all aspects of student development.

· Participate in veterinary medical education research on effectiveness of various interventions on student academic outcomes.

· Work with students across a range of academic abilities, including those who are underperforming or experiencing academic challenges.

Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills:

· A DVM or comparable degree (MD or a PhD/Masters in Physiology, Anatomy, Microanatomy). An EdD or PhD or Masters in Education with experience in veterinary medical student academic support in addition to the DVM would be advantageous.

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written) essential. Good knowledge of computer software programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required

· Must possess strong customer service, critical thinking, and collaborative skills along with ability to effectively communicate and establish rapport with a diverse group of students, faculty, and constituents across university.

· Previous experience working with adult learners in STEM required; experience in veterinary medical education preferred.

· Teaching experience, in both large and small group formats with evidence of effectiveness.

· Mentoring or academic coaching experience of individual students with evidence of success.

· Well-grounded in logic and critical analysis, preferably with training in veterinary medicine and/or basic sciences.

· Understanding of educational theory and psychology of learning.

· Excellent communication skills in English; Flexibility and ability to work well on a team.

· Knowledge of principles, methods, techniques, materials and equipment used in postsecondary teaching/medical education

· Desire for self-improvement and continuing education in the field of veterinary medical education.

Desirable Qualifications:

· Prior teaching experience at a North American or Caribbean Veterinary School.

· Experience developing online learning products, courses or training.

· Awareness of student development principles and comfort engaging in supportive, non‑clinical conversations with students; formal training in psychology or counselling is helpful but not required.

· Demonstrated experience of incorporating emotional intelligence, brain based science and cognitive intelligence principles into student development programming.

· Experience working with ESL (English as a second language) learners and/or knowledge of the educational needs of students with disabilities.

· Experience developing interventions to enhance the academic learning environment from pre-matriculation to graduation.

· Ability to demonstrate ongoing faculty development in veterinary medical education desirable.

· Educational technology skills, including use of e-learning management systems (Canvas), audience response systems, online examination platforms (Examsoft).

Equal Opportunity – Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation