Director of the Biomedicine Program/Associate Professor

About Drexel

Drexel is a comprehensive global research university ranked among the top 100 in the nation. With over 24,000 students, Drexel is one of America's 15 largest private universities. Drexel is one of Philadelphia's top 10 private employers, and a major engine for economic development in the region. Drexel has committed to being the nation’s most civically engaged university, with community partnerships integrated into every aspect of service and academics.

Job Summary 

The MS in Biomedicine Programs are a series of online MS programs launched in 2016 by the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at College of Medicine in collaboration with four other Drexel University Colleges/Schools: Bennett S. LeBow College of Business (Biomedicine and Business), Close School of Entrepreneurship (Biomedicine and Entrepreneurship), the Kline School of Law (Biomedicine and Law), and the Digital Media Department at Westphal College of Media Arts and Design (Biomedicine and Digital Media). These programs are part of the Interdisciplinary and Career-Oriented (ICO) Division of programs offered by the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies at the College of Medicine.

New students are admitted in the Fall or the Spring semesters, and teaching continues through the summer. Matriculated students are primarily biomedical industry professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in the pursuit of career advancement, or individuals interested in using the degree program as an entry into biopharma. The unique core curriculum consists of a technology commercialization core, common for all four MS in Biomedicine programs, focused on the commercialization of FDA-regulated biomedical technology (drugs, devices and diagnostics).  This common core is complemented by graduate coursework derived from Drexel’s MBA program, the MS in Entrepreneurship program, the Legal Studies program, or the MS in Digital Media program. The programs also offer students optional remote internship opportunities in biotech companies as well (experiential learning).

The Director of the Biomedicine Programs holds a full-time, 12-month, non-tenure track appointment in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and has teaching and administrative responsibilities associated with educating students enrolled in all four MS in Biomedicine programs. The Director’s primary responsibilities are to teach in the Biomedicine core curriculum, provide academic advising to students enrolled in the program (matriculated and non-matriculated students), and liaise with the partner Drexel Colleges/School and other administrative centers and groups at Drexel as needed (i.e., Office of the Registrar, Financial Aid, Dean’s and Provost Offices, Drexel Online, ICO Committee, etc.)

Since these programs are primarily online, this position can work remotely.

Essential Functions:

Curriculum Development and Teaching (50%)

Design and deliver a curriculum that is sound to educate individuals to meet current job market demands, by:

• Ensuring a quality learning experience for students
• Staying current on biomedical industry trends and job market demands
• Teaching (solo or in teams of 2-3 faculty) the Biomedicine core courses online
• Ensuring that the curriculum is aligned with the program goals
• Evaluating the need for revision of existing courses
• Developing new courses as needed
• Working with the instructional designer to revise and update the curriculum
• Working with Drexel partner Colleges/School to determine any changes in their curriculum which may affect the Biomedicine programs

Program Management and Administrative Duties (30%)

With assistance of the Program Manager, provide internal and external representation of the MS in Biomedicine Programs by:

• Serving as the main point of contact to address inquiries from prospective applicants in writing, by Zoom or phone
• Monitoring, reviewing and assessing all applications
• Conducting all applicant interviews by Zoom for Fall and Spring admissions, and advance strong applicants up the recruitment ladder.
• Leading the online welcome and orientation session for all new students
• Representing the program at the ICO committee
• Liaising with faculty and staff at the partner schools and Drexel University leadership as needed
• Representing the programs at all pre-commencement and commencement ceremonies
• Regularly evaluating and assessing the programs using quantitative and qualitative success metrics
• Working with the University’s marketing teams to update websites and other promotional materials
• Develop program reports as needed or requested by the Department or the University

Academic Advising and Mentoring (20%)

With assistance of the Program Manager, monitors the academic progress of matriculated students and serves as their mentor by:

• Developing and discussing a plan of study for each student upon admission and before registering in every term thereafter
• Mentoring students on matters of career pathways
• Referring students to career development and tutoring resources at Drexel, as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a biomedical discipline (PhD, PharmD, MD)
• Prior experience in teaching, advising and mentoring is a plus
• Track record of biopharma/life sciences industry experience, with an established professional network in the biomedical ecosystem, digital health experience is a plus
• Thorough understanding of the process of commercializing basic science discoveries and biomedical innovations into safe and effective products marketable in the US (e.g., FDA regulatory compliance, clinical trial design, financing strategies, strategic alliances and partnerships, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex workflows
• Ability to work independently and participate in collaborative efforts as a member of a diverse team of faculty, staff and students
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work within tight deadlines
• Ability to multitask

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior higher education and online teaching experience
• Prior program or project management experience
• Prior student/trainee-facing experience
• Exposure to learning management systems (e.g., Blackboard Learn).
• Prior experience with remote communications systems (e.g., Zoom, WebEx).

Location

Center City – Philadelphia, PA

Special Instructions to the Applicant

You must upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

Review of applicants will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified.