Open Rank Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology

 

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sceinces, in partnership with the national search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Open Rank Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology. This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and mission-driven academic community at one of the nation’s respected medical and health sciences institutions. Located on DMU’s new, state-of-the-art campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, the position offers the ability to contribute meaningfully to the education and mentorship of future physicians and health professionals while engaging in scholarly activity within a supportive and interdisciplinary environment.

 

The successful candidate will join a department committed to excellence in teaching, research and service, with opportunities to contribute across the osteopathic medical and graduate curriculum through lectures, laboratories, case-based learning and student mentorship. DMU fosters a culture that values innovation, accessibility and academic collaboration, providing faculty with the resources and institutional support to advance their scholarly interests, pursue research initiatives and engage in service to the university, profession and broader community.

 

DMU also demonstrates a strong and expanding commitment to research and graduate education, including one of only seven osteopathic medical schools nationally that offers a combined DO-PhD program. This distinction underscores the university’s investment in training physician-scientists and advancing biomedical discovery alongside clinical education. In recognition of this growing research enterprise, DMU has recently received Carnegie recognition for the continued growth and impact of its research activity.

 

Responsibilities:

• Effectively instruct/teach one or more subjects within the prescribed curriculum and participate in the educational offerings of the department.  This will include preparing and delivering up-to-date, accurate content in the form of classroom lectures, laboratories, problem-based learning sessions, case scenarios, etc.
• Participate in course management/administration of one or more subjects within the prescribed curriculum.
• Participate in the assessment of student learning and curriculum development.
• Serve formally and informally as an advisor to students and participate in student mentorship.
• Develop a scholarly agenda by conducting independent research, submitting applications for intramural and extramural grant funding, publishing in peer reviewed journals, presenting at local and national conferences, etc.
• Provide service to the department, college, university, and profession by: participating in faculty and professional committees, participating in community outreach programs and functions, serving governmental agencies and community organizations, etc.
• Directly supervise students and/or staff conducting work related to this job description. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining of employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

 

Qualifications:

• Earned doctorate from an accredited university in Physiology, Pharmacology, or a closely related discipline such as Biomedical or Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Biochemistry, or Pharmaceutical/Medical Sciences.
• Minimum three (3) years post-doctoral experience, preferably in a medical or health-related university.
• Demonstrated accomplishments in scholarly activity with preference to those individuals that can relocate extramural funding.
• Ability to secure and maintain State and Federal controlled substance registration if research involves use of controlled substances.

 

About Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences:

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences has upheld a rich legacy of teaching, learning and service since 1898. Today, it is a premier medical and health sciences education institution comprising three colleges offering 11 graduate degree programs. The programs share a collective strength - a collaborative campus community where students and faculty come together in the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. With a strong foundation in educating exceptional health care professionals and delivering outstanding patient care through the Des Moines University Clinic, the university continues to create opportunities for future leaders and health care experts.

 

DMU combines the scale and resources of a comprehensive health sciences institution with the personalized attention that helps students thrive. More than 880 students are pursuing the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, and over 1,500 students are enrolled across the university’s 11 academic programs. DMU fosters collaboration across its teaching, research, and service initiatives, from advanced simulation labs to the clinical programs at Des Moines University Clinic, all with a shared focus on advancing knowledge and improving lives. The university also demonstrates a strong commitment to student success, awarding more than $5.5 million in scholarships annually and supporting a robust alumni network of more than 16,000 graduates, including over 3,100 currently based in Iowa.

 

Current Degree Offerings:

College of Health Sciences

• Master of Health Care Administration (MHA)
• Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPAS)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)

 

College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Master of Anatomy (MSA)
• Master of Science Biomedical Sciences (MSBS)
• D. in Biomedical Sciences (PhD)
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

 

College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

• Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

 

State-of-the-Art Facilities

• Our Campus: Opened in 2023 and spanning 88 acres at 8025 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines, Iowa, our cutting-edge campus combines academic excellence with access to the vibrant Greater Des Moines community.
• Des Moines University Clinic: Located at 3200 Grand Ave., the clinic provides invaluable clinical training for students while serving the community’s health care needs. The Des Moines University Regional Simulation Center at DMU32 Health and Business Complex also resides at this location.
• Future Ready: DMU’s progressive campus in West Des Moines encompasses award-winning sustainable design and cutting-edge learning spaces. Our facilities reflect our vision for the future of medical education.

 

About the College of Osteopathic Medicine:

The College of Osteopathic Medicine at DMU is committed to preparing highly competent and compassionate health care professionals, educators, researchers and scholars who are equipped to improve lives locally and globally. Grounded in a whole-person approach to care, the college emphasizes collaboration, innovation and evidence-based education across its graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, anatomy and biomedical sciences. Students benefit from a learning environment that values mentorship, accessibility and academic excellence, supported by small student-to-faculty ratios that foster meaningful engagement and individualized support.

 

With more than 30 faculty members representing a broad range of academic, clinical and research expertise, the College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment for teaching, scholarship and professional growth. Faculty are actively engaged in research initiatives with broad medical impact and provide students with opportunities to contribute to scholarly projects, publish findings and present at regional and national conferences. Academic departments span both the basic and clinical sciences, including Anatomy; Behavioral Medicine, Medical Humanities and Bioethics; Biochemistry and Nutrition; Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology; Physiology and Pharmacology; Primary Care; and Specialty Medicine, creating a collaborative setting that supports innovation in health professions education and research.

 

The College of Osteopathic Medicine is also home to one of the few Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine-PhD (DO-PhD) pathways available in the US as well as a stand-alone PhD in Biomedical Sciences program.  The PhD program is designed to prepare future biomedical scientists, and in conjunction with DMU’s doctoral programs in medicine and podiatry, to train graduates with a broad and integrated foundation across biochemistry, molecular genetics, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, and immunology. A defining feature of the program is its significant overlap with the medical curriculum, allowing PhD students to engage in clinically relevant learning and apply foundational science directly to human health and disease. Faculty across disciplines are actively engaged in collaborative, high-impact research, providing robust mentorship and opportunities for students to contribute to scholarly publications and presentations. Additional information can be found here.

 

About the Physiology and Pharmacology Department:

The Physiology and Pharmacology Department educates and trains medical and graduate students while advancing medical knowledge through research and scholarly activity. The department is committed to fostering an environment grounded in excellence, intellectual freedom, integrity, service and diversity. Faculty and students benefit from a collaborative and academically rigorous culture that values ethical and scholarly inquiry, continuous improvement, respect for diverse perspectives and the responsible stewardship of resources.

 

About the Community:

West Des Moines, Iowa, home to DMU’s campus, offers a thriving metropolitan atmosphere and a diverse community of nearly 700,000. It is a city suburb just over 10 miles from the vibrant downtown center of Des Moines, Iowa’s capital. The region is home to 12 colleges and universities and nearly 300 houses of worship representing 79 different denominations or faiths.

 

Living in the Greater Des Moines area means having access to a variety of recreational opportunities. Miles of bike paths, numerous lakes and over 130 parks provide ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The area is known for its safe neighborhoods, excellent public schools and family-oriented events, attractions and programs. As one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest, Des Moines beams with community pride and accolades.

 

The region also offers a thriving arts and cultural scene, with live music, theater and arts events. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy cheering on local teams and the area hosts vibrant cultural festivals, farmers markets and shopping options. With a low cost of living, an abundance of employment opportunities and a high standard of living, the Greater Des Moines is an exceptional place to call home.

 

To learn more about our fantastic community, explore the following resources:

• Des Moines Rankings (Catch Des Moines)
• Most Recent DSM Rankings (Greater Des Moines Partnership)
• Awards & Recognitions for West Des Moines (City of West Des Moines)
• Relocate (West Des Moines City of Commerce)
• Living Here (Greater Des Moines Partnership)

 

Application and Nomination Process:

All correspondence relating to the position of Open Rank Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology at Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences should be directed in confidence to the University’s executive search consultant:

 

Christopher S. Healy, President

Scott Healy & Associates

chris@scotthealy.com

 

A complete application should include the following:

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the position;
2. Updated CV;
3. Contact information for three (3) professional references with title, institutional affiliation, email address and direct phone numbers. (No references will be contacted without written permission from the candidate.)

 

Applications received by July 6, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

 

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, genetic information and other characteristics protected by law (“protected class”).

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