Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is seeking a dedicated and collaborative faculty member of Physiology and Pharmacology to join our dynamic academic community. This role offers the opportunity to inspire future health professionals through innovative teaching, meaningful scholarship, and active engagement in service to the department, college, university, and broader profession. If you’re passionate about advancing education and discovery in the biomedical sciences, we invite you to bring your expertise and enthusiasm to our team.

Please note: This search is being conducted in partnership with Scott Healy & Associates. All candidate materials should be submitted directly to the search firm.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Curriculum

• Deliver high-quality instruction across the curriculum, including lectures, laboratories, problem-based learning, and case-based sessions
• Develop and maintain current, evidence-based course content
• Participate in course leadership and curriculum development
• Contribute to student assessment and continuous program improvement

Research & Scholarship

• Establish and sustain an independent, nationally recognized research program
• Publish in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals
• Pursue and secure extramural funding from federal agencies, foundations, or other relevant sources

Student Engagement

• Advise and mentor students in academic and professional development
• Support a learning environment that promotes inclusion, curiosity, and critical thinking

Service & Leadership

• Contribute to departmental, college, and university committees
• Engage in professional service and community outreach
• Supervise students and/or staff, including hiring, training, performance management, and mentorship as appropriate 

What we are looking for:

• An 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.
• At least 2 years post-doctoral experience, preferably in a medical or health-related university.
• History of obtaining funding and current extramural funding to support research.
• Must be able to secure and maintain State and Federal controlled substance registration if research involves use of controlled substances.

Total Rewards:

Academic rank, salary, and tenure eligibility will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. This position will remain open until filled.

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well!  Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits. 

DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities, and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.

About:

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges — the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and the College of Health Sciences. DMU offers graduate-level professional degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration, medical science, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and public health.

Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa’s capital metro, DMU provides a collaborative, student-centered academic environment. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks in board exam performance, certification pass rates and medical residency match outcomes. Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

It is an exciting time to join DMU. Our 88-acre campus in West Des Moines brings the entire academic community together in one collaborative, future-focused environment, while the Des Moines University Clinic serves patients within the DMU32 Health and Business Complex in downtown Des Moines. Our state-of-the-art campus features technology-rich, flexible learning environments that support innovative teaching and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Modern research facilities include a vibrant open-concept laboratory that fosters collaboration, accelerates discovery and empowers faculty and students to advance the health sciences.

DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders, providing expert and compassionate patient care, serving the community in diverse ways and contributing to the vitality of central Iowa.

At DMU, you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.

Application Process

All applications, nominations, and inquiries should be directed in confidence to:

Christopher S. Healy, President
Scott Healy & Associates
chris@scotthealy.com

Applications should include:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three professional references

For full position details and application instructions, visit the Scott Healy & Associates search profile: https://www.scotthealy.com/searches/current-searches/open-rank-professor-of-physiology-and-pharmacology/

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

Department: Physiology and Pharmacology

Status:  Exempt

About Des Moines University

Founded in 1898 in Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines University is a postgraduate medical university comprised of three colleges – College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and College of Health Sciences – that offer nine graduate degree programs. Des Moines University combines the top advantages in medical education available today: an expert faculty, a rigorous and relevant curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, a dynamic and diverse research environment, and a supportive, inclusive community of students and faculty active in learning and service. By consistently producing outstanding graduates who excel in their careers, DMU maintains one of the strongest reputations in the sphere of American medical education.

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