In collaboration and consultation with graduate professional programs, the Assistant Professor of Anatomy/Anatomy Lab Director (12-month contract, tenure-track) will be primarily responsible for the design, implementation, and assessment of the anatomy curriculum for the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies graduate programs. While additional coursework may be assigned within areas of expertise, the individual will be expected to teach didactic lectures, coordinate and lead accompanying anatomy labs, and facilitate and oversee cadaver dissections and prosections to the next generation of healthcare providers. The selected individual will also have administrative responsibilities overseeing the day-to-day operations of the anatomy lab including supplies and personnel (e.g. lab TAs), in addition to the procurement, management, and care of the cadaver donors.
Whereas the standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester for tenure-track faculty, this will be adjusted to allow for the administrative component associated with this position; courses may be assigned as in-person, online, hybrid, or via distance delivery modalities. Scholarship in the discipline, involvement with advising, and service to the department and profession are expected.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Teaching Responsibilities
Create engaging medical anatomy lectures and laboratory coursework for professional graduate students.
Prepare and assist with the administration of competency evaluations (e.g. written and practical examinations) for assigned coursework.
Establish and maintain scheduled office hours for student advising, tutoring, remediation, and consultation.
Administrative/Laboratory Responsibilities
Coordinate the procurement and removal/disposal of cadavers (and tissue) including transportation.
Facilitate cadaver dissection and prosections in the anatomy laboratory.
Maintenance and safety of the anatomy lab including all equipment.
Maintain the essential supplies and consumables associated with anatomy lab operations.
Ensure essential documentation and lab safety policies are up to date and followed for all courses.
Professional Responsibilities
Demonstrate the highest standard of professionalism and ethical behavior in all aspects of personal and professional actions and performance.
Maintain a professional development plan and portfolio, including documentation of teaching, professional development activities and plans, service provided to the university and communities, and scholarly activity and research.
Participate in faculty meetings and/or curriculum meetings as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications Required:
PhD in Anatomy or related field.
3+ years of experience teaching human anatomy.
Prior human cadaver dissection skills of all body regions.
Demonstrated excellence in teaching human anatomy.
Demonstrated enthusiasm and passion for teaching and student success.
Demonstrated ability to work productively, collegially, and effectively with a diverse faculty and student population.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in teaching other anatomical sciences (neuroanatomy, embryology, histology).
Medical/Clinical background.
A record of related scholarly activity.
Salary: $85,000.00 – 95,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Department: Kinesiology
Employment Type: Faculty
Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, complete applications must be received by 10/1/2025.
Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared to upload a:
Cover letter
Resume
Include the name, phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying for. Professional references should include at least one current or former supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and can recommend you for employment.
Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)
A comprehensive university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado’s largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction, its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via online offerings.
Colorado Mesa University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling 10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
At the heart of the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong liberal arts core that supports students’ interests and regional employment needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce demands.
The Grand Valley is home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that’s less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one of Colorado’s best kept secrets.
Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.
Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.
