We seek applicants who are dedicated to serving The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Optometry’s student body as an Associate Professor beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.

The non-tenured faculty member will have teaching duties in both the didactic and clinical components of the curriculum. Responsibilities include teaching anatomy, ocular anatomy, vision science in the first- and second-year curriculum within the School of Optometry. This position is responsible for developing syllabi and course information for these basic and vision science courses. The faculty member will also be involved in clinical research and cross-disciplinary research between the School of Optometry and the university. Scholarly activity and production will be expected. This position will be the point of contact at the school of optometry regarding public health for the state of Texas and nationally, providing students with vital public health education. The faculty member will serve a key role in the UTRGV School of Optometry faculty.

This position will have teaching duties within the academic program, to include basic and vision science. This position will provide input and oversight into curricular clinical development within the School of Optometry and will work closely with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Dean to construct a forward-thinking clinical curriculum. Prior to the first matriculating class, this position will provide work on key syllabi and course material for the first-year curriculum. Periodic clinical duties in the Vision Center may also be assigned prior to matriculating the first student cohort.

The position will report directly to the Dean of the School of Optometry.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Must be qualified to an hold Associate Professor faculty appointment,
2. evidence of work in community health and associated scholarly activity,
3. demonstrated success in securing funding, mentoring professional students, and engaging in service.
4. Must possess an Optometric Degree (OD) and residency certification in a subspecialty of Optometry.
5. Licensed or eligible for optometry licensure in the state of Texas.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience in community health networks and optometric education is preferred.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

About University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley

Celebrating its 10th anniversary during the 2025-2026 academic year, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is on a mission to transform the Rio Grande Valley, the Americas, and the world. As one of the country’s largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Seal of Excelencia certified, UTRGV has earned national recognition for its academic excellence, social mobility, and student success since opening in Fall 2015. Ranked among the Best Colleges for your Tuition (and Tax) Dollars in 2025 by Washington Monthly (#7 nationally; #1 in Texas), UTRGV continues to break enrollment records, launch new academic and athletics programs, and progress toward achieving R1 research status.

Connections working at University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley