Adjunct

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Adjunct Faculty – Biochemistry 

Department: College of Naturopathic Medicine

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Full/Part-Time: Part Time

Effective Date: October 5, 2026

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a school of medicine and health sciences grounded in naturopathic principles. Dedicated to the ideal that everyone deserves high quality health care, we engage students in rigorous innovative academic programs, discover and expand knowledge, and empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health. Naturopathic physicians diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty. 

Job Description/Summary:

Reporting to the Department Chair of Basic Medical Sciences, the adjunct faculty member serves as a part-time faculty member teaching naturopathic medical students.

The Adjunct Faculty member is responsible for the following:

• Develop course content, format, evaluation techniques and other course requirements as stated in the course syllabus, with input from the Department Chair, Division Director, Associate Dean of Academics, and Dean, College of Naturopathic Medicine 
• Being familiar with all coursework and course requirements 
• Agree to use the syllabus template approved and provided by the College and to place instructional materials online using the currently approved Canvas software 

• Materials must be completed by the deadline established by the Academic Coordinator 
• The College agrees to provide training to Adjunct Faculty in the use of the Learning Management System and other electronic systems used for instruction and/or communication in the College 

• Improve instruction by utilizing feedback from a variety of sources such as peer faculty, self-reflection, students, and administrators 
• Utilize course assessments to measure student learning and improve teaching 
• Upon invitation of Department Chair / Division Director, at the end of each course: 
  • Review course delivery and course evaluations to discuss areas of strength and areas of improvement 
  • Make recommendations for curriculum or delivery change based on teaching experience and student feedback 
• Upon invitation of Department Chair / Division Director, provide feedback about, and assistance with, academic program assessment and accreditation efforts 
• Proactively support students by: 
  • Replying to student posts with constructive and timely feedback which encourage discussion 
  • Contacting individual students who have not completed coursework by the due date 
  • Evaluating and assigning grades for all assignments 
  • Ensuring that final grades are submitted as required by the Registrar 
• Mentoring students through the program to become successful professionals 
• Effectively communicate with students including: 
  • Welcoming students to class and provide an introduction of yourself for the first day of class 
  • Responding to student inquiries and requests for help within 1 business day 
  • Supporting instruction and advance educational goals of students at different technology skill levels 
  • Being familiar with available IT support tools 
• Hold scheduled office hours (minimum 1 hour per week) and respond to voice mails, emails, and Canvas messages in a timely manner (e.g., 1 business day). Dates and times of the office hours must be provided to the Academic Coordinator prior to the start of each quarter. These hours should be listed in your syllabus 
• Be available during time schedule exams 
• Proactively support students by providing timely and constructive feedback for assignments and assessments (within 48 hours for quantitative assessments, and 5 business days for qualitative assessments) 
• Ensuring that final grades are submitted by the Wednesday following the quarter 
• All faculty are de facto members of the Faculty Senate and are invited to attend/stream monthly meetings 
• Maintain respectful professional exchanges with faculty, staff, administrators, students, according to the Faculty Code of Conduct 
• Maintain active licensure, as appropriate 
• Required to save all student exams, student assignments, and other student work for one year 
• Advise the Academic Coordinator at the earliest possibility if unable to teach a class 
• Respond within 1 business day to any inquiries from students and/or College staff 
• Comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 
• Comply with all Sonoran University of Health Sciences (SUHS) employment policies and procedures 
• Complete any other training deemed necessary by the Dean, School of Naturopathic Medicine 
• Submit a signed Time-Off Request Form (TOR) if taking time off 
• Use SUHS email for all communication. IT can assist you with forwarding your SUHS email to your personal email address if desired. 

 Experience Required:

• Must possess a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DO, DC, or ND) or equivalent terminal degree in biochemistry or a closely related biomedical science field, with demonstrated experience teaching at the graduate or professional healthcare education level.
• A minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience which may include experience as an adjunct faculty member, teaching assistant or resident (special training, education or experience related to the development of teaching skills may be considered as a substitute for the minimum teaching requirements)
• Excellent teaching, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills; ability to work independently and follow through on multiple assignments in a timely manner, work effectively as a team member, work with diverse constituencies, coordinate and prioritize a variety of diverse tasks, maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding, faculty, staff, and student issues, and work effectively with conflicting priorities and tight deadlines
• Ability to inspire, positive attitude, confidence, commitment, sense of humor, creativity, intuition, and honesty
• Ability to participate in a culture of transparency, quality assurance, and continuous improvement in student learning and patient care

Education Requirements:

Minimum Education/Certifications 

• Terminal doctoral degree from an accredited institution (ND, MD, DO, PhD, etc.).
• Demonstrated breadth of knowledge to effectively teach naturopathic medical students biochemistry content.
• Ability to effectively provide high quality learning experiences in the classroom
• Ability to inspire, positive attitude, confidence, commitment, effective oral and written communication, sense of humor, creativity, intuition, honesty, and ability to delegate
• Ability to provide high quality learning experiences in the classroom
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work independently and follow through on multiple assignments in a timely manner
• Effective work as a team member with diverse constituencies
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and tight deadlines
• Able to maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding faculty, staff, and student issues

Working Environment 

Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse. Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Communicate to perform essential functions.

Background/Screening: 

All candidates offered a position at Sonoran University undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.

Sonoran University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Sonoran University is a smoke free campus

Documents needed to apply 

1. Cover letter
2. Resume/CV