Assistant Professor- IL-Cornea and Contact Lenses- Chicago College of Optometry

Assistant Professor- IL-Cornea and Contact Lenses- Chicago College of Optometry

Job Category: Faculty Requisition Number: ASSIS004398

Posted: May 15, 2026

Full-Time

Illinois Campus Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA

Pay or shift range: $112,000 USD to $115,000 USD The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Job Details

Description

Candidates are expected to be highly knowledgeable in the field of Cornea and Contact Lenses, who can develop and teach courses and/or laboratories in the subject area. The candidate must also be able to provide direct patient care and clinical instruction to professional students as well as residents, and be involved in interdisciplinary practice with other educational professionals. Candidates must be willing to actively participate in curricular assessment, professional development, student counseling, and service activities within the college, university, and the scientific community. Successful candidates are also expected to be involved in research and scholarly activities and have a sincere commitment to optometric education, community service, and patient care. Primary duties include, but are not limited to:

a) Teaching

• Developing and delivering lectures and/or laboratories for cornea and contact lenses and related areas, as assigned;
• Embracing and enhancing the didactic philosophies in the D. program;
• Maintaining and expanding the high-quality clinical practice environment for optometry students on rotation;
• Precepting students on clinical rotation at the Midwestern University Eye Institute-Downers

b) Service

• Helping to maintain and grow the state-of-the-art optometry program with a strong interdisciplinary focus that meets the needs of patients in the surrounding community, is efficient, patient-friendly, and cost-effective.
• Working closely together with all optometry and ophthalmology faculty to provide a complete range of eye and vision care services;
• Participating in leadership roles in state, regional, and national optometry organizations;
• Participating on College and University committees, as assigned;
• Participating in College and University service

c) Scholarly activity

Engaging in research and scholarly activity, including presentations at scientific meetings, research, and publication in peer-reviewed journals sufficient to qualify for academic advancement in a non-tenure track position.

Qualifications:

Candidates must possess a Doctor of Optometry degree from an ACOE-accredited institution, must have completed an advanced degree and/or ACOE-accredited residency in Cornea and Contact Lens, and must be eligible for an Illinois optometric license. Primary eye care clinical expertise is also required.

Contact information: Interested applicants should apply online at and include a curriculum vitae and a letter of interest. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Brianne Hobbs, OD, PhD, FAAO, Dean and Professor, Chicago College of Optometry, 555 31 st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515; e-mail: View email address on click.appcast.io.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences, and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long-term disability, and pet insurance. We offer flexible spending accounts, including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care accounts. We offer a work-life balance with a competitive time off package including paid holidays, sick/flex days, personal days, and vacation days. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection, and an employee assistance program. Wellness is important to us, and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility.

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/). Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.