Assistant Professor

Job Summary:

The position involves the development and sustained growth of an independent, externally funded research program focused on osteoarthritis, fracture healing, and the musculoskeletal implications of the gut microbiome. The successful candidate will establish and lead an innovative research laboratory within the Research Section of the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The candidate is expected to develop a nationally recognized research portfolio, secure extramural funding with an emphasis on NIH and other federal funding mechanisms, and foster multidisciplinary collaborations across basic, translational, and clinical science domains.

Research activities should advance the understanding of musculoskeletal disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, with opportunities to leverage the extensive research infrastructure and collaborative environment of the Anschutz Medical Campus. The successful candidate will mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and trainees; contribute to the academic mission of the department; and participate in institutional initiatives that promote scientific innovation, team science, and translational impact. The candidate will be expected to disseminate research findings through high-impact peer reviewed publications and national and international scientific presentations, while building a sustainable program that enhances the department's reputation as a leader in musculoskeletal research.

Key Responsibilities:

* Develop, conduct, lead, and disseminate innovative research aligned with the Department of Orthopedics' research mission. This includes designing and executing independent research studies; establishing and leading a productive research program; presenting findings at local, national, and international scientific meetings; and publishing results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. Responsibilities also include developing competitive grant proposals and securing extramural funding from the NIH, other federal agencies, foundations, and industry partners to support a sustainable and growing research enterprise.

* Provide education, mentorship, and training across the academic spectrum. This includes teaching and mentoring undergraduate students, medical students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, orthopedic residents, clinical fellows, and other trainees. The successful candidate will provide scientific expertise, supervision, constructive feedback, career development guidance, and leadership, while actively participating in and leading educational seminars, journal clubs, workshops, and community outreach activities.

* Foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, professionalism, and accountability within the Department of Orthopedics and the Research Section. This includes promoting interdisciplinary research initiatives, nurturing productive scientific relationships among faculty, trainees, and staff across all divisions of the department, and contributing to an inclusive and supportive research environment. The successful candidate will be expected to actively engage in collaborative team science efforts and help advance the department's strategic research goals.

* Contribute to the growth and visibility of the Department's research enterprise. This includes participating in institutional and departmental committees, supporting strategic research initiatives, developing new collaborative opportunities across the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and enhancing the national and international reputation of the Department of Orthopedics through scholarly achievement, leadership, and service.

* Lead and manage an independent research laboratory. Responsibilities include recruiting, supervising, and mentoring research personnel; managing laboratory operations and budgets; ensuring compliance with institutional, regulatory, and funding agency requirements; and maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor, reproducibility, and research integrity.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is one of the nation's leading academic health centers, bringing together nationally recognized programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, dental medicine, and graduate biomedical sciences. The campus supports a robust community of researchers, clinicians, educators, and trainees engaged in collaborative discovery and translational science. The CU Anschutz School of Medicine recently ranked No. 8 among public medical schools and No. 21 overall nationally in NIH funding, its highest ranking in two decades, demonstrating the institution's strong commitment to research excellence and scientific innovation. The Department of Orthopedics is consistently ranked among the nation's leading orthopedic research programs, providing an exceptional environment for investigators pursuing impactful musculoskeletal research.

The Anschutz Medical Campus is also recognized nationally for the strength of its educational and research programs. The School of Medicine is designated a Tier 1 Research Medical School by U.S. News & World Report and is part of a campus that includes numerous nationally ranked graduate and professional programs. The campus is home to extensive core facilities, research centers, clinical research infrastructure, and multidisciplinary collaborations that support investigators from basic discovery through clinical translation and implementation.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year (based on percentage of time)
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 11/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

* MD and/or PhD Degree

* At least 3 years of postdoctoral experience as a researcher in the musculoskeletal science field

Preferred Qualifications:

* More than 15 peer-reviewed publications as first or co-author

* Active membership in the Orthopedic Research Society or American Society of Bone and Mineral Research

* Previous success winning fellowship grants to support predoctoral or postdoctoral research activity

* A scored NIH grant (K, R, P or U series)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Experience in an academic laboratory setting performing bench research, data recording and analysis, and creation of figures

* Excellent communication and writing skills

* Experience participating in the assembly of grant applications

* Experience mentoring junior lab staff

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

* A letter of interest describing interest in the position and summarizing the relevant experiences related to listed job qualifications

* Current CV

* Five professional references including name, title, physical work address, and email address

Questions should be directed to: Lindsey Renn, lindsey.renn@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by October 28, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established. HIRING RANGE:

$105,000 - $125,000

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.