Clinical Pathologist/Scientist - Director of Molecular Diagnostics - Open Rank

Job Summary:

The University of Colorado Denver /Anschutz Medical Campus (AMC) is a public research University serving more than 18,000 students. We award nearly 4,000 degrees each year, including more graduate and professional degrees than any other Colorado institution. With our solid academic reputation, award-winning faculty, and renowned researchers, we offer more than 140 highly rated degree programs through 13 schools and colleges. The University received over $760 million in research awards last year. 

A national leader in health care and life sciences, CU Anschutz is the only comprehensive academic health sciences center in Colorado and the largest in the Rocky Mountain region. Located in Aurora, Colo., it is one of the newest education, research, and patient care facilities in the world. With six schools and colleges, CU Anschutz trains the health sciences workforce of the future by blending education, research, and clinical care all in one place. This strategic collaboration among diverse health care fields allows knowledge to travel directly from the research bench to the patient’s bedside.  

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus ranks among the top institutions nationally in clinical care, education, and research. Its 230-acre campus, designed to enhance collaboration and interprofessional education, hosts the College of Nursing; the Schools of Dental Medicine, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Public Health; the Graduate School; a Health Sciences Library; and three hospitals. Strategically located contiguous to the campus are a biosciences research park, housing, entertainment/restaurants, and open space. UC Denver/Anschutz offers two undergraduate degrees, 35 graduate degrees, and has five first-professional programs. The School of Medicine is well recognized for outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs, outstanding faculty, and cutting-edge research. The Department of Pathology employs 125 faculty with diverse expertise from basic science to the practice of human and veterinary medicine, broadly focused on the study, diagnosis and treatment of disease and training the next generation of healthcare and scientific professionals.

Nature of work:  

This permanent full-time position in the University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, based in the University of Colorado Hospital Clinical Laboratory, is designed to be a pathology practice opportunity for an academic physician or clinical scientist with expertise in molecular microbiology. The primary function of this position is directing the Molecular Diagnostics section of the main clinical laboratory at University of Colorado Hospital. This section performs clinical testing for infectious diseases using molecular methods and instrumentation.  The director will work closely and collaboratively with the manager and staff of this laboratory section, providing expert knowledge for developing and validating laboratory developed molecular tests (LDTs), providing clinical consultation to ordering healthcare providers, mentoring and training medical laboratory scientists, and participating in resident physician and fellow education. Expert knowledge of molecular pathology techniques and technology as applied to all types of infectious diseases is paramount.  

Employment expectations:  

• 20% Participate actively in the clinical, educational, and research missions of the UCH Clinical Laboratory and the Department of Pathology.
• 15% Assume delegated CLIA laboratory director responsibilities.
• 10% Identify opportunities for medically necessary, financially feasible tests to be performed in the UCH Clinical Laboratory and lead projects that result in such testing being provided by the UCH Clinical Laboratory.
• 20% Develop robust clinical tests using the clinical laboratory’s instruments.
• 20% Provide clinical consultation for tests performed within the laboratory as well as for selection and interpretation of tests that may sent out and/or performed by a reference laboratory. 
• 10% Participate in the development of laboratory testing stewardship tools, data analysis and utilization management strategies in the UCH Clinical laboratory, including engaging in directed projects to assess and optimize test use across multiple clinical specialties and locations.
• 5% Use clinical and laboratory information systems to analyze and automate laboratory workflow processes to improve efficiency. This includes pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic variables that maximize efficiency, quality, cost control, compliance, and workplace satisfaction.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Welcome to the Department of Pathology of the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus. The Department has grown substantially in the past 15 years, from 40 to 120 faculty in parallel with the remarkable growth of our hospital-based affiliates as well as the city and county of Denver.  Our work is value driven and focused on scientific investigation, lifelong learning, and a balance of personal and professional values. In addition to a vibrant and highly competitive residency program with 25 positions, we offer 9 fellowships and participate in numerous graduate schools and the MD/PhD program of the CU School of Medicine.  Our faculty and staff are diverse, and gender balanced, with women comprising 50% of our residents, Assistant, Associate and Full Professors (including those with tenure).  

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.  

This is an open rank position and could be categorized as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below: 

Physician:

• Medical degree (MD or DO)
• Board certification/eligibility in CP or AP/CP by the American Board of Pathology 
  • • • or
• Board certification/eligibility in Infectious Diseases (Internal Medicine or Pediatrics)
• Qualify for a full unrestricted license to practice in the State of Colorado
• Must be able to obtain credentials/privileges at the University of Colorado Hospital and with CU Medicine
• Demonstrated ability to develop and validate molecular assays in use clinically for the detection of infectious diseases. 

Clinical Scientist:

• Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Science (PhD or ScD)
• American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) certification
• Demonstrated ability to develop and validate molecular assays in use clinically for the detection of infectious diseases. 

The above qualifications can qualify one for an appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.  Minimum qualifications for appointment at a higher academic rank include:  

Associate Professor:

• Board-certified with at least 5 years of experience practicing in a clinical laboratory post-fellowship. Clinical, teaching, and scholarly accomplishments must be sufficient for an appointment at the rank of Associate Professor. 

Professor:

• Board-certified with at least 10 years of experience practicing in a clinical laboratory post-fellowship. Clinical, teaching, and scholarly accomplishments must be sufficient for an appointment at the rank of Professor. 

Preferred Qualifications:

Board certification/eligibility for one or more of:

Medical Microbiology through the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM)

Molecular Genetic Pathology through the American Board of Pathology

Medical Microbiology through the American Board of Pathology  

How to Apply:

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

1.       A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

2.       Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.       Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: [email protected]

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers . 

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by April 30, 2024.  

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position as a 1.0 FTE has been established as HIRING RANGE:

Assistant Professor - $175,000 to $250,000

Associate Professor - $200,000 to $275,000

Professor - $225,000 to $300,000

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

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 [email protected] ​.

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 .