Open Rank/Open Track Assistant to Associate Professor - Adult Anterior Access Spine Surgeon

Job Summary:

The Department of Orthopedics at the University of Colorado is seeking a board certified/board eligible Vascular or General Surgeon with specialized expertise in spine anterior access surgery to support a growing adult spine program in the metro-Denver and surrounding regions. The ideal candidate will have completed an accredited surgical residency and fellowship with further training or 5-10 years' experience in anterior access, and demonstrate a strong interest in collaborative spine care, clinical program development, and academic engagement.

The primary role of this position is to serve as a Spine Anterior Access Surgeon, providing expert anterior exposure for lateral thoracic and lateral/anterior lumbar spine procedures in collaboration with orthopedic and neurosurgical spine surgeons. Clinical duties include care delivery in both inpatient and outpatient settings and active participation in the continued growth and advancement of the University of Colorado Spine Surgery programs at multiple locations. Experience with complex spine pathology, including deformity, tumor, infection, and revision cases, is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will contribute to the academic mission by participating in the education and training of orthopedic and neurosurgery residents, spine fellows, and medical students. Teaching responsibilities will occur in the operating room, clinical settings, and academic conferences as appropriate.

As an academic institution with multiple promotional pathways, candidates on the academic track are expected to demonstrate ongoing scholarly activity. Research responsibilities may include participation in spine-related clinical outcomes research, collaborative translational initiatives, or other focused clinical or basic science research aligned with the candidate's interests. Alternatively, candidates may elect a clinical track, which does not require a research portfolio and is not tenure-eligible; all other rights and privileges remain equivalent across tracks.

Candidates must be self-directed, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a high-acuity, team-based clinical environment. A commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and collaboration across disciplines is essential.

Academic rank and salary will be commensurate with experience, training, and academic credentials, with compensation closely linked to clinical productivity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform anterior exposures for spine surgery and manage all intraoperative aspects of anterior access

• Collaborate closely with orthopedic spine and neurosurgery teams to plan and execute surgical approaches.

• Participate in perioperative care only as it relates to surgical exposure, including postoperative rounds when needed for access-related issues.

• Provide intraoperative consultation regarding vascular or soft-tissue considerations.

• Maintain high standards of surgical safety, efficiency, and communication.

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives related to spine surgery outcomes.

• Engage in teaching of residents, fellows, and advanced practice providers if part of an academic program.

• Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.

• Writes progress notes on patients' office and hospital charts in a timely fashion indicating patient status and treatment procedures performed; maintains other records as required.

• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.

• Participate (attend, give talks, help organize) in educational programs including weekly academic conferences, journal clubs, etc.

• Will assist in community outreach events including giving educational talks, organizing, planning, and attending.

• Develop written educational materials and treatment protocols for specific conditions and post-operative care.

• Gives power point and poster presentations for educational purposes at institutional, local and national meetings.

• Performs clinical and/or basic science research related to spine specific conditions and prepares manuscripts for publication in conjunction with the orthopedic spine research group.

• Proficient in documentation and use of the current electronic medical record programs and maintains timely documentation at or above hospital set standards.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite

Why Join Us:

We are a nationally ranked Orthopedic department with a mission to provide the highest quality patient care and advance the field of orthopedics through innovation in research and education. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where new ideas lead to breakthrough changes in healthcare. We actively champion a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment, empowering unique perspectives and cultivating spaces where everyone belongs.

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
• 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

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination 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.

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 or Associate Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Assistant Professor

• Degree: MD

• Board certified and/or board eligible General Surgery, Vascular Surgery or Orthopedic Spine Surgery with demonstrated expertise in anterior spine exposure equivalent surgical specialty with substantial anterior access experience.

• Completion of a five-year residency and a one-year fellowship

Associate Professor

• Degree: MD

• Board certified and/or board eligible General Surgery, Vascular Surgery or Orthopedic Spine Surgery with demonstrated expertise in anterior spine exposure equivalent surgical specialty with substantial anterior access experience.

• Completion of a five-year residency and a one-year fellowship

• At least 6 years' experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in and willingness to participate in our resident/fellowship education program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Flexibility to handle unforeseen challenges during surgery and make real-time decisions for the patient's well-being.

• Ability to explain complex medical conditions in a way that patients and their families can understand.

• Compassion and patience to support patients through their medical journey, providing emotional support and guidance.

Open Track: To support the growth of our faculty, selected candidates will be offered the opportunity to choose a track that corresponds to their area of excellence. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.

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 or resume

3. Contact Information for three professional references including name, position, institutional affiliation, and email address

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

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

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply August 31, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for these positions have been established, the current HIRING RANGE:

• Assistant Professor - $310,000 - $555,000

• Associate Professor - $400,000 - $680,000

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. These positions are not eligible for overtime compensation unless classified as non-exempt.

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 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.