Program Director, Medical Scientist Training Program - Open Rank

Job Summary:

The University of Colorado School of Medicine seeks applications for the role of Program Director (PD) of the NIH-funded Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the Anschutz Medical Campus. As a key leadership position, the MSTP Program Director will manage and enhance a dynamic dual-degree program dedicated to developing future physician-scientists. The incumbent in this role will set the strategic direction, lead curriculum development, and chair program committees to ensure alignment with program objectives. Responsibilities also include overseeing the NIH T32 training grant, advancing the MSTP mission, and collaborating with the School of Medicine to drive innovative curriculum strategies.

Supervision Received:

Reports directly to the Senior Associate Dean of Education.

Supervision Exercised:

This position supervises Associate Program Directors.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership and Vision

• Oversee the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) by setting its vision, strategic direction, and priorities, and leading the Executive and Steering Committees to ensure goal alignment.
• Manage the MSTP's NIH T32 training grant renewal process, including compliance with NIH guidelines, administration, and reporting.
• Stay informed on institutional initiatives and attend national conferences to advocate for MSTP students and integrate best practices in research and clinical training.

Curriculum Development and Course Leadership

• Co-direct and teach MSTP courses, including Molecules to Medicine, weekly student seminar and first-year grant writing course, ensuring comprehensive training and academic support.
• Collaborate with the School of Medicine to enhance the MSTP curriculum to promote flexibility and optimize student learning.

Student Recruitment

• Lead MSTP recruitment efforts to attract a diverse pool of applicants and oversee the interview process.
• Work with the Admissions Committee Chair to select committee members and guide admissions decisions.
• Advise and support the MSTP Admissions Committee Chair in driving effective and equitable admissions practices.

Student Support

• Provide ongoing guidance and support to MSTP students through regular meetings, advising on clinical rotations, career development, and tailored training plans.
• Monitor student progress, prepare graduation letters summarizing achievements, and support students in organizing the Annual National MD/PhD Student Conference.

Budget and Resource Management

• Directly oversee the MSTP budget, allocating resources effectively to meet program objectives.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule as needed for teaching and in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) was established in 1983 and obtained NIH/MSTP continuous funding since 1993, which was successfully renewed in 2023. The goal of this Program is to train a diverse cadre of MD/PhD dual-degree students to become outstanding physician-scientists and future leaders in biomedical research. To accomplish this goal, the MSTP Admissions Committee selects students from an ever-expanding national applicant pool, seeking out those candidates whose record of research, academic, and leadership achievements are exemplary.

The annual applicant pool size for the University of Colorado MSTP has increased significantly, from 154 in 2007 to 456 in 2024. The MSTP matriculates 10-11 students annually. The current roster includes 88 students (50% female; 19% URM; 33% have come from disadvantaged background in the past five admissions cycles) that come from across the nation, from elite universities, and with ~30 months of prior research experience.

Via collaboration between the MSTP and SOM, a rigorous MD/PhD training program has been developed with a curriculum that interdigitates graduate and medical school. An MSTP-specific Molecules to Medicine course, seminar series, and longitudinal clinical experience during thesis years have been developed for the MSTP trainees. For thesis research, students choose from ~200 total MSTP faculty in 16 graduate training programs. MSTPs train at three sites: the Anschutz Medical Campus, National Jewish Health, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. Outcomes data for the Program show that ~75% of the trainees who have completed all their training are in research-focused careers in academia, government (CDC, NIH) or Pharma/biotech.

More details regarding the Program can be found at: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/mstp.

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: 10/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.

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. In addition, the Anschutz Campus has also been recognized as an Age-Friendly University. 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.

Associate Professor -

• Must hold a M.D., D.O., or Ph.D. degree or equivalent terminal degree
• Must hold a Graduate School appointment and actively participate in graduate education as a member of one or more Ph.D. graduate training programs.
• Completion of an MSTP or other combined MD/PhD training program, with a solid understanding of the unique training pathways and transitions students experience in these programs.

Professor -

• Must hold a M.D., D.O., or Ph.D. degree or equivalent terminal degree
• Must hold a Graduate School appointment and actively participate in graduate education as a member of one or more Ph.D. graduate training programs.
• Completion of an MSTP or other combined MD/PhD training program, with a solid understanding of the unique training pathways and transitions students experience in these programs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in the physician-scientist career path, including knowledge of the specialized training requirements of MD/PhD students, along with a strong commitment to mentoring and supporting trainees
• Prior working experience with medical school courses, a thorough understanding of clinical training requirements, and a background in mentoring MD/PhD and PhD students, including service on PhD thesis committees.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communication
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Interprofessional leadership and teamwork skills
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt various skills
• Ability to work with a diverse group
• Ability to cultivate relationships with people who enjoy teaching, who can inspire students and support the educational process and values of life-long learning of the CU School of Medicine.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines
• Ability to represent the University in a professional manner

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. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

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

Questions should be directed to: Shanta Zimmer, Shanta.zimmer@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by November 29, 2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as

• Associate Professor: The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $50,000-$100,000 as equivalent to 0.5 FTE salary support (up to the educational cap of 200,000).
• Professor: The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $50,000-$100,000 as equivalent to 0.5 FTE salary support (up to the educational cap of 200,000).

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 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.