Research Scientist

Job Summary:

The Department of Emergency Medicine is seeking applications for a Research Scientist. This is a full-time, faculty position to support ongoing grant-funded studies focused on mental health. The Research Scientist will join a highly collaborative and exciting multi-disciplinary team (PI: Justin Baker, PhD) that has an active research program domestically and internationally. The PI conducts research related to the prevention of psychological health conditions (e.g., suicide, posttraumatic stress disorder) across various populations (e.g., military service members, veterans, first responders, civilians). This research involves observational studies and interventional trials related to the understanding and prevention of psychological health morbidities in a global context.

The incumbent filling this position will serve at the rank of Research Scientist and have significant experience as a clinical trial researcher. This position will include conducting fidelity reviews, assisting with complex participant assessments, diagnosing, and conducting therapy with high-risk patients. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) faculty position in a fast-paced environment. The incumbent will work alongside a highly collaborative multi-disciplinary team of clinician-investigators, professional research assistants, and other research staff.

In addition, the candidate should be able to work independently and manage a portfolio of concurrent projects, with excellent written and oral communication skills to contribute to program reports, presentations, and scientific writing.

The job will primarily be remote with the option to come one day a week in-person to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO.

Domestic travel may be intermittently required to attend domestic scientific conferences/meetings or to present to stakeholder groups.

This role is contingent on award funding.

Key Responsibilities:

Clinical Research Responsibilities – 50%

·       Complete comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of patients for outpatient psychotherapy research studies.  This requires thorough knowledge of the DSM-5 and mental health diagnoses within the ICD-10. 

·       Provide evidence-based psychotherapies to a caseload of research participants with mental and behavioral disorders, and as needed.

·       Communicate with the study investigators and team about participant progress and status.  Be available for consultation/collaboration when needed.

·       Assess participant needs and coordinate linkage with necessary services and community resources.

·       Provide family education and support services as indicated.

·       Request and provide consultation and/or support as needed from supervisor and other members of the team.

Research Administration – 45% 

·       Attend regularly-scheduled project meetings.

·       Obtain informed consent from eligible research participants.

·       Complete all data entry and study documentation in the study databases in a timely, compliant, and accurate manner.

·       Complete and remain up to date on required training as necessary and appropriate (e.g., Research Ethics, Good Clinical Practice).

·       Provide participants with links to community resources to help meet their needs.

Other Duties – 5%

·       Demonstrate compassion and sensitivity to participants, families, visitors, and other staff. Is courteous to others and promotes mutual respect consistent with CU Anschutz core values.

·       Demonstrate cultural competence with different populations.

·       Demonstrate cost-effective use of supplies and time; systematically organizes and prioritizes work.

·       Attend and contribute to program staff team meetings.  Attend staff in-services and other meetings as required.

·       May represent the program or hospital by participating in committees, conferences, and public meetings, and by providing educational presentations to groups.

·       May mentor interns or students from graduate programs.

·       Sets example of high professional standard by conduct and dress code.

·       Ability to work independently while also being a strong team player.

·       Other duties assigned within scope of experience, expertise, and credentials.

The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business needs. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Work Location:

Remote – this role is expected to work remotely, but the employee must be in the United States, with the option to come to campus once a week or as needed to fulfill job duties.

Why Join Us:

The Department of Emergency Medicine conducts ground-breaking research into areas such as trauma, injury prevention, global health, opioid misuse, critical care, mental health, pharmacogenomics, toxicology, and healthcare policy.  The Department values team members who are eager to pursue further training and exciting career growth as researchers or professionals. 

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

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

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

·       Master’s degree in social work.

·       Licensed clinical social worker.

·       At least 10+ years of experience working in a clinical research capacity at an academic medical institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Experience working with high-risk suicidal patients.

·       Experience working with military personnel, Veterans, and First Responders.

·       Experience in treating posttraumatic stress disorder.

·       Experience providing evidence-based treatments within the context of clinical trials.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·       Highly self-motivated

·       Strong written and oral communication skills

·       Proactive communicator

·       Strong organizational skills

·       Good interpersonal skills

·       Ability to think creatively and work independently

·       Effective team player

·       Positive attitude

·       Ability to solve complex problems

·       Effective project management and time management skills with ability to manage multiple projects or requests simultaneously

·       Strong knowledge of basic statistical principles relevant in medical research

·       An innate desire to learn

Conditions of Employment:

·       Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

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 / 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: EMED Human Resources at emed.humanresources@ucdenver.edu.

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until 11/17/2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Starts at $90,000 and goes up from there based on years of experience.

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.