Program Director, Medical Scientist Training Program - Open Rank

at  University of Colorado

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.

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:

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