Job Details

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Lead Scientist, Functional Precision Medicine Initiative

Position Number: 7257165
Location: Aurora, CO
Position Type: Medicine - Other Medicine

Lead Scientist, Functional Precision Medicine Initiative

Lead Scientist, Functional Precision Medicine Initiative - 40294 University Staff Description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine

Job Title: Lead Scientist, Functional Precision Medicine Initiative

Position: # 00803140 - Requisition #: 40294

Job Summary:

We are recruiting a Lead Scientist for the Functional Precision Medicine Initiative to provide scientific, technical, and strategic leadership supporting the development, clinical translation, and growth of the Functional Precision Medicine Platform. This individual will lead assay innovation, quality system development, translational implementation, external partnerships, and platform expansion activities supporting the development of a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-ready functional precision medicine laboratory.

The Lead Scientist serves as the scientific lead for platform evolution and future clinical readiness, working closely with the Director of the Functional Precision Medicine Initiative, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments Director, quality and compliance personnel, external consultants, computational scientists, automation engineers, and external collaborators. This role partners closely with the Leading Scientist responsible for day-to-day laboratory operations, personnel management, and sample execution workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

Scientific Development and Clinical Translation (25%)

Lead development, optimization, and deployment of next-generation organoid-based functional precision medicine assays, including mini-ring screening assays intended for future clinical implementation.
Partner with the Director of the Functional Precision Medicine Initiative and the CLIA Director to establish scientific roadmaps for clinical translation, assay validation strategies, performance specifications, and clinical deployment plans.
Design and execute analytical validation, reproducibility, bridging, and feasibility studies supporting future clinical implementation.
Evaluate emerging technologies, biomarkers, and assay methodologies that may expand platform capabilities and clinical utility.
Translate research workflows into scalable, standardized processes suitable for regulated laboratory environments.

Quality Systems, Compliance, and Regulatory Strategy (20%)

Serve as scientific lead for development of assay-specific quality systems in partnership with CLIA leadership, quality and compliance personnel, and external consultants, supporting a CLIA and College of American Pathologists (CAP) compliant functional precision medicine laboratory.
Develop assay validation strategies, quality control frameworks, acceptance criteria, trending approaches, and performance monitoring plans.
Contribute to quality management system elements including standard operating procedures, controlled documentation, deviation tracking, corrective and preventive actions, and quality metrics.
Support preparation of validation reports, technical documentation, audit materials, proficiency testing activities, and inspection readiness.
Review quality metrics, assay performance trends, deviations, and corrective actions to ensure continued platform excellence.

Strategic Partnerships and External Collaborations (20%)

Serve as primary scientific contact for external collaborators, academic partners, industry sponsors, institutional stakeholders, and technology providers.
Develop and manage scientific collaborations that advance platform capabilities and translational objectives.
Lead technical evaluation of new technologies, instrumentation, software solutions, and strategic partnerships, and represent the platform in technical discussions with vendors and service providers.
Represent the Functional Precision Medicine platform in scientific meetings, institutional initiatives, and collaborative programs.
Support development of sponsored research activities, collaborative agreements, and translational partnerships.

Platform Architecture, Automation, and Data Integration (20%)

Provide scientific oversight for automation-enabled screening workflows, imaging systems, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and data integration strategies.
Partner with automation engineers and computational scientists to define future platform infrastructure and scaling requirements.
Establish standards for assay metadata, data integrity, traceability, reporting structures, and clinical reporting readiness.
Identify opportunities for increased throughput, reproducibility, analytical depth, and operational efficiency.

Program Development and Platform Growth (15%)

Support strategic planning and long-term growth of the Functional Precision Medicine Initiative, including future capability development and new service offerings.
Contribute to hiring strategy, organizational development, and definition of future platform capabilities.
Assist platform leadership with grant development, scientific reporting, institutional presentations, and programmatic planning.
Mentor scientific personnel and provide technical leadership across the Functional Precision Medicine ecosystem.

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Auroa, CO.

Why Join Us:

Join our dynamic team at the Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine (CCPM) at the University of Colorado Anschutz , where we are at the forefront of integrating genetic information to enhance patient care. CCPM is committed to leveraging the unique combination of genetic information derived from its CAP/CLIA biobank lab, and comprehensive electronic health records to improve healthcare outcomes.

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: 15/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:

Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field from an accredited institution
5+ years of experience in model-based science
Experience in center leadership
Experience with automated laboratory systems, plate-based assays, or high throughput screening.
At least one year of experience with mini-ring 3D organoid platform.
Experience with cell-based workflows, imaging, or clinical sample-derived cultures.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

PhD in Bioengineering, Biology, Biochemistry, Cancer Biology or a related field.
Exposure to interfaces with data infrastructure, analysis pipelines, or LIMS-like systems.
Experience troubleshooting automation protocols, hardware integration, or workflow orchestration
Prior work with patient-derived samples or translational precision medicine programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to operate independently in a fast-moving, interdisciplinary setting.

How to Apply:

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

A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
Curriculum vitae / Resume
Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to: Emily Casteel, emily.casteel@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Effective immediately and continuing until June 27, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range for this position has been established as:

$81,524-$136,960.

The above salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

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@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz 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.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References Job Category
: Health Care Primary Location
: Aurora Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 21633 - ADM VCHA-CCPM CENTER GENOPS Schedule
: Full-time Posting Date
: Jun 22, 2026 Unposting Date
: Jun 28, 2026, 5:59:00 AM Posting Contact Name: Emily Casteel Posting Contact Email: emily.casteel@cuanschutz.edu Position Number: 00849887

To apply, visit https://cu.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=40294&lang=en