Open Rank- Professor Series: Autoimmune Neurologist

Job Summary:

The Department of Neurology at the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking to expand the Autoimmune Neurology Program and recruit a dynamic candidate to expand its clinical and/or basic science research programs. The position is full time faculty, with the opportunity for academic promotion, determined on criteria of demonstrated excellence in the areas of education, research, clinical care, and community service. We are seeking highly motivated individuals who are collaborative, communicative, caring, detail oriented, organized, proactive, able to think critically, focused on quality, and dedicated to personal growth. The Department is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and candidates who will help the Department expand DEI are strongly encouraged to apply.

The duties for this faculty position include teaching, research, clinical service, and administrative roles with opportunities for other leadership roles and academic growth with career development. The overall distribution of such activities and allocation of responsibilities are determined by the Directo of the Autoimmune Program and Neuroimmunology Section Head based on programmatic and section needs, faculty member skills, interests, appointments, and funding, amongst other appropriate considerations.

Clinical responsibilities include providing subspecialty care within the Autoimmune/Neuroimmunology outpatient clinics with the potential for inpatient consultations. This includes various neuroinflammatory disorders for example autoimmune encephalitis, stiff person syndrome, neuromyelitis optic, MOG antibody-associated disease, neurosarcoidosis, rheumatological involvement of the central and peripheral nervous system, among others. The chosen candidate will participate in ongoing research initiatives and will also seek funding to support their individual research endeavors. The program has numerous grants and contracts for clinical research and ongoing clinical trials with opportunities to participate as principal investigator or co-investigator. The section's clinical research program represents a balance between sponsored trials and investigator-initiated studies including funding from NIH, NMSS, and PCORI. As of 2023, the University of Colorado has been awarded one of the 13 NeuroNEXT sites. NeuroNEXT is funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), and it aims to increase the efficiency, capability, and responsiveness of clinical trials in the field of neurology.

Additional obligations include teaching activities including participating/leading teaching conferences and teaching/supervising medical students, residents and fellows in clinic.

This includes teaching and staffing with our Neuroinfectious disease and Autoimmune Neurology Fellows and MS fellowship. Participation in supervising and teaching within fellowship includes a weekly case conference to review challenging inpatient and outpatient cases.

Faculty members develop research, scholarship, and educational activities based on their personal interests within Autoimmune Neurology & Neuroimmunology. All faculty are involved in various academic pursuits such as participating in educational conferences, conducting research, and engaging in scholarly work. Support for these individual scholarly projects is provided by the program director, section, and department through an established research infrastructure. This includes approximately 15 research coordinators specifically for neuroimmunology, regulatory guidance, database management, statistical analysis assistance, study initiation support, etc. At the school of medicine level, additional resources are available including a dedicated research pharmacy, MRI scanners, PET/MRI technology, a specialized inpatient clinical research unit, and a clinic for outpatient research studies.

The administrative duties encompass inputting data into hospital systems and utilizing the electronic medical record. The tasks assigned may vary, reflecting your academic ambitions, and could involve formulating critical pathways, contributing to committee efforts, and initiating projects designed to enhance both the program and departmental operations. It is anticipated that a considerable amount of this non-clinical time will be dedicated to scholarly pursuits. Participation in the department's meetings and educational programs is expected. Additional responsibilities could be allocated as required.

Work Location: This role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

Autoimmune Neurology, an emerging subspecialty of neurology, concentrates on examining disorders related to autoimmunity in the central and peripheral nervous system, including neurologic, psychiatric, and cancer-related conditions. Dr. Amanda Piquet is the director of the Autoimmune Neurology Program at the University of Colorado. The aim of this program is to deliver superior neurological treatment and enhance life quality for individuals with autoimmune neurological conditions, while seamlessly incorporating education and research within the clinical service. Our research program is directed at autoimmune neurological disorders by advancing our understanding of these rare diseases through observational studies, translational studies focused on identifying potential biomarkers associated with neurological outcomes and treatment response, and clinical trials including two clinical trials enrolling for NMDAR and LGI1 autoimmune encephalitis (NCT05503264, NCT04372615). A foundational component of this research program is our established an Autoimmune, Paraneoplastic and Inflammatory Neurological Disease Registry and Biorepository capturing clinical and epidemiological data, patient-reported outcomes, and blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples for biomarker exploration. We support education to our Neuroinfectious Disease and Autoimmune Neurology Fellowship (https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/neuroid/our-fellowship) and MS fellowship. Additionally, we partner with Rocky Mountain MS Center to provide patient-oriented education for patients with various neuroinflammatory disorders (https://mscenter.org/related-autoimmune-neurological-diseases/).

The University of Colorado's Neuroimmunology section houses a distinguished Autoimmune Program. The MS/NI section of the Department of Neurology at the University of Colorado is comprised of eight MS and Neuroimmunology doctors (four fellowship-trained adult and one pediatric MS doctors, one neuro-ophthalmologist, and two autoimmune-trained physicians,), three Adult Nurse Practitioners, three RNs and a host of associate staff. We provide clinical care at four sites in Denver and the surrounding region, with the bulk of patients seen at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, CO Annually, we conduct upwards of 10,000 appointments to address multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune and neuroinflammatory disorders, providing cutting-edge treatment and collaborating closely with esteemed professionals in a multitude of intersecting disciplines such as neuro-ophthalmology, neuro-radiology, neuro-urology, physiotherapy, neuro-otology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, palliative care, among others. In partnership with the esteemed Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center (RMMSC), an organization dedicated to patient advocacy, we extend educational resources to patients, their families, and health care providers on a local, regional, national, and international level (including professional education). The synergy between the MS/Neuroimmunology division at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, the University of Colorado Hospital, and the RMMSC is collectively recognized as the Rocky Mountain MS Center at the University of Colorado. Additional offerings from the RMMSC comprise an adult day program, social work services, and programs for adaptive exercise.

The research initiative for the autoimmune program includes enrolling patients with autoimmune neurological disorders into a registry with clinical, biorepository, and patient reported outcomes data; studying biomarkers of inflammation and neuronal and glial damage in these patients; and creating a national research network for collaboration on these rare diseases. Recently, CU Anschutz has received $2 million from the Celine Dion Foundation to advance the Autoimmune Neurology Program, awarded to Dr. Amanda Piquet as the Program Director and Endowed Chair in Autoimmune Neurology.

In addition, we have a robust basic and translational science with several laboratories within the department of Neurology and related departments. We run the RMMSC Tissue Bank, providing CNS tissues to international researchers for over 30 years, and a large Biobank with ~820 paired blood and spinal fluid specimens from early MS patients and controls, and an autoimmune, paraneoplastic and inflammatory neurological disease registry with banked samples (e.g. autoimmune encephalitis, stiff person syndrome, etc.) with over 240 patients enrolled. Our clinical MS research program is one of the largest in the U.S., with over 40 active clinical research projects focused on both clinical trials as well as observational, biomarker, and mechanistic studies aiming to develop a greater understanding of these conditions. We have our own SIMOA and SP-X-Planar machines for biomarker studies. The section has numerous grants and contracts for clinical research alone and several members also collaborate with basic science labs on campus. The section's clinical research program represents a balance between contract studies and investigator-initiated studies including funding from NINDS, NEI, NMSS, PCORI, the Hearst Foundation, Guthy Jackson Charitable Foundation, independent pharmaceutical research grants, philanthropy, and other sources.

Our team engages in a wide variety of educational activities which include mentoring junior faculty, graduate, medical, and post-doctoral students, and neurology residents; and providing Continuing Medical Education (CME) events for local primary care physicians and neurologists. We presently participate in the education of fellows in three interlacing fellowships, including adult and pediatric MS/Neuroimmunology (1-2 per year), Neuro-Infectious Disease and Autoimmune Neurology Fellowship (1-2 per year).

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, trainees, faculty, and staff of diverse backgrounds.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education, and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $650 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu.

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.

Screening of Applications Begins:

The start date for the position will be based on identifying the best individual to fill the role but no earlier than July 1, 2025. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Assistant Professor - $195,000 - $210,000

Associate Professor- $200,000 - $242,000

Professor - $220,000 - $300,000

This position is eligible for the department incentive plan which would be in addition to the base salary.

It is anticipated that salary will be commensurate with American Association of Medical College (AAMC) benchmarks for the proposed senior academic rank (Associate Professor or Professor level). Specific salary is commensurate with skills and 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.

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.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

This is an open rank position and could be categorized Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Assistant Professor

• MD or DO
• Experience in an academic hospital setting
• Board Certified Neurologist
• Completed fellowship training in Autoimmune Neurology or Neuroimmunology with additional dedicated training in Autoimmune Neurology, or documented longstanding care or research in this field
• A record of ongoing research activity and funding
• A State of Colorado medical license and DEA license must be obtained on or before hire date.
• Applicants must have a scholarly and academic record consistent with appointment at the Assistant Professor level in the School of Medicine

Associate Professor

• MD or DO
• Experience in an academic hospital setting
• Board Certified Neurologist
• Completed fellowship training in Autoimmune Neurology or Neuroimmunology with additional dedicated training in Autoimmune Neurology, or documented longstanding care or research in this field
• A record of ongoing research activity and funding
• A State of Colorado medical license and DEA license must be obtained on or before hire date.
• Applicants must have a scholarly and academic record consistent with appointment at the Associate Professor level in the School of Medicine

Professor

• MD or DO
• Experience in an academic hospital setting
• Board Certified Neurologist
• Completed fellowship training in Autoimmune Neurology or Neuroimmunology with additional dedicated training in Autoimmune Neurology, or documented longstanding care or research in this field
• A record of ongoing research activity and funding
• A State of Colorado medical license and DEA license must be obtained on or before hire date.
• Applicants must have a scholarly and academic record consistent with appointment at the Professor level in the School of Medicine

Preferred Qualifications:

• Eligible to obtain other states' unrestricted medical licenses, if necessary

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work independently and within diverse team structures.
• Patient privacy rights and patient safety
• A positive, motivated, engaged, and caring attitude
• Possesses excellent clinical competencies in Neurology, Autoimmune Neurology, and Neuroimmunology, with a strong commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and ensuring patient safety.
• Ability to work with colleagues and patients in a professional manner
• Dedication to professional development, teaching, and education, and to mentoring others
• Ability to be adaptable, flexible, and creative
• Writing skills as exemplified in scholarly work and grant applications
• Ability and willingness to perform multiple administrative duties related to section and department function
• Ability and willingness to lead multiple educational and administrative section meetings per month
• Ability and willingness to recruit, work with, mentor and lead a diverse group of medical professionals

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: Neurology HR at neurology-hr@cuanschutz.edu