Research Scientist

Job Summary:

The Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking a full-time Instructor to join the Barocas Laboratory. This position is designed for an early-career investigator with advanced quantitative and epidemiologic training who is interested in conducting innovative population health research focused on substance use, homelessness, infectious diseases, and health inequities.

The Instructor will work closely with Dr. Joshua Barocas and interdisciplinary collaborators across clinical medicine, public health, epidemiology, biostatistics, implementation science, and community-engaged research. The successful candidate will contribute to a robust portfolio of federally funded and foundation-supported research focused on syndemic interactions among substance use disorders, housing instability, HIV, hepatitis C, bacterial and fungal infections, overdose, and structural determinants of health.

This position will primarily focus on advanced epidemiologic analyses, mathematical and decision-analytic modeling, observational cohort studies, simulation modeling, data harmonization, and dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations. The role is intended to provide advanced mentored research experience and career development for investigators pursuing independent research careers in infectious diseases, epidemiology, public health, or health services research.

The Research Scientist will collaborate across multiple ongoing studies within the Barocas Laboratory, including work involving electronic health record data, administrative claims data, cohort studies, implementation science initiatives, and policy-focused analyses. Opportunities for manuscript development, grant writing, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration will be strongly supported.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct advanced epidemiologic, statistical, and quantitative analyses using large observational and administrative datasets

• Develop and implement mathematical, simulation, and decision-analytic models related to infectious diseases, substance use, homelessness, and structural vulnerability

• Participate in development of grant proposals, progress reports, and scientific presentations

• Assist with study design, analytic planning, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings

• Support implementation and evaluation of research studies focused on health inequities and vulnerable populations

• Participate in collaborative projects involving clinical, public health, and community partners

• Participate in collaborative academic initiatives across the Department of Medicine and School of Public Health

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of # days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers a highly collaborative and mission-driven research environment focused on improving health outcomes among structurally vulnerable populations. Faculty within the Division work across disciplines including epidemiology, infectious diseases, implementation science, health services research, addiction medicine, biostatistics, and public health.

This position provides a unique opportunity for early-career investigators to develop advanced quantitative and epidemiologic expertise while working closely with nationally recognized investigators and interdisciplinary collaborators. The Barocas Laboratory maintains strong collaborations across the University of Colorado and affiliated health systems, creating opportunities for scientific mentorship, cross-disciplinary research, and professional growth.

The successful candidate will have opportunities to contribute to high-impact research addressing substance use, homelessness, infectious diseases, and structural determinants of health while developing an independent scholarly trajectory. Opportunities also exist for collaboration with investigators affiliated with the Colorado Poverty and Health Initiative (COPHI) and other interdisciplinary institutional initiatives.

The Division and Department are strongly committed to mentorship, career development, scientific innovation, and fostering a collaborative academic community.

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.

• PhD, DrPH, or equivalent doctoral degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics, Health Services Research, Population Health, or a closely related field

• Demonstrated expertise in epidemiologic methods and quantitative analysis

• Experience conducting research related to substance use, homelessness, infectious diseases, and/or health inequities

• Experience working with large datasets and statistical software such as R, SAS, Stata, or Python

• Evidence of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postdoctoral research experience in epidemiology, infectious diseases, public health, or implementation science, or relevant work experience

• Experience with mathematical modeling, simulation modeling, causal inference methods, or advanced longitudinal data analysis

• Experience using electronic health record data, administrative claims data, or large cohort datasets

• Experience working on federally funded research projects

• Interest in community-engaged and policy-relevant research

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams

• Experience mentoring students, trainees, or junior research staff

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong quantitative and analytic skills

• Ability to communicate scientific findings effectively in writing and orally

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research teams

• Strong organizational and project management skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously

• Ability to develop reproducible and rigorous analytic workflows

• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills

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: Joshua Barocas at joshua.barocas@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continuous until the position is filled. For best consideration please apply by July 01, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$90,000-$100,000

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

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.