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University of Colorado
Aurora, Colorado

Open Rank Assistant to Associate Professor – Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon – HRH

Orthopedic SurgeryIncludes callFull-Time

Pay as listed: $418k-$791k · Aurora, Colorado · pays below the median of 118 Orthopedic Surgeon listings (22nd percentile).

Listed compensation

$418k-$791k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about weekend coverage, nights and shift pattern and time off.

Posted 1h ago · Verified live

Job Description

  • University of Colorado Anschutz
  • Department: Orthopedics
  • Job Title: Open Rank Assistant to Associate Professor – Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon – HRH
  • Position #00853709 – Requisition #41350

Job Summary

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado is seeking a board certified/board eligible Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon to be based at the Highlands Ranch Hospital. This newly created position will play a key role in expanding orthopedic trauma services within a growing community-based practice and supporting the continued development of trauma care at Highlands Ranch Hospital.

All candidates must have completed a 5-year residency and a one-year orthopedic trauma fellowship and possess a demonstrated interest in developing a robust clinical practice within a growing community-based hospital setting. This person will serve as the orthopedic trauma liaison for Highlands Ranch Hospital, will work collaboratively to support the development and growth of the hospital’s trauma program and advancement toward Level II Trauma Center designation.

This candidate should have an interest in developing a clinical practice, interest in research endeavors, and participate in our resident/fellowship education program.

The primary responsibility will be as an Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon. Clinical responsibilities include actively participating in the continued growth of the Trauma Surgery program at the University of Colorado. The candidate will provide services in both inpatient and outpatient environments.

Teaching responsibilities include participating in the education of Orthopedic fellows, residents, and medical students.

As an academic institution with a promotional track, candidates will have to display a record of active research endeavors.

Research Responsibilities integral to this position include active participation in research activities within the Trauma program, and the personal development of focused clinical and/or basic science research activities parallel to their clinical practice.

The applicant must be self-directed, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a high-intensity environment. Alternatively, the candidate may choose a clinical track. This track does not have a research requirement but is not tenure eligible. All other rights and privileges are the same in both tracks.

Academic rank and salary will be commensurate with the level of expertise and academic credentials and will be closely linked with income generated.

Key Responsibilities

Obtains detailed history and performs physical examinations on assigned patients; assesses and treats acute/chronic medical problems and provides direct patient care to a specified patient population. Writes prescriptions for medications, PT, OT, imaging studies, and DME as needed. Complete FMLA and other forms and school notes as needed.

Provides pre-op, intra-op and post-op care; writes appropriate orders, including those for narcotics and other scheduled drugs.

  • Duties may include inpatient care, consultation and coverage in the emergency room.
  • Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.

Coordinates the activities of patient care and support staff within the clinic. Work with the team to ensure smooth operation of the clinic.

Writes progress notes on patients' office and hospital charts in a timely fashion indicating patient status and treatment procedures performed; maintains other records as required.

Participates in on-call coverage of Highlands Ranch Hospital for orthopedic surgery as part of the orthopedic group practice. This will include jointly covering all on-call days as needed with the group practice, emergent treatment as appropriate and admitting/temporizing patients as medically appropriate.

Provides health education to patients and families; may train and supervise medical students, residents, fellows, mid-level students and other health professional students engaged in specific clinical activities.

Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.

Participate (attend, give talks, help organize) in educational programs including weekly academic conferences, journal clubs, etc.

Will assist in community outreach events including giving educational talks, organizing, planning, and attending.

Develop written educational materials and treatment protocols for specific conditions and post-operative care.

Gives power point and poster presentations for educational purposes at institutional, local and national meetings.

Proficient in documentation and use of the current electronic medical record programs and maintains timely documentation at or above hospital set standards.

Work Location: Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is in the South metro area; primarily Highlands Ranch Hospital (HRH).

Why Join Us

We are a nationally ranked Orthopedic department with a mission to provide the highest quality patient care and advance the field of orthopedics through innovation in research and education. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where new ideas lead to breakthrough changes in healthcare. We actively champion a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment, empowering unique perspectives and cultivating spaces where everyone belongs.

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%25 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.

Open Rank: Rank at the time of appointment will be based on the candidate’s demonstrated contributions and experience in teaching, clinical, research, and/or service to the field. We welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds and accomplishments and encourage individuals to highlight the breadth and depth of their professional impact. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs.

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

  • Assistant Professor
  • Board certified/board eligible Orthopedic Surgeon
  • Completion of an Orthopedic trauma fellowship
  • Current Medical License
  • CPR certified
  • Associate Professor
  • Board certified/board eligible Orthopedic Surgeon
  • Completion of an Orthopedic trauma fellowship
  • Current Medical License
  • CPR certified
  • 5 years’ experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified

Preferred Qualifications

Interest in developing a clinical practice and working together as an orthopedic group in a hybrid academic-private practice setting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Flexibility to handle unforeseen challenges during surgery and make real-time decisions for the patient's well-being.

Ability to explain complex medical conditions in a way that patients and their families can understand.

Compassion and patience to support patients through their medical journey, providing emotional support and guidance.

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 cu.edu.

Questions should be directed to: Lindsey Renn, lindsey.renn@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins

Immediately and continue until filled. Full consideration for applications received by December 1, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range

  • The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:
  • Assistant Professor: $417,742 - $590,374
  • Associate Professor: $530,909 - $790,759

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: cu.edu

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 accommodation 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 as

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure
Experience
5+ years of experience

Certifications

Board Certification

Key Skills

Medical educationSurgical proceduresOutpatient careElectronic medical recordsEmergency room coveragePatient educationTeam collaboration

Orthopedic Surgery — Physician Career Context

Orthopedic Surgery pay on WeekdayDoc is down 4.2% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Colorado is 103.1 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$604k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $586k in an average-cost state. 60.9% of Colorado clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Orthopedic Surgeon Jobs

9 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution9 jobs · 6 employers

5
<$540k
2
$540k-755k
1
$838k
1
$1167k

Annual compensation range

Work-Life Balance Distribution9 jobs · 6 employers

0
1-2
0
3-4
1
5-6
7
7-8
1
9-10

Higher = better work-life balance

#1

Physician - Orthopedic Surgeon

Sutter Health · Lakeport, California

$563k-$1167k
#2

Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon

MultiCare Health System · Tacoma, Washington

$809k-$838k
#3

Physician - Orthopedic Trauma Surgery - Duluth, MN

$622k
#4

Orthopedist / Orthopedic Surgeon Pittsburgh PA

$520k–$600k
+ 7 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 2.8this job 2.4
Better work-life than 40% of Orthopedic Surgery listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 340 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

  • On-site
  • Includes call

Living in Aurora

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$451k≈ 1.1× annual pay
Typical market rent
$1,758/mo≈ 5% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
29 min
State income tax
Up to 4.4%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

University of Colorado logo

About University of Colorado

Higher Education
Aurora, Colorado
11-50 employees

Benefits & Perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Retirement 401(a) with 10% employer contribution
22 vacation days/year
15 sick days/year