Spine Center Pain Psychologist (Open Rank)

Job Summary:

The Department of Psychiatry is recruiting for a 1.0 FTE Psychologist. The Pain Psychologist provides specialized psychological assessment and intervention for patients undergoing evaluation for complex spine surgery at the University of Colorado Hospital Spine Center. This role is embedded within a multidisciplinary team and focuses on preoperative psychological evaluations to optimize surgical outcomes, assess psychosocial risk factors, and support patient readiness for surgery.

The psychologist collaborates closely with spine surgeons, advanced practice providers, non-operative providers, and clinical staff to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care across the surgical continuum.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for patients being considered for complex spine surgery (multilevel spinal fusion, deformity corrections, etc.)

• Evaluate psychological, behavioral, and cognitive factors that may impact surgical outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, pain beliefs, coping strategies, cognitive impairments, and expectations)

• Assess patient readiness, expectations, and ability to adhere to postoperative care plans

• Provide formal recommendations to the surgical team regarding surgical candidacy and risk mitigation strategies

• Deliver brief, evidence-based interventions to improve surgical readiness (e.g., CBT for pain, coping skills, expectation setting) and post-operative adjustment.

• Address modifiable psychosocial risk factors prior to surgery

• Provide patient education on pain, recovery expectations, and behavioral strategies to optimize outcomes

• Other duties as assigned

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO. There may be some opportunities for remote work on an occasional basis.

Why Join Us:

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 $757 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.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

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 Instructor, Senior Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor based on experience and qualifications as indicated below:

Psychologist (PsyD or Ph.D)

Instructor

• 1-3 years of health psychology experience.

• Must possess PsyD or Ph.D in Psychology

• Candidate must have current Colorado licensure

Senior Instructor

• 1-3 years of health psychology experience.

• Must possess PsyD or Ph.D in Psychology

• Candidate must have current Colorado licensure

Assistant Professor

• 1-3 years of health psychology experience.

• Must possess PsyD or Ph.D in Psychology

• Candidate must have current Colorado licensure

Associate Professor:

• 1-3 years of health psychology experience.

• Must possess PsyD or Ph.D in Psychology

• Candidate must have current Colorado licensure

Professor:

• 1-3 years of health psychology experience.

• Must possess PsyD or Ph.D in Psychology

• Candidate must have current Colorado licensure

Terms of Employment:

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Track:

Open Track: To support the growth of our faculty, selected candidates at the Assistant Professor level or higher will be offered the opportunity to choose a track that corresponds to their area of excellence. Learn more about faculty tracks at the Office for Faculty Affairs

Ranks of Instructor and Senior Instructor will be on the TTE track and given an opportunity to switch tracks, if needed, at a later time.

Preferred Qualifications (Application for all ranks)

• Demonstrates culturally accountable, evidence-based mental health practices and values

• Experience with pre-surgical evaluations

• Experience working in health care settings and hospitals

• Experience working with patients with complex medical and surgical concerns

• Possesses bilingual language skills with the ability to conduct psychotherapy in Spanish and English

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with patients, faculty, staff and students

• Excellent clinical skills with evidence-based diagnostics and treatment recommendations

• Capacity for flexibility and adaptability in different work situations.

• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team and independently

• Ability to work effectively on multiple tasks and maintain a well-organized work environment

• Able to receive detailed information through oral communication, express or exchange ideas by verbal communication.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentations to community audiences

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentations to community audiences.

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: Samantha Martin, Samantha.2.martin@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by 08/01/2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

Instructor: $110,000 - $135,000

Senior Instructor: $110,000 - $135,000

Assistant Professor: $110,000 - $135,000

Associate Professor: $140,000 - $175,000

Professor: $180,000 - $240,000

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.