The University of Utah, an AA/EO employer, encourages applications from all qualified individuals, and provides reasonable accommodation to the known disabilities of applicants and employees. The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students, staff, faculty and patients from all backgrounds and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education, employment opportunities, and quality healthcare for historically underrepresented groups.
Position/Rank: Tenure track/Rank dependent on qualifications
Department: 00269 - Orthopedic Surgery Operations
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Track: Tenure Track
New Position to Begin: ASAP
The Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Utah School of Medicine invites applications for a tenure-line faculty position as an Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon. Rank will be determined based on the qualifications of the chosen candidate. The incumbent will join a dynamic, high-performing spine team within one of the nation’s premier academic orthopaedic departments, contributing to a program defined by clinical excellence, innovative research, and a forward-thinking approach to surgical technology.
Position Overview
We are seeking an exceptional spine surgeon who is not only a skilled clinician but also a committed academic leader ready to help shape the future of spine surgery. The successful candidate will be an integral member of a collaborative team actively advancing the frontiers of spinal care through cutting-edge research, next-generation surgical techniques, and the integration of emerging intraoperative technologies.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must have completed a residency in orthopaedic surgery and one-year advanced fellowship training in spine surgery, or equivalent, along with board certification or board eligibility.
Research & Scholarly Activity
A dedicated commitment to research and grant writing is required for this position. Our spine program has a strong and growing research enterprise, and we are seeking a candidate who will actively contribute to and help lead that mission. Responsibilities will include:
- Developing and sustaining an independent or collaborative research program in spinal disorders
- Pursuing extramural funding through grant writing, including NIH, DOD, and industry-sponsored mechanisms
- Publishing original research in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals
- Presenting at national and international meetings
- Mentoring residents, fellows, and junior faculty in research methodology and academic development
A demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications and prior grant activity is strongly preferred.
Minimally Invasive Surgery & Intraoperative Intelligence
A high level of expertise and interest in minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is expected. Our program is committed to expanding its minimally invasive surgical capabilities and providing patients with the most advanced, evidence-based techniques available. In addition, the Department is actively positioning itself at the forefront of intraoperative intelligence, including the integration of AI-assisted surgical navigation, real-time imaging analytics, and data-driven decision support tools in the operative environment. Candidates with experience or a strong interest in these emerging technologies are especially encouraged to apply.
Academic & Clinical Expectations
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated excellence across all dimensions of academic orthopaedics — clinical care, surgical education, and research. Specific expectations include:
- Developing focused clinical and educational programs in spinal disorders
- Participating in residency and fellowship training
- Building and mentoring a team culture centered on innovation, accountability, and academic rigor
Values and Culture
The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) is a patient focused center distinguished by collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. The U of U Health values candidates who are committed to fostering and furthering the culture of compassion, collaboration, innovation, accountability, acceptance, integrity, quality, and trust that is integral to our mission.
Submit CV and Cover Letter to: https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/203508
Please include details on prior and future research and specific interest in Utah within the Cover Letter.
Inquiries may be sent to:
Brandon D. Lawrence, MD
Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs
Professor, Chief of Spine Surgery
L.S. Skaggs Presidential Endowed Chair
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
University of Utah
Brandon.lawrence@hsc.utah.edu
(801) 646-6086
EEO/Non-Discrimination Information
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number, can be located at https://www.utah.edu/nondiscrimination/.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
Notice
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Special Instructions for Candidates
Please complete the application including the cover letter, CV, and three references. Please query your references to submit a letter either through our online application system or send it directly to melody.berg@hsc.utah.edu.
Please note that by adding your references name and contact information directly into the application, the system will automatically send a request for a reference.
Open Date: 06/11/2026
Close Date:
Open Until Filled: Yes
Requisition Number: PRN04073F
Type: Faculty
