Gastroenterology Physician Scientist

Department: Gastroenterology, University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine – Salt Lake City, UT

About the Division

The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition is nationally recognized for excellence in clinical care, education, and research. Faculty provide care across a broad spectrum of digestive and liver diseases and participate in the training of medical students, residents, fellows, and postdoctoral trainees. The division supports a strong culture of collaboration, mentorship, innovation, and professional development.

Faculty physicians and scientists engage in a rich multidisciplinary research environment spanning basic, translational, clinical, implementation, and population sciences. Areas of existing strength include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease and mucosal immunology
• Microbiome science
• Hepatology and liver disease
• Nutrition and metabolism
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Gastrointestinal motility and neurogastroenterology
• Endoscopic innovation
• Health services and outcomes research
• Clinical trials and translational therapeutics
• Precision medicine and data science

Candidates whose research programs complement or expand these areas are encouraged to apply.

Research Environment

The University of Utah offers an exceptional environment for physician-scientists. Investigators benefit from close collaborations with nationally recognized programs and centers, including:

• Huntsman Cancer Institute, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center
• ARUP Laboratories, a world leader in diagnostic innovation
• Center for Clinical and Translational Science
• Department of Population Health Sciences
• Immunology, Inflammation, and Infectious Disease (3i) Initiative
• Mountain West Microbiome Alliance (MoWMA) and related collaborative initiatives

Additional resources include extensive biobanking, genomics, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and clinical research infrastructure. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of investigators committed to advancing discovery and improving patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Clinical and Educational

Clinical responsibilities will be aligned with the candidate's expertise and research goals and may include outpatient and inpatient gastroenterology, hepatology, nutrition, or procedural practice. The division is committed to creating protected time and resources that support the development and sustainability of successful physician-scientist careers.

Faculty members also participate in the educational mission of the university through teaching, mentoring, and scholarly engagement with trainees at all levels.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• MD, DO, or equivalent degree
• Board certified or board eligible in Gastroenterology
• Eligible for medical licensure in the State of Utah
• Demonstrated commitment to an academic physician-scientist career

Preferred Qualifications

• Evidence of a productive research program or strong potential for independent research success
• Record of scholarly publication appropriate to career stage
• History of extramural funding or strong potential to secure external funding
• Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and mentorship

Benefits

Successful candidates will receive:

• Protected research time
• Competitive startup support
• Access to extensive institutional resources to foster a thriving research program

Location

Salt Lake City offers an exceptional quality of life, combining the amenities of a vibrant metropolitan area with immediate access to world-class outdoor recreation. Nestled against the Wasatch Mountains, the region provides outstanding opportunities for skiing, hiking, climbing, cycling, and other outdoor pursuits, while also offering a thriving arts, cultural, and culinary scene.