Open Rank Physician Scientist for MPS

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Physician Scientist for the Dr. Joseph Muenzer MPS Research and Treatment Center. This full-time role involves translational research focused on mucopolysaccharidosis, alongside clinical genetic activities.

Candidates must have an MD and be board certified or eligible in Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics. This role offers opportunities for scholarly activities in a collaborative, multidisciplinary setting, aiming to improve outcomes for patients with genetic disorders.

Qualifications

• Board certification in Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics/Biochemical Genetics.
• Strong teaching skills and collaborative abilities.
• Experience in longitudinal research projects.

Responsibilities

• Conduct translational research focused on mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).
• Teach and engage in scholarly activities.
• Evaluate and manage patients with congenital abnormalities and genetic disorders.

Skills

Excellent clinical skills

Outstanding interpersonal skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Translational research interest

Education

MD, board certified or eligible in Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics/Biochemical Genetics

Job description

Primary Purpose

Our mission is to improve the health and well‑being of North Carolinians and others we serve through leadership and excellence in patient care, education, and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We prepare tomorrow’s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds, fostering an innovative and integrated curriculum and team‑oriented interprofessional education for a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources, encouraging collaboration across disciplines to advance basic, translational, mechanistic, and population research.

Position Summary

The Division of Genetics and Metabolism in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a Physician Scientist for the Dr. Joseph Muenzer MPS Research and Treatment Center (Muenzer MPS Center). This full‑time, fixed‑term position is variable track and/or tenure/tenure‑track. Rank will be commensurate with experience and accomplishments.

Responsibilities include an 80% effort dedicated to translational research through the Muenzer MPS Center, with some teaching and scholarly activities, and 20% time devoted to clinical genetic activities in the Division. The Muenzer MPS Center focuses on improving outcomes for individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) and their families, developing new treatments for children and adults with MPS through clinical trials of enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, and intrathecal drug delivery. The candidate will serve as principal investigator for ongoing and new clinical research studies in MPS, assist in clinical management of MPS patients, and diagnose/ manage patients with genetic disorders.

The clinical genetic activities involve evaluating and managing patients with congenital abnormalities, connective tissue disorders, skeletal dysplasias, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic disorders in outpatient and inpatient settings. The candidate is expected to take some inpatient call with the Pediatric Genetics/Metabolism team.

Candidates should have excellent clinical skills, outstanding interpersonal skills, and the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team. A strong interest in translational research and a track record of longitudinal research projects are desired. Opportunities to apply for extramural funding exist to support research interests.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

MD, board certified or board eligible in Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics/Biochemical Genetics, with an academic career focus. Excellent teaching skills and the ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team are required.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Track record of longitudinal research projects and experience with MPS patients.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.