Open Rank Physician Scientist

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The UNC School of Medicine has a rich tradition of excellence and care. Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of North Carolinians, and others whom we serve.

We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research. We strive to promote faculty, staff, and learner development in a diverse, respectful environment where our colleagues demonstrate professionalism, enhance learning, and create personal and professional sustainability. We optimize our partnership with the UNC Health System through close collaboration and commitment to service.

OUR VISION

Our vision is to be the nation's leading public school of medicine. We are ranked 2nd in primary care education among all US schools of medicine and 5th among public peers in NIH research funding. Our Allied Health Department is home to five top-ranked divisions, and we are home to 18 top-ranked clinical and basic science departments in NIH research funding.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve.

We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education, and research.

Patient Care: We will promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We will prepare tomorrow's health care professionals and biomedical researchers by facilitating learning within innovative curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education. We will cultivate outstanding teaching and research faculty, and we will recruit outstanding students and trainees from highly diverse backgrounds to create a socially responsible, highly skilled workforce.

Research: We will develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers, and resources.

We will provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our University to support outstanding research. We will foster programs in the areas of 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 is seeking a Physician Scientist to join the Dr. Joseph Muenzer MPS Research and Treatment Center (Muenzer MPS Center). This position is full-time, fixed-term/open rank. Rank will be determined at a level commensurate with the applicant's experience and accomplishments.

Responsibilities will include an 80% effort dedicated to translational research being conducted 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 is focused on improving the outcomes of individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) and their families.

The Muenzer MPS Center team is dedicated to developing new avenues of treatment for children and adults with MPS, a group of ultra rare genetic disorders, including clinical trials to test new forms of intravenous enzyme replacement therapy as well as alternative therapies, such as gene therapy and intrathecal drug delivery. The candidate will join an established team to become the principal investigator for ongoing and new clinical research studies in MPS, assist in the clinical management of MPS patients and the diagnosis/management of patients with genetic disorders. This is a highly rewarding job working with our interdisciplinary and highly collaborative team of physicians, advanced practice providers, research staff, and dedicated health professionals, who love working with children and adults with rare genetic disorders and are dedicated to improving their health and quality of life.

The candidate must have excellent clinical skills, demonstrate outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The interested candidate should have a strong interest in translational research or ideally have a track record with longitudinal research projects.

Translational research experience related to MPS is desirable. There will be opportunities to apply for extramural funding to achieve research support in an area of special interest to the candidate.

The clinical genetic activities will involve evaluation and management of patients with congenital abnormalities, connective tissue disorders, skeletal dysplasias, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic disorders in both outpatient and inpatient settings. They will be expected to take some inpatient call with the Pediatric Genetics/Metabolism team.

The Muenzer MPS Center team includes two physicians, two advanced practice providers, three nurse coordinators, five research coordinators, one research assistant, one behavioral assessor, an executive director and an administrative assistant. Dr. Joseph Muenzer is the Director of the MPS Center.

The Muenzer MPS Center is currently conducting seven phase I/II or phase II/III MPS clinical trials. The Muenzer MPS Center will be adding at least two more MPS clinical trials in the near future.

The Pediatric Genetics/Metabolism team includes physicians, genetic counselors, metabolic dieticians, and nurse practitioners, who work collaboratively in caring for their patients and families with compassion and evidence-based care. The Division of Genetics and Metabolism also has an active accredited fellowship training program.

Our Pediatric Genetics/Metabolism team works closely with colleagues from across the medical center, including Adult Medical and Cancer Genetics, Maternal Fetal Medicine, and the Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetic Laboratories. Faculty members in the Division of Genetics and Metabolism are also actively involved in hearing-loss research, Angelman syndrome clinical trials, translational research for other lysosomal storage disorders, clinical studies evaluating the utility of using next generation sequencing for newborn screening, quality improvement projects and with the state birth defects registry.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

MD, board certified/board eligible in Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics/Biochemical Genetics and interested in an academic position.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

The candidate must have excellent teaching skills and demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

The candidate should have some track record with longitudinal research projects and exposure to MPS patients.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/272419