Physician Scientist - MPS - Pediatric Genetics and Metabolism

Proposed Start Date
10/01/2025

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, variable track and/or tenure/tenure track. 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. 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.

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

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The candidate should have some track record with longitudinal research projects and exposure to MPS patients.

Quick Link:
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/303214

Department Contact Name and Title
Lindsay Torrice

Department Contact Telephone or Email
lindsay_torrice@med.unc.edu

Academic Personnel Office Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost office at (919)-962-1091 or send an email to facultyrecruitment@unc.edu.

Please note: The Executive Vice Chancellor & Provost office will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

If you have any questions about the job requirements or the hiring department notify the Department Contact.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.