Co-Director, Muscular Dystrophy Translation Research (F71490) - Dept of Neurology/SOM

Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA

Full-time - Senior

Richmond, VA

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Co-Director of Muscular Dystrophy Translation Research at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a pivotal role within the Department of Neurology, aimed at advancing therapeutic development for muscular dystrophies and other rare disorders. This position is designed for a faculty member who will engage in research activities that align with the mission of the Muscular Dystrophy Translational Research Program (MDTRP). The MDTRP is committed to improving the lives of individuals affected by muscular dystrophies through the development of novel therapeutics and the translation of these therapies into clinical practice. The co-director will work closely with the Program Director to establish a premier muscular dystrophy center that leads the nation in developing genetic precision therapies through informed clinical trials. In addition to research responsibilities, the co-director will also have teaching duties, which include mentoring graduate students, medical residents, fellows, and other trainees. This senior-level position will provide programmatic leadership for the MDTRP, supporting the establishment of Muscular Dystrophy Clinical Research Networks and ensuring compliant operations through a rigorous regulatory and quality assurance system. The co-director will foster the development and conduct of additional studies within the MDTRP and the research network, supporting site selection and collaboration with network investigators. Candidates will be involved in interdisciplinary research projects that take a translational approach to moving novel therapies forward for muscular dystrophies, and will be expected to submit grant applications for peer-reviewed extramural funding.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research projects that support the translational development of therapies for muscular dystrophies, including natural history studies, clinical outcome development, and clinical trial design.
• Participate in the Muscular Dystrophy Association multidisciplinary clinic.
• Train and mentor clinical preclinical students, residents, and fellows.
• Serve as a member of departmental and university-wide service committees.
• Support the establishment of Muscular Dystrophy Clinical Research Networks and ensure compliant operations through a rigorous regulatory and quality assurance system.
• Foster the development and conduct of additional studies within the MDTRP and the research network.
• Support site selection and collaboration with network investigators.
• Interact with research teams within the MDTRP to develop novel therapeutics for muscular dystrophies.
• Submit grant applications for peer-reviewed extramural funding.

Requirements

• MD or equivalent degree with a minimum of 4 years of extensive experience in muscular dystrophy research.
• Board Certified/Board Eligible in Neurology.
• Deep understanding of outcome measure development in muscular dystrophies.
• Experience conducting multicenter clinical trials.
• Extensive publication record in relevant fields.
• Proven mentorship skills for trainees and faculty.
• Track record of working in multi-disciplinary fields.
• Demonstrated experience in fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in a matric environment within academic medicine.
• Proven success in collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams.