Director, Musculoskeletal Center
Application Window
Open date: October 28, 2026
Next review date: Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Friday, Apr 28, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Director, Musculoskeletal Center
Associate/Professor Rank
In Residence Series
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is seeking a visionary scientist to direct the UCSF Musculoskeletal Center. This Associate/Professor rank faculty position in the In Residence series will lead the advancement of the study of musculoskeletal science and innovation by promoting a culture of collaboration with basic, translational, computational, and clinical investigators throughout UCSF.
Candidates are expected to have a track record of significant research accomplishment and experience with basic, translation, computational, and/or clinical research on musculoskeletal disease and/or orthopaedic surgery. Of particular interest are candidates with experience bridging clinical research with basic science. Candidates must have a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in musculoskeletal science, biomedical sciences, medicine, or a closely related field by the time of hire. Candidates must have research experience consistent with an appointment as an Associate or Full Professor with expertise in basic, translational, computational, and/or clinical research related to musculoskeletal disease and/or orthopaedic surgery. Applicants’ materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission.
The UCSF Musculoskeletal Center provides collaborative support to multiple research centers and groups at UCSF, including the Core Center for Musculoskeletal Biology (CCMBM), the Center for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Tissue & Organ Regeneration (C-Doctor), and the NIH Back Pain Consortium (BACPAC). Candidates are expected to implement an ambitious broad-ranging vision for the UCSF musculoskeletal center, a commitment to research relevant to the musculoskeletal system, and a commitment to mentorship of new investigators. The successful candidate is expected to bring specific cutting-edge research knowledge and focus, but also provide strong leadership and develop programs that collaboratively bridge areas of expertise across multiple disciplines at UCSF, such as stem cell, developmental, or aging biology; bioengineering; metabolism and metabolic disease; clinical research; dentistry; immunology; microbiology; and other fields related to musculoskeletal diseases. Candidates working in all areas of basic and translational science, and with demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary collaborations are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be appointed in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and, depending on the area of research specialization, may receive a secondary appointment in another clinical or basic science department at UCSF.
Applications must be submitted online and include the following documents as a single PDF:
(1) cover letter;
(2) curriculum vitae;
(3) 1-page summary of research accomplishments;
(4) 2-page description of future research plans and leadership vision;
Copies of up to 3 major publications may be included. Applicants must provide at least three reference contacts. Review will begin on December 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
The total compensation for this position ranges from $198,400 – $600,000, depending on individual qualifications, clinical productivity, and other factors assessed at the time of offer.
Total compensation at the University of California, San Francisco includes your base salary, which is determined by your rank and step at appointment, and negotiated pay for Health Sciences Compensation Plan members. Faculty who are members of the Health Sciences Compensation Plan may also be eligible for additional incentive pay.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
Cover Letter
Statement of Research - 1-page summary of research accomplishments
Statement of Teaching (Optional)
Future Research Plans and Leadership Vision - 2-page description of future research plans and leadership vision
- 3 required (contact information only)
About UC San Francisco
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment