Post-Doc Research Associate (MOTION Sports Science Institute)

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 and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.

Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.

UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a major research university in the University of North Carolina System with student enrollment exceeding 29,000 students. The Department of Exercise and Sport Science (exss.unc.edu) supports an undergraduate program of over 1,400 undergraduate majors with three specialization areas (Exercise and Sport Science, Fitness Professional, Sport Administration); a Master of Arts graduate program enrolling ~60 students also with three specializations (Athletic Training, Exercise Physiology, Sport Administration); and a doctoral program in Human Movement Science in partnership with the UNC-CH School of Medicine (hmsc.unc.edu). The mission of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science ( EXSS) is to discover, create and promote knowledge of human movement to improve the quality of life of individuals and society. The mission of EXSS is further enhanced through interdisciplinary cooperation and departmental faculty securing competitive extramural funding in the form of contracts and grants. These endeavors enable the department to advance knowledge and thus serve the state and nation.

The teaching, research, and service efforts of the EXSS Department are supported by an outstanding faculty and staff, which currently includes: 33 full-time faculty (plus 6 new hires starting July 1), 9 part-time (fixed term) faculty, 20 joint appointment / adjunct faculty, 8 emeritus faculty, 25 full-time EXSS staff members, and 16 full-time Campus Recreation staff members.

The MOTION Sports Science Institute (http://exss.unc.edu/sports-medicineresearch-laboratory/) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for a postdoctoral position to begin February 2025.

Initial appointment will be for 12 months with the option to renew.

Research efforts for this position will primarily focus on an NIH Funded Study investigating the mechanistic pathway defining the link between joint loading and osteoarthritis development following knee injury. The postdoctoral research associate will primarily be responsible for leading the day-to-day study, conduct data analytics and outcome interpretation related to movement biomechanics and biomarkers of cartilage health as measured by magnetic resonance imaging. The post-doctoral research associate is expected to work in a highly collaborative fast paced environment. The post-doctoral fellow will interact with other researchers in the departments of Exercise and Sport Science, Biomedical Engineering, Orthopaedics, and the Thurston Arthritis Research Center on a regular basis. We are eager to find a post-doctoral fellow who is excited to contribute to new project development, grant writing, study implementation and management, data analyses and manuscript writing, and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students. The postdoctoral research associate will work under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator for data collection, management, and analysis, interpretation, and dissemination.

Earned doctorate, preferably in Human Movement Science or related field

Research experience in biomechanics, neuromuscular control, musculoskeletal imaging and/or rehabilitation science, osteoarthritis.

Experience with motion capture, common programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python), large databases and data management base programs (e.g. REDCap), and data analytics, including proficiency with statistical programming (e.g., SAS preferred) is a requirement.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Experience with clinical research and associated data directly related to musculoskeletal conditions is strongly preferred.

In addition to the above, a strong work ethic and commitment to becoming an independent scientist is preferred.

For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.

Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.