Postdoctoral Research Fellow (LETS MOVE)

School of Kinesiology, in partnership with the Rogel Cancer Center, is launching LETS MOVE, a structured exercise program for patients with cancer. Within this initiative, patients are enrolled in a six-month structured exercise research study. This position offers an exceptional, high-level opportunity tailored for an ambitious PhD graduate looking to advance their academic career in exercise oncology.

About the role

In this role, you will bridge clinical practice and advanced academic research. You will work directly with cancer patients in a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment to determine patients' needs and monitor progress throughout their participation, while simultaneously leading data analysis, drafting scientific manuscripts, and contributing to grant proposals under the mentorship of Principal Investigators David Lipps, Erin Giles, Angela Fong, and Elizabeth Salerno.

The successful candidate will be reliable, conscientious, organized, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical trial of oncology patients enrolled in a structured exercise program (Essential Function).
• Perform assessments (e.g., questionnaires, six-minute walk test) to evaluate patients' physical status throughout trial (Essential Function).
• Demonstrate expertise in exercise prescription (Essential Function).
• Have awareness of exercise prescription guidelines for individuals with cancer.
• Lead advanced data analysis and management of patient outcomes to support clinical care, programmatic innovation, and scientific publication (Essential Function).
• Spearhead grant, abstract, and manuscript preparation, including conducting literature reviews, managing references, and coordinating journal submissions to high-impact peer-reviewed publications (Essential Function).
• Assist with regulatory management of research (e.g., IRB applications, eResearch), monitoring study progress, and producing regular study reports including NIH progress reports (Essential Function).
• Coordinate high-level scientific interactions and programmatic updates with collaborating cancer care teams in the Rogel Cancer Center, including physicians, advanced practice providers, and support staff (Essential Function).
• Manage the training, professional development, and mentorship of study personnel and student research assistants (Essential Function).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in exercise physiology, exercise science, kinesiology, or a closely related health science field (e.g., kinesiology, public health, epidemiology, exercise or health science, health education and health promotion, medicine, psychology).
• Experience in clinical testing, exercise prescription, and evaluation.
• Demonstrated track record of academic research excellence, including advanced data analysis, statistics, and scientific manuscript preparation.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute to a positive workplace culture aligned with the school's core values.

Qualifications

• Prior experience with cancer research or prior clinical research responsibilities in an academic medical setting.
• Certification by the American College of Sports Medicine as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) or completion of the ACSM/ACS Cancer Exercise Specialist certification course.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).

Additional Information

The position is available immediately and is term-limited, with an initial appointment funded for 18 months (set up in increments of up to 1 year per university policy); the appointment may be extended depending on performance and the availability of research funds.

Pay

The salary range is $60,000 to $65,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment.