Research Fellow - Exercise Physiology & Human Performance

Mission Statement: Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components: patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

About the role

The ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center (AMSI) is a groundbreaking partnership dedicated to redefining the boundaries of athletic performance and sport science. By uniting ASICS’ global leadership in footwear and apparel with the University of Michigan’s world-class research ecosystem, AMSI creates a unique environment for discovery—where art, science, and engineering converge to spark transformative breakthroughs. AMSI, in collaboration with the High Performance Athlete Innovation Laboratory (HAIL), has an immediate opportunity for an exceptional Postdoctoral Fellow to join our team as a Lead Exercise Physiologist. This is a unique, split-responsibility role that supports two high-impact pipelines: driving performance optimization and footwear energetics for AMSI, and supporting an NIH-funded study evaluating the interaction between aerobic exercise and bone health. We are seeking an independent, highly motivated, scholarly investigator to administer lab- and field-based metabolic assessments, participate in athlete performance-based research studies, and work with a multi-disciplinary team of investigators, engineers, and designers to translate high-level science into real-world innovation and clinical impact.

Responsibilities

• Lab Setup & Technical Management: Lead the technical setup, integration, calibration, and routine troubleshooting of advanced physiology equipment. This includes Cosmed metabolic carts/indirect calorimetry (Quark, K5), wireless 12-lead ECG systems, lactate testing, and other relevant exercise physiology equipment.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Collect and analyze exercise testing data in-lab and in-field with a heavy emphasis on distance running. Execute maximum and sub-maximum exercise protocols (VO₂max, threshold testing, running economy testing) across elite athletes and research cohorts. Handle blood sampling testing including lactate (required) and phlebotomy/blood draw (preferred) processing.
• Dissemination and Translation: Author high-impact manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, present research findings at national/international professional conferences, and translate complex scientific data into actionable insights for corporate design partners and federal grant reporting.
• Mentorship & Project Operations: Oversee the day-to-day project and operational workflows. Supervise, mentor, and review the work of undergraduate and graduate students working on AMSI and NIH projects.

Requirements

• Education: Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Clinical Physiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Expertise in Human Energetics: Extensive hands-on experience independently executing metabolic testing, indirect calorimetry calibration, and advanced data processing (kinetics, substrate oxidation formulas).
• Clinical Monitoring Skills: Complete competency in running, reading, and evaluating 12-lead Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG) during maximal exertion, sub-maximum exercise testing, and resting metabolic testing.
• Autonomy: Proven ability to operate with a high degree of independence, solve complex technical/equipment problems without direct supervision, and manage multiple study timelines concurrently.
• Scientific Communication: A strong peer-reviewed publication footprint and demonstrated experience in abstract and manuscript preparation.
• Passion for Sport & Performance Innovation: A deep, intrinsic passion for sports, athletic culture, and human performance science. The ideal candidate must be highly driven by real-world athletic outcomes, showing a genuine motivation to help athletes optimize their physiology and achieve their highest competitive potential while seeing their research directly translate into cutting-edge product development.

Qualifications

• Phlebotomy Experience: Active certification or clear demonstrated experience with venipuncture/phlebotomy.
• Clinical Certifications: Active certification as an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP), Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) or equivalent clinical exercise credential.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day.
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings.

Pay

Compensation adhering to the NIH stipend guidelines.

Questions about the position should be directed to Ken Kozloff, PhD, Steven A. Goldstein Collegiate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Co-Director, ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center, Co-Director, University of Michigan Human Performance & Sport Science Center: kkozloff@med.umich.edu.