Sports Medicine Research Scientist

Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation and the Badger Athletic Performance program

About the role

The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation is seeking an experienced researcher for a Sport Medicine Research Scientist role to support and advance clinical and research interests related to musculotendon injuries in athletic populations. This role will leverage existing research infrastructure, including long-standing athletic performance and injury datasets within the department and data from multi-site, longitudinal research studies assessing biomechanical and imaging-based risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in high-level athletes.

The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, highly organized, capable of collaboratively developing, leading, and advancing multiple projects, and skilled in collaborating across units within the department, SMPH, and UW campus. Experience leveraging AI technology to analyze data and improve efficiency of research processes is highly desired. A demonstrated record of applying for external funding and publishing manuscripts is preferred.

This position is full or part-time (50%-100%) and requires work to be completed onsite at a designated campus work location. It may start in a part-time capacity to facilitate the onboarding process. This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations and requires passing an initial caregiver check, then biennial checks thereafter.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with Badger Athletic Performance faculty and research staff to advance current research goals and develop new lines of research
• Analyze and disseminate findings from research networks via abstracts, manuscripts, and other opportunities
• Identify and apply for internal and external grant opportunities
• Engage with collaborators to maintain and grow existing research networks
• Attend and assist with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and dissemination of research information
• Collect and analyze highly complex research data, conduct experiments and interviews, and document results according to established policies and procedures
• Identify research problems and develop highly complex research methodologies and procedures
• Publish and present results to help advance research
• Serve as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders, providing expert-level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit and staff, resolving routine personnel issues
• Identify, write, or assist in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, and proposals to secure research funding
• Conduct literature reviews, prepare reports and materials, and disseminate information to appropriate entities

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Investigation, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a sports science or high-performance athlete setting
• Experience analyzing data using R, Matlab, or similar software
• Experience working with biomechanical equipment such as force plates, motion capture, etc.
• Experience working with ultrasound or MRI technologies as they apply to muscle or tendon characteristics
• Experience leveraging AI tools to optimize efficiency in working with data and scientific writing
• Demonstrated success in publishing scientific findings and grant-writing

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Competitive insurance and savings accounts
• Retirement benefits

For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Faculty/Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026.

Pay

The starting salary for the position is $65,000 annually but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.