Postdoctoral Research Fellow (LETS MOVE)

University Of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the LETS MOVE program within the School of Kinesiology and Rogel Cancer Center. The role combines clinical engagement with advanced academic research, including data analysis, manuscript drafting, and grant support, under faculty mentorship.

This full-time position is intended for ambitious PhD graduates aiming to advance in exercise oncology, with responsibilities spanning patient interaction, research

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in exercise physiology, exercise science, kinesiology, or a closely related health science field.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee oncology patient trials within the structured exercise program (EF).
• Lead advanced data analysis and management of patient outcomes to support clinical care and scientific publications.
• Spearhead grant, abstract, and manuscript preparation, including literature reviews and journal submissions.
• Coordinate interactions with collaborating cancer care teams and supervise study personnel.

Skills

Advanced data analysis

Scientific manuscript writing

Collaboration

Education

PhD in exercise physiology or related field

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (LETS MOVE)

Job Summary

The 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. Led by Principal Investigators David Lipps, Erin Giles, Angela Fong, and Elizabeth Salerno, we are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our team.

This position offers an exceptional, high-level opportunity tailored for an ambitious PhD graduate looking to advance their academic career in exercise oncology. 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 the PIs. The successful candidate will be reliable, conscientious, organized, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities*

Essential Functions are noted with an "EF".

Clinical Testing, Intervention, & Trial Oversight (50%)

• Oversee clinical trial of oncology patients enrolled in a structured exercise program (EF)
• Perform assessments (e.g., questionnaires, six-minute walk test) to evaluate patients' physical status throughout trial (EF).
• Demonstrate expertise in exercise prescription (EF).
• Have awareness of exercise prescription guidelines for individuals with cancer.

Academic Research, Data Analysis, & Manuscript/Grant Writing (50%)

• Lead advanced data analysis and management of patient outcomes to support clinical care, programmatic innovation, and scientific publication (EF).
• Spearhead grant, abstract, and manuscript preparation, including conducting literature reviews, managing references, and coordinating journal submissions to high-impact peer-reviewed publications. (EF)
• Assist with regulatory management of research (e.g., IRB applications, eResearch), monitoring study progress, and producing regular study reports including NIH progress reports (EF).
• 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 (EF).
• Manage the training, professional development, and mentorship of study personnel and student research assistants (EF).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• 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 .

Desired 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).

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. Learn more about the work modes .

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.

The salary range is $60,000 to $65,000, commensurate with education and experience. You are encouraged to discuss salary questions to honor understanding and transparency throughout the recruiting process.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checksare performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Working Title