Research Fellow - Exercise Physiology & Human Performance

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental and vision

2:1 retirement match

Job summary

Michigan Medicine partners with the AMIS and University of Michigan to redefine athletic performance through advanced physiology research. We seek a Postdoctoral Fellow/Lead Exercise Physiologist to administer lab- and field-based metabolic assessments, advance athlete performance studies, and collaborate with engineers to translate science into real-world innovations.

The role requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field, hands-on metabolic testing expertise, ECG proficiency, and a proven publication

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Clinical Physiology, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on experience independently executing metabolic testing and indirect calorimetry calibration.
• Clinical monitoring skills with 12-lead ECG during maximal and sub-maximum testing.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple study timelines.
• Strong peer-reviewed publication footprint and scientific communication experience.
• Deep passion for sport and performance science driving real-world impact.

Responsibilities

• Lab Setup & Technical Management: Set up and calibrate physiology equipment, troubleshoot, and maintain systems.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Conduct in-lab and field metabolic assessments, analyze results for elite athletes.
• Dissemination and Translation: Publish manuscripts and present findings at conferences; translate data for partners.
• Mentorship & Project Operations: Oversee and mentor students; manage project workflows across NIH projects.

Skills

Metabolic testing

Indirect calorimetry

ECG interpretation

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Autonomy

Education

Ph.D. in Kinesiology or related field

Tools

Cosmed metabolic carts

K5

12-lead ECG systems

Job description

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.

Job Summary

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 supports two high-impact pipelines: driving performance optimization and footwear energetics for AMSI, and supporting anNIH-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 and 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Desired 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.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

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

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 with compensation adhering to the NIH stipend guidelines.

Contact Information

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

[email protected]

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 any time 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.