Research Fellow - Exercise Physiology & Human Performance

VS-Postdoc; Ann Arbor, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan seeks an exceptional Postdoctoral Fellow to join the AMISxHAIL teams as Lead Exercise Physiologist. The role spans lab-based metabolic assessments and field studies with elite athletes, partnering with engineers and clinicians to translate science into real-world innovation.

You will administer metabolic testing, contribute to NIH-funded studies on aerobic exercise and bone health, and mentor students while advancing high-impact research and publications.

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.

Responsibilities

• Lab setup, integration, calibration, and troubleshooting of physiology equipment (Cosmed metabolic carts, ECG systems).
• Collect and analyze in-lab and field exercise testing data with elite athletes and cohorts; conduct VO2max and running economy testing.
• Author high-impact manuscripts and present findings at conferences; translate data for partners and grant reporting.
• Oversee daily project operations; supervise undergraduate and graduate students on AMSI and NIH projects.

Skills

Metabolic testing

ECG interpretation

Data processing

Scientific communication

Autonomy

Education

PhD in Kinesiology/Exercise Physiology/Clinical Physiology

Tools

Indirect calorimetry equipment

ECG systems

Job description

Research Fellow - Exercise Physiology & Human Performance

2026-09-20

Research Fellow - Exercise Physiology & HumanPerformance

University of Michigan

Type: Full-Time

Posted: 2 days ago

Application Due: 09/20/2026

Category: Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and Phys Ed

JOB OPENING ID: 282005

MODES OF WORK

Onsite

REGULAR/TEMPORARY: Regular

ORGANIZATIONAL GROUP: Medical School

DEPARTMENT: MM Orthopaedic Surgery

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations andcommunities through excellence in education, patient care, community service,research and technology development, and through leadership activities inMichigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our StrategicPrinciples and has three critical components; patient care, education andresearch that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job Summary

The ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center (AMSI) is a groundbreakingpartnership dedicated to redefining the boundaries of athletic performance andsport science. By uniting ASICS? global leadership in footwear and apparel withthe University of Michigan?s world-class research ecosystem, AMSI creates aunique environment for discovery?where art, science, and engineering converge tospark transformative breakthroughs.

AMSI, in collaboration with the High Performance Athlete InnovationLaboratory (HAIL), has an immediate opportunity for an exceptional PostdoctoralFellow to join our team as a Lead Exercise Physiologist. This is a unique,split-responsibility role supports two high-impact pipelines: drivingperformance optimization and footwear energetics for AMSI, and supportinganNIH-funded study evaluating the interaction between aerobic exercise and bonehealth.

We are seeking an independent, highly motivated, scholarly investigator toadminister lab- and field-based metabolic assessments, participate in athleteperformance-based research studies, and work with a multi-disciplinary team ofinvestigators and engineers and designers to translate high-level science intoreal-world innovation and clinical impact.

Responsibilities*

• Lab Setup & Technical Management: Lead the technical setup, integration,calibration, and routine troubleshooting of advanced physiology equipment. Thisincludes Cosmed metabolic carts/indirect calorimetry (Quark, K5), wireless12-lead ECG systems, lactate testing, and other relevant exercise physiologyequipment
• Data Collection & Analysis: Collect and analyze exercise testing datain-lab and in-field with a heavy emphasis on distance running. Execute maximumand sub-maximum exercise protocols (VO2max, threshold testing, running economytesting) across elite athletes and research cohorts. Handle blood samplingtesting including lactate (required) and phlebotomy/blood draw (preferred)processing.
• Dissemination and Translation: Author high-impact manuscripts forpeer-reviewed journals, present research findings at national/internationalprofessional conferences, and translate complex scientific data into actionableinsights for corporate design partners and federal grant reporting.
• Mentorship & Project Operations: Oversee the day-to-day project andoperational workflows. Supervise, mentor, and review the work of undergraduateand 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 independentlyexecuting metabolic testing, indirect calorimetry calibration, and advanced dataprocessing ( kinetics, substrate oxidation formulas).
• Clinical Monitoring Skills: Complete competency in running, reading, andevaluating 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, solvecomplex technical/equipment problems without direct supervision, and managemultiple study timelines concurrently.
• Scientific Communication: A strong peer-reviewed publication footprint anddemonstrated experience in abstract and manuscript preparation.
• Passion for Sport & Performance Innovation: A deep, intrinsic passion forsports, athletic culture, and human performance science. The ideal candidatemust be highly driven by real-world athletic outcomes, showing a genuinemotivation to help athletes optimize their physiology and achieve their highestcompetitive potential while seeing their research directly translate intocutting-edge product development.

Desired Qualifications*

• Phlebotomy Experience: Active certification or clear demonstrated experiencewith venipuncture/phlebotomy.
• Clinical Certifications: Active certification as an ACSM Certified ClinicalExercise 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 worldand has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technologicaladvancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. MichiganMedicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract,inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare tobecome one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems. In someway, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-classinstitution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greatergood.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

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

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at thediscretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at aminimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughoutthe course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

The position is available immediately with compensation adhering to the NIHstipend guidelines.

Contact Information

Questions about the position should be directed to:

Steven A. Goldstein Collegiate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Co-Director, ASICS x Michigan Sport Innovation Center

Co-Director, University of Michigan Human Performance & Sport ScienceCenter

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review andselection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. Thisopening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimumposting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committedto providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employmentopportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans andindividuals with disabilities.

The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory/affirmative actionemployer.