"Post Doc Fellow - Internal Medicine (Physical Activity & Weight Management)"

Job Description Summary

The Postdoctoral Fellow will support the Community Health Improvement Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (CHIP-ID), a research initiative within the Division of Physical Activity and Weight Management. CHIP-ID conducts a growing portfolio of NIH-funded research aimed at improving health, wellness, and quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities, with particular emphasis on individuals with Down syndrome. The program integrates research, clinical practice, and training to develop and implement evidence-based strategies that promote health outcomes. The Fellow will contribute to research projects by coordinating study protocols, collecting and analyzing data, preparing manuscripts and grant materials, and collaborating with clinical and research staff. This position is part of an interdisciplinary team and supports applied and translational research aligned with CHIP-ID's integrated approach to health promotion.

Job Duties

Research Overview: Design and conduct experiments and interpret data under the mentorship of the Principal Investigator (PI).

• Participate in NIH-funded research focused on health promotion in individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Develop and troubleshoot research protocols.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results for use in publications, grant applications, and determining the next steps in the research.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and grant proposals.
• Collaborate with the PI to design and execute independent experiments.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary research groups on various NIH-funded studies including the Alzheimer's Biomarker Consortium for Down syndrome and the INCLUDE DS-CDP.
• Supervise laboratory testing such as exercise tolerance testing, body composition by DEXA, energy expenditure of routine exercise, measurement of energy intake, assessments of cognitive function.

Expectations: The Postdoc will be expected to complete research projects under the guidance of the faculty mentor, record and interpret the results of their experiments in an (electronic) laboratory notebook, prepare publication-quality manuscripts (including figures and tables) and publish in peer-reviewed literature.

• Read literature articles, develop new ideas, and assimilate the information into his/her project design/interpretation.
• Dissemination of studies: Interact on a regular basis with their PI, faculty mentor and members of the laboratory to discuss experimental design and interpretation of results.
• Present research aims and findings at department seminars and at local and national scientific meetings. Write and publish their results as first author in abstracts, manuscripts, and posters.

Compliance: Attend and maintain compliance on all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Department, understand and follow IACUC and biosafety protocols, and attend departmental seminars and regular lab meetings.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Doctorate (Conferred) in any specialization which is appropriate health promotion in individuals with intellectual disabilities such as exercise physiology, exercise behavior, psychology, nutrition, public health, epidemiology, neurology and aging science, disability-related health sciences, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

Work Experience:

• Experience with physical activity, dietary assessment, and body composition measures.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Experience in funded research projects and clinical trials, peer reviewed publications and presentations.

Required Documents:

• A cover letter detailing research experience and career goals.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) with a complete list of publications.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available. For more information, visit https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html.