"Post-Doctoral Trainee"

Position Summary/Description

The Program on Integrative Medicine (PIM) within the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is seeking qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral fellowship.

The goal of this T32 training program is to cultivate diverse, well-trained, independent researchers at postdoctoral level for leadership in investigating efficacy, effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and implementation strategies for clinical integration of effective CIH therapies into healthcare practice.

Research trainees will have the opportunity to:

1. receive rigorous training that emphasizes the development and implementation of clinical trials, including feasibility testing, mechanism evaluations, advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, systematic reviews/meta-analysis, and implementation science methods
2. receive a firm grounding in CIH concepts and research issues
3. participate in the ongoing research of strong mentors
4. develop and conduct significant studies that will provide a foundation for future funded research
5. participate in the development of innovative research tools and measures to better examine CIH approaches to care.

This is a full-time hybrid position for one year with an option for renewal contingent upon performance and funding availability. Candidates will need to reside in commuting distance of UNC and come to campus at least 2 days a week.

Required fellowship activities include the following:

• Participation in a primary research project with Drs. Gaylord, Giscombe, Faurot, and potentially another approved UNC faculty mentor. Please see our website for details of mentors committed to the program: UNC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program on Integrative Medicine
• Dr. Gaylord studies mindfulness interventions for pain conditions, anxiety, and risk of depression.
• Dr. Giscombe studies biopsychosocial research, including biomarkers associated with mindfulness and Superwoman Schema for Black/African American women and healing professionals.
• Dr. Faurot studies nutrition interventions for chronic pain conditions, dietary supplement safety, and mindfulness interventions for caregivers of persons living with dementia.
• Other researchers with whom we are affiliated have expertise in implementation science.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Development of an original research area that aligns with ongoing research projects at the Program on Integrative Medicine or other UNC collaborators.
• Attendance at the Responsible Conduct of Research courses offered by the NC TraCS Institute. Attendance at the fall semester course, Principles, and Practices of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Course.
• Attendance at the T-32 Fellows Weekly Seminar with in-person meetings scheduled monthly.
• Creation of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with fellowship directors that aligns with the Program on Integrative Medicine's research mission to be submitted in September and March each year.
• Meeting with one of the Fellowship Directors every 2 weeks to check in and with all three directors biannually (September/October, March/April) to review progress toward IDP goals.
• Coursework at UNC-Chapel Hill relevant to the educational research needs of the fellow. This can be non-degree graduate coursework or coursework as part of an optional research degree (e.g., Master's in Clinical Research).
• Attendance at an integrative health conference annually and other selected conferences and seminars approved by the Fellowship Directors.
• Research presentation at one or more national meetings per year as well as to groups within the university.
• Submission of 1-3 manuscripts the first year (expectations depending on prior preparation) and 2-3 manuscripts the second year to peer-reviewed journals, with at least one first-authored manuscript.

Education and Experience

Research experience relating to complementary and integrative health is preferred.