Senior Research Scholar - Kannapolis Research

Senior Research Scholar - Kannapolis Research

Company: North Carolina State University

Job Location:

Category: Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and Phys Ed

Type: Full-Time

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Location: Kannapolis, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The Senior Research Scholar will be a passionate, self-motivated, and collaborative individual to lead, support, and expand our research programs at the intersection of metabolic health and human performance, including the comprehensive oversight and management of the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) unit.

This individual will play a central role in designing and executing clinical and cell culture studies, coordinating lab operations, managing multidisciplinary collaborations, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing intellectually and technically to the ongoing research projects.

The selected candidate will serve as a stable, knowledgeable lead, preserving institutional expertise and supporting the sustained growth of both research programs and personnel over time.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Research

• Serve as lead or co-lead researcher to oversee complex research projects and develop new lines of scientific investigation with an emphasis on metabolic health, physical performance, pharmacogenomics, immunology, and nutrition, consistent with the principal aims of the laboratory.
• Design and execute clinical research and cell culture studies in collaboration with the Principal Investigator, research staff, students, and visiting scientists, conduct quantitative analysis of data to ensure integrity of results, and prepare progress reports and presentations.
• Oversee and manage cell culture, biochemical assays, and biomarker quantification including DNA/RNA extraction, PCR-based analysis, and ELISA.
• Monitor relevant literature to suggest new approaches, tools, or conceptual frameworks.
• Interpret complex datasets and collaborate with researchers to contextualize findings within the scope of the project.
• Prepare manuscripts and work with the Principal Investigator to source, write, and manage complex grant proposals and donor funding opportunities.

Strategic leadership and innovation

• Lead the full spectrum of clinical research operations at the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) unit, including team supervision, participant recruitment and scheduling, study visit execution, equipment setup and operation, collection and processing of biological samples.
• Develop and validate any new clinical designs, methodologies, assays, or research models for the completion of relevant projects and efficient operation of the laboratory.
• Lead and innovate in regulatory and safety oversight by ensuring IRB compliance, upholding laboratory safety standards, maintaining thorough documentation, and fostering a culture of collaboration and ethical research excellence.

Supervision and training

• Supervise the Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) unit employees to ensure the accurate execution of clinical protocols, proper use of specialized equipment, adherence to safety standards, and the consistent collection of high-quality research data.
• Provide guidance and critical evaluation of student and visitor scientist research projects and progress to ensure timely success and maximize the efficient use of their time.
• Train new lab members by providing onboarding and technical instruction in lab protocols and best practices.
• Maintain lab databases, including inventory systems, sample tracking, and notebooks.

Engagement with external constituencies

• Participate in meetings, deliver presentations, and prepare formal reports.
• Engage with outside constituencies on collaborative projects to keep all participants informed and apprised of recent developments and progress.
• Manage the Community Physical Fitness Testing program to support community engagement and health promotion initiatives.

This position is located in Kannapolis, NC.

Other Work/Responsibilities:

• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Minimum Experience/Education:

• Ph.D. in exercise physiology, physical training, nutrition, or a related field, with at least 5 years of direct experience managing clinical intervention studies focused on exercise- or obesity-related health outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to independently operate and maintain exercise physiology equipment, including metabolic carts, body composition analyzers, and muscle strength testing systems.
• Established publication history in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and anticipate workflow challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a genuine interest in subject-centered research.
• Skilled at building and maintaining collaborative relationships by understanding client needs and consistently delivering high-quality service.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings or evenings, to accommodate clinical trial participant schedules.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with biomarker quantification, including cell culture, ELISA, PCR-based analyses, or complete blood counts with differentials.
• Experience conducting research or working with subjects in hospital settings.
• Experience with integrating data from multiple-omics based approaches.
• Current certification in CPR/AED and/or First Aid.
• Applied understanding of biostatistics and data interpretation.

Required License or Certification: N/A

AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.