Musculoskeletal Injury Postdoctoral Research Fellow

The Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE) is offering a postdoctoral opportunity at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The EACE Musculoskeletal Injury Research Fellow will participate in clinical- and field-based data collections, study participant tracking, data management, data analyses, and assist with the dissemination of project findings and idea development. 

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas.

This opportunity is located at Fort Bragg, NC, the largest military base in the United States. As a research fellow, you will primarily interface with the EACE research team, relevant clinical teams (e.g., physical therapy, orthopaedic surgery), and operational units with which the EACE is collaborating and you will have the unique opportunity to conduct clinical-/field-based research focused on primary and secondary musculoskeletal injury risk factors that will have direct impact on Service member health and medical readiness. The two broad areas of research focus will be on the identification and mitigation of primary and secondary musculoskeletal injury risks among active duty Service members. These efforts will involve the use of novel low/no tech field-expedient clinical assessments. The information elucidated from these efforts will be provided to healthcare providers and other interested stake holders so that targeted musculoskeletal injury risk mitigation strategies can be developed and directly benefit Service members. In addition, you will participate in clinical- and field-based data collections, study participant tracking, data management, data analyses, and assist with the dissemination of project findings and idea development.

Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina

EACE is ready to start this appointment in early October pending review of applications and the selection of a candidate. This appointment is an 11-month research appointment, with the possibility to be renewed for additional research periods. Appointments may be extended depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

You will receive a stipend to be determined by EACE. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location.

Other benefits may include the following:

The Extremity Trauma and Amputation Center of Excellence (EACE) is the leading advocate for research and treatment of Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients with extremity trauma and amputation. The EACE leads efforts to enhance collaboration between the DoD and the VA extremity trauma and amputation care providers and conduct scientific research to minimize the effects of traumatic injuries and improve clinical outcomes https://www.health.mil/About-MHS/OASDHA/HSPO/EACE. 

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Applicant should have minimum education/training of a PhD from an accredited institution in human movement science, allied health sciences, biomechanics, or a related field.

Required experience in identifying musculoskeletal injury risk factors (1 – 2 years), and physical capabilities include, but are not limited to long periods of standing and sitting.

Specific research background in the area of extremity trauma is highly desired. A track record of publication and excellent technical writing skills are preferred.

The research environment is that of a tissue biomechanics laboratory in a DoD teaching and research hospital.