How to Apply
Please submit the following as a single PDF document via the University of Michigan applicant management system:
- Cover Letter (detailing research interests and career goals)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including training, research strengths, and publications
- Contact information for three professional references
Questions about this position should be directed to Dean John Cairney at [email protected].
Who We Are
The University of Michigan is a leading public university and one of the world's preeminent research institutions. The School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan is one of 19 independent academic units and one of seven health science schools and colleges within the University of Michigan. In Fall 2023, the National Academy of Kinesiology ranked the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan as the #1 Kinesiology program in the US. The school is led by Dean John Cairney and has 72 faculty members, including tenure-line, clinical-line, part-time, and full-time lecturers, as well as approximately 1,449 undergraduate students and 166 graduate students. The school is home to some of the country's top academic programs focusing on movement science, applied exercise science, athletic training, and sport management.
In winter 2021, the school moved into a newly renovated, state-of-the-art academic and research building (Kinesiology Building) in the heart of the University of Michigan's main campus. The $120M renovation project expands the School of Kinesiology's research, classroom, and office space to approximately 189,000 gross sq. ft. The research space includes a 9,800 sq. ft. biomechanics research suite, a 9,000 sq. ft. wet lab research suite, a 5,000 sq. ft. neuro research center, a 1,700 sq. ft. vivarium, and a 3,500 sq. ft. clinical testing suite and exercise research center. Additionally, new faculty members will have access to the University of Michigan's state-of-the-art core computing and laboratory facilities.
Job Summary
The School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an international research team examining the longitudinal relationships among motor development, health-related fitness, and mental health across childhood.
The successful candidate will work with a unique longitudinal cohort dataset comprising eight waves of data collected annually from approximately ages 5-6 through 11-12 years. A particular focus of the study is understanding the developmental consequences of persistent motor difficulties, including developmental coordination disorder (DCD), and their relationships with physical fitness, physical and mental health, and child development over time.
The position provides an exceptional opportunity for a quantitatively skilled early-career researcher to lead high-quality publications using an established longitudinal dataset while developing an independent research program. The combination of eight waves of childhood data, a defined initial program of manuscripts, freedom to develop additional investigator-led analyses, and opportunities to participate in grant development and new primary studies provides a strong platform for building an independent research trajectory.
We are particularly interested in candidates who are intellectually curious, quantitatively strong, highly productive, and excited by the opportunity to use longitudinal data to understand how motor development, physical health, and mental health intersect across childhood.
Responsibilities*
The primary focus of the position will be secondary analysis and publication of the longitudinal cohort data. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will:
- Lead the analysis, interpretation, and preparation of manuscripts arising from a defined set of priority research questions;
- Apply appropriate longitudinal statistical methods, including mixed-effects/multilevel models, latent growth models, time-lagged models, and related approaches;
- Undertake data management, preparation, quality checking, documentation, and creation of analysis-ready datasets;
- Work collaboratively with investigators to develop analytical strategies appropriate to complex longitudinal research questions;
- Lead the preparation and submission of manuscripts to high-quality peer-reviewed journals;
- Contribute to the coordination of papers and analyses across an international, multidisciplinary investigator team; and
- Communicate findings through scientific presentations and other forms of research dissemination.
In addition to the core program of planned papers, the successful candidate will have access to the dataset to develop and lead their own investigator-directed analyses and publications, subject to the study's established governance and publication processes. We particularly encourage candidates who can identify novel questions that take advantage of the richness and longitudinal nature of the dataset.
Opportunities for Research Development
Although secondary data analysis and publication will be the primary focus of the fellowship, the position is intended to provide broader opportunities for research and career development.
The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will have opportunities to contribute to the preparation of competitive external grant applications, including applications to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and to participate in the design and implementation of new primary data collection studies. The position will also provide opportunities to establish collaborations with investigators at the University of Michigan and partner institutions internationally.
Additionally, the Fellow will work within a team-science environment and will be encouraged to develop collaborations that support their emerging independent research program.
Required Qualifications*
Applicants should have completed, or be close to completing, a PhD or equivalent research doctorate in a relevant field to apply; all degree requirements must be met on or before the start date. Appropriate disciplinary backgrounds may include:
- Kinesiology, human movement, exercise science, or related fields;
- Child development or developmental psychology;
- Epidemiology or public health;
- Biostatistics or quantitative methods; or
- Other relevant behavioral, health, or developmental sciences.
Candidates should demonstrate strong quantitative research skills and experience analyzing complex datasets. Expertise in longitudinal data analysis is particularly important, with experience in one or more approaches such as mixed-effects/multilevel modeling, latent growth analysis, longitudinal structural equation modeling, cross-lagged/time-lagged models, or related techniques. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate their contributions to a positive workplace culture aligned with our school's core values.
Desired Qualifications*
The successful candidate will have:
- Strong statistical and quantitative research skills;
- Experience managing, cleaning, documenting, and analyzing complex research datasets;
- Excellent scientific writing skills and evidence of the capacity to produce peer-reviewed publications;
- The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and take responsibility for projects from research question through analysis and publication;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary and international research team; and
- A high degree of initiative, organization, and self-motivation.
Experience in child development, developmental coordination disorder, motor development, physical fitness, physical activity, or child mental health would be advantageous but is not essential. Previous experience in research project management, coordination, or leadership would also be desirable.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
The position will be based in the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan, providing access to a highly collaborative research environment and opportunities to engage with investigators across the University and internationally.
The research team includes investigators with expertise spanning kinesiology, motor development, child development, mental health, epidemiology, and quantitative methods. The Fellow will be expected to work actively across disciplinary and institutional boundaries and will have opportunities to develop new collaborations across multiple institutions.
There is flexibility regarding work location. The successful candidate may be based in Ann Arbor or, where University employment requirements and immigration compliance permit, work remotely from elsewhere within the United States. Remote work from outside the United States is not available for this position.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.