Post Doctoral Fellow - Neurology (Stroke Recovery)

Department: SOM KC Neurology - Stroke Research in Exercise and Cardiovascular Health Laboratory Position Title: Post Doctoral Fellow - Neurology (Stroke Recovery) Job Family Group: Professional Staff Job Description Summary: The Stroke Recovery Research Fellow will contribute to and lead translational research in stroke recovery within the Department of Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead and publish analyses from the Fitness After Stroke (FAST) clinical trial examining the effects of high‑intensity interval training and moderate‑intensity continuous training on a recumbent stepper (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05936008). Data are available to explore in‑depth analyses of cardiorespiratory fitness, brain health, and walking outcomes. The fellow will work within a research environment with access to rich datasets, structured mentorship, and active projects including the HIT Stroke trial. The fellow will also be integrated into a successful stroke team that leads the region in vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) for stroke recovery and serves as a top site for the VNS‑paired GRASP longitudinal study. The environment is intentionally structured to support that progression by combining access to high‑quality data, strong mentorship, and meaningful leadership roles on ongoing projects. The fellow will be expected to contribute to team‑based science and scholarly output, while progressively developing their own research questions and portfolio, with the level of independence tailored to prior experience and career goals. The position also provides access to a range of professional development opportunities at both the institutional and national level, including grant writing support, career development programming, and engagement with leading research networks. Key Roles and Responsibilities Clinical Research Implementation & Participant Engagement Contribute to implementation and advancement of ongoing stroke recovery clinical trials, including participant screening, enrollment, study execution, and hands‑on exposure to high‑quality trial infrastructure such as adverse event reporting, cross‑site coordination, and protocol standardization. Build relationships with participants and caregivers through professional communication, education, and ongoing engagement. Assist in intervention delivery and protocol execution, consistent with licensure, training, and study requirements. Outcome Assessment Conduct standardized clinical and functional outcome assessments. Monitor participant safety and physiological responses during testing and intervention sessions. Ensure high protocol fidelity, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance across active studies, including HIT Stroke and vagal nerve stimulator‑related initiatives. Scholarship and Career Development Lead publishable analyses from the Fitness After Stroke (FAST) clinical trial examining exercise intensity, walking recovery, cardiorespiratory fitness, and brain health outcomes. Contribute to abstracts, conference presentations nationally, and manuscript development, with strong opportunities for first‑author productivity. Lead components of data analysis and writing based on prior experience and career goals. Engage in regular research discussions, lab meetings, and collaborative scientific projects. Work closely with investigators, clinicians, and trainees in a highly collaborative, team‑based environment. Build an individualized pathway toward external funding, career development awards, and research independence. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work Environment Physically support and transfer an individual in a wheelchair to/from exercise device or chair with or without reasonable accommodation. Move blocks from side to side in a repetitive fashion with or without reasonable accommodation. Move 25 lbs with or without reasonable accommodation. Required Qualifications Education: This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market‑driven expectations. Certifications/Licenses: Current state licensure or eligibility for state licensure as a Physical Therapist. Certified Basic Life Support or completion in first 90 days of employment required. Work Experience: Experience with medical terminology. Experience with adhering to research protocols. Experience with technical equipment. Preferred Qualifications Education: PhD in rehabilitation science, engineering, exercise physiology, or similar field PhD candidates should possess proficiency in fundamental research methodologies, with a strong preference for those who have published work or a publishable dissertation. Work Experience: One (1) year of experience as a physical therapist in stroke or neurorehabilitation. An expressed interest in pursuing a career in rehabilitation, particularly an academic or research career as demonstrated by application materials. Skills: Time management Communication Attention to detail 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. Employee Type: Regular Time Type: Full time Rate Type: Salary Compensation Statement: The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above. Pay Range: $63,480.00 - $90,000.00 Minimum $63,480.00 Midpoint $76,739.00 Maximum $90,000.00 #J-18808-Ljbffr Dormont Manufacturing Co