Post-Doc Research Associate - Military Veterans

Vacancy ID: PDS004414

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, with a particular emphasis on enhancing access to CIH in at-risk and underrepresented populations. 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. 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. Giscomb 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.