POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Postdoctoral Fellow will support research and scholarly activities within the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing under the supervision of Dr. Matthew Plow. The primary objective of the position is to develop research expertise and advance scholarly training in preparation for an academic research career. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Plow, the postdoctoral fellow will plan and carry out research projects in accordance with IRB-approved research protocols to promote health and wellness in people with multiple sclerosis and their care partners. The postdoctoral fellow will also be responsible for proposing to conduct and carry out a pilot study in people with multiple sclerosis and/or their care partners.  The fellow will also contribute to ongoing research projects funded through university and departmental grants pertaining to multiple sclerosis and rehabilitation.  This will include recruitment of subjects, delivery of the interventions, data management, and data analysis.  The position aligns with the School of Nursing’s mission to advance health through research, innovation, and evidence-based practice. [Definition of postdoctoral scholar and fellows]

Responsibilites and Duties:

1. Conduct research and scholarly activities under the direction of the faculty mentor (45%)

·        Design, implement, and analyze research studies related to multiple sclerosis, caregiving, aging, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation projects.

·        Contribute to data collection, management, and interpretation.

·         Ensure rigorous adherence to research protocols, IRB requirements, and responsible conduct of research.

2. Prepare manuscripts, presentations, and grant submissions (25%)

·        Draft and revise peer-reviewed manuscripts for publication.

·         Prepare conference abstracts, posters, and oral presentations.

·        Assist with or lead the development of grant applications (e.g., early career awards).

3. Contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations and lab activities (20%)

·        Participate in regular research meetings.

·        Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students across departments involved in multiple sclerosis, caregiving, and rehabilitation intervention research.

·        Support ongoing grant-funded projects as needed.

4. Engage in professional development and postdoctoral training (10%)

·        Participate in workshops, career development seminars, and training programs through the Postdoctoral Affairs Office.

·         Strengthen skills in research methodology, scientific writing, and academic leadership.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Advanced research skills including study design, data collection, data management, and quantitative or qualitative analysis, demonstrated through prior research experience, publications, or dissertation work.
2. Strong scientific writing and communication abilities to prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, grant materials, and presentations.
3. Ability to interpret, analyze, and synthesize research findings and communicate results clearly to diverse audiences, including research teams, students, and community partners.
4. Proficiency in research software and analytical tools, such as R, SPSS, SAS, NVivo, MATLAB, or similar programs, depending on project needs.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize tasks to meet project deadlines under limited supervision.
6. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams, contributing to shared goals and supporting team-based problem solving.
7. Strong organizational and project-coordination skills, including maintaining accurate records, ensuring research compliance, and supporting multi-component research activities.
8. Commitment to ethical research practices, including adherence to IRB protocols, responsible conduct of research requirements, and institutional policies.
9. Ability to meet consistent attendance and fulfill the responsibilities of the position reliably.
10. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and research participants face-to-face or over the phone/videoconference, demonstrating professionalism, respect, and effective interpersonal communication.
11. Cultural competency and sensitivity in working with diverse populations, research participants, and collaborators.
12. Flexibility and adaptability to adjust to evolving project needs, shifting timelines, or new research directions.

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

·        Mentor graduate or undergraduate students as needed. (5%)

·        Assist with dissemination or community engagement activities. (5%)

WORKING CONDITIONS

1.       Standard office, research, and academic environment, including work performed indoors in university offices, meeting rooms, and research spaces.

2.       Low exposure to hazards, as work is primarily desk-based; any research involving human participants follows institutional safety and IRB protocols.

3.       Regular attendance at in-person meetings with faculty, staff, students, and collaborators.

4.       Occasional travel may be required for conferences, presentations, community partner meetings, or professional development activities.

5.       Flexible work hours may occasionally be necessary to meet project deadlines, coordinate with collaborators in different time zones, or complete time-sensitive research tasks.

6.       Remote or hybrid work may be permitted at the supervisor’s discretion and in accordance with school and university policies.

7.  Quiet to moderate noise level typical of office or academic environments

CONTACTS

Department:

·        Frequent (46–65%) – Collaborate with faculty, research staff, and project coordinators to plan research activities, manage project tasks, discuss analysis, and share updates.

University:

·        Occasional to Moderate (10–30%) – Communicate with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, IRB staff, and interdisciplinary research centers to support training requirements, research compliance, and study coordination.

External:

Occasional (6–15%)

·        Interact with community partners, collaborating institutions, and conference organizers to coordinate research activities, schedule data collection, and disseminate research findings.

Students: Occasional (6–15%)

·        Provide guidance to undergraduate or graduate students assisting with research tasks, share information, and support their involvement in project-related activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

No direct supervisory responsibilities. May provide informal mentorship or research guidance to students or research assistants, but does not hire, evaluate, or directly supervise employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

·        Research experience in nursing, social/behavioral sciences, aging research, or related areas.

·         Experience with research design, data collection, and scholarly writing.

Education/Licensing:

·        Ph.D. in Nursing, rehabilitation or a related field (required).

·        Eligibility for employment authorization and compliance with university onboarding procedures.

How to Apply:

Send inquiries containing a cover letter, CV with list of publications and contact information for three references to [email protected].

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.