The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will join the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Research Program within the Virginia C. Crawford Research Institute at Shepherd Center, one of the nation’s leading rehabilitation hospitals. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research while receiving comprehensive training and mentorship designed to prepare the fellow for a successful, independent research career.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will engage in mentored research while receiving structured training to develop the skills necessary for an independent academic or clinical research career.

Research & Innovation

• Leads clinical and translational research aimed at improving the health, function, and wellbeing of people with MS.
• Collaborates with clinicians, scientists, and stakeholders to identify meaningful research priorities and disseminates findings that drive innovation and translate directly into better care for people living with MS.

Publications & Scientific Dissemination

• Designs, implements, and interprets clinical and translational studies that advance MS rehabilitation and improve quality of life. Collaborates with clinicians, scientists, and people living with MS to identify meaningful research priorities and disseminates findings that drive innovation and translate directly into better care for people living with MS.

Grant Writing & Professional Development

• Contributes to the preparation and submission of at least one extramural grant proposal (e.g., NIH F32, K-series, foundation awards).
• Receives mentorship in grant strategy, writing, and scientific leadership.
• Participates in structured workshops, seminars, and advanced training opportunities focused on study design, biostatistics, digital health, machine learning, and translational research methods.

Training & Mentorship

• Works under the mentorship of the MS Research Program Director and senior faculty, with access to co-mentorship from collaborating investigators.
• Develops an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with mentors to establish personalized milestones for skill-building, publications, and career progression.
• Provides mentorship to research assistants, graduate students, and other trainees to build leadership experience.

Collaboration & Network-Building

• Engages in interdisciplinary collaborations within Shepherd Center and with external partners across academic, clinical, and industry settings.
• Assists with departmental and institutional initiatives that support Shepherd Center’s mission of advancing rehabilitation research.

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION

PhD, ScD, DSc, EdD, DPhil, or equivalent doctoral degree in rehabilitation science, neuroscience, kinesiology, biomedical engineering, psychology, computer science, or a related discipline.

REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS

• Strong foundation in quantitative research methods and human subjects research.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare scientific manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations.
• Interest in or experience with grant writing and research funding strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Familiarity with relevant data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., MATLAB, R, Python, SPSS).
• Capacity to manage multiple projects and meet research milestones.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD or equivalent work experience in rehabilitation research, neuroscience, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, or digital health.
• Experience working with patient populations or technology-enabled rehabilitation approaches.
• Familiarity with large-scale clinical trials or multi-site research collaborations.

POSITION DETAILS

• Appointment Type: Two-year fellowship, with potential extension based on performance and funding availability.
• Work Schedule: Full-time, onsite with no remote work option
• Work Environment: Research laboratory and clinical collaboration setting with minimal exposure to physical risk.