Research Scientist - Tactical and Occupational Performance Institute

Location

Armstrong Campus - Savannah, GA

Department Information

Department of Clinical Science

Job Summary

The Research Scientist will lead and support research initiatives within the Tactical and Occupational Performance (TOP) Institute focused on improving the health, fitness, and performance of Warfighters and other tactical athletes. This position involves designing and conducting studies in human performance optimization, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and human factors engineering for military personnel. Areas of research currently supported within the TOP Institute include biomechanics, exercise physiology, rehabilitative medicine and injury mitigation, and factors related human performance. The scientist will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, and contribute to evidence-based practices that enhance tactical readiness and resilience.

This position is time limited and 100% sponsored-funded; therefore, continued employment is contingent upon availability of grant or contract funding.

Employment is contingent upon funding.

Responsibilities

• Design and carry out research studies related to the health, fitness, and performance of tactical athletes (military, law enforcement, fire service, and other first response personnel)
• Utilize biomechanics or exercise physiology lab equipment for data collection
• Participate in development of research protocols that may include biomechanical, physiological, and psychosocial assessments
• Collaborate with tactical athletes, healthcare providers, and human performance personnel to translate research into practice
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations for scientific and military audiences
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and institutional review board (IRB) requirements
• Seek external funding and manage research grants when applicable

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Terminal doctorate (PhD, DSC, etc.) in Exercise Science, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Physiology, or a related field or a Masters degree (with a thesis requirement) may be acceptable if accompanied by a strong record of research and external funding

Required Experience

• Demonstrated experience conducting health and human performance research
• Strong statistical analysis and data interpretation skills
• Demonstrated ability to write and publish peer-reviewed research

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Educational Qualifications

• PhD in Exercise Science, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, Physiology, or a related field

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with military, tactical populations, or industrial workforce populations
• Familiarity with wearable technology and field-based performance monitoring
• Expertise in advanced biomechanical modeling or computational analysis
• Proven track record of securing research funding
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills
• Knowledge of injury prevention strategies and return-to-duty or return-to-work protocols

Proposed Salary

$87,211 - $110,000

This is an exempt position paid on a monthly basis.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Two (2) Professional References

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

• Consistently exhibit engaging customer service
• Ability to support various constituencies served by the University
• Proven proficiency with computers including Microsoft Office, Google, and/or applications as required for specific position

KNOWLEDGE

• Adhere to University policies and procedures to meet Institutional goals and support University's mission for student succes
• Understanding of statistical analysis software

SKILLS

• Effective communication (verbal and written), organizational and human relations skills

Apply Before Date

Open Until Filled

Application review may begin on May 4, 2026.

Contact Information

For more information or questions about a job posting, please contact the Department of Human Resources by phone at (912) 478-6947 or by email at hrservice@georgiasouthern.edu .

For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at (877) 251.2644, or email support@usg.edu .

Other Information

• Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation
• Work generally performed in an office environment
• Workweek may occasionally extend beyond 40 hours
• Travel may be required
• Evening and weekend work may be required
• Travel: plane/car/van/bus (Occasional travel may be required)
• Working with high stress situations
• Work performed in indoor and outdoor environments
• Exposure to noise, distractions, unpredictable behaviors, and/or to bio-hazardous material
• May be required to maneuver items weighing up to 25 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
• May be required to maneuver items weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
• Stand, bend, walk and lift as needed throughout the day

Background Check

• Standard + Education & DMV