Research Kinesiologist/Engineer: Injury Biomechanics-- Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention and Protection

The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) located at Novosel, Alabama is looking for a post-masters or postdoctoral level graduate to participate in a research project within the Injury Biomechanics and Protection Group (IBPG) at USAARL. The IBPG Mission is to enhance Warfighter lethality, protection, and survivability for the battlefields of the future through next-generation biomechanical research.

What will I be doing?

As the selected candidate, you will gain experience in injury and performance biomechanics by engaging in specialized research described in grants, proposals, and other legal agreements in accomplishment of USAARL’s Injury Biomechanics and Protection Group mission. Specific projects include those that investigate (a) spinal musculoskeletal response, (b) operational performance decrement, and (c) risk of injury due to Soldier personal protective equipment and/or military environment exposures. As part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary team, the participant will be involved in all aspects of RDT&E, but particularly Human Subject Research, Research Not Involving Human Subjects (RNIHS), and cadaveric research. Data collections will occur in both lab- and field-based settings.

Why should I apply?

Under the guidance of a mentor, you will gain hands-on experience to complement your education and support your academic and professional goals. Along the way, you will engage in activities and research in several areas. These include, but are not limited to,

• Protocol development
• Testing equipment and apparatus design
• Testing setup/preparation
• Participant recruitment
• Data collection and data analysis.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to hone your skills in report preparation, presentations, and other documentation on research progress and findings. This information will be distributed, presented, and/or discussed within the laboratory and/or at scientific forums outside the laboratory.

Where will I be located?

On-site at Fort Novosel, AL

What is the anticipated start date?

The USAARL is ready to make appointments immediately. Exact start dates will be determined at the time of selection and in coordination with the selected candidate. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis and internships or fellowships will be filled as qualified candidates are identified.

What is the appointment length? 

The anticipated length of the appointment is for one year. The appointment may be extended for additional years depending on funding availability, project assignment, program rules, and availability of the participant.

What are the appointment provisions? 

You will receive a stipend to be determined by USAARL. Stipends are typically based on a participant’s academic standing, discipline, experience, and research facility location. Other benefits may include the following:

• Health Insurance Supplement (Participants are eligible to purchase health insurance through ORISE)
• Relocation Allowance
• Training and Travel Allowance

Security Clearance 

While participants will not enter into an employment relationship with DoD or any other agency, this opportunity will require the selected candidate undergo a background investigation and must obtain a favorable clearance in order to participate. An interim clearance is required prior to the candidate starting his/her appointment.

About USAARL

The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL) located at Novosel, Alabama, is a nationally recognized laboratory for research into safety, survival, impact tolerance, sustainability and performance effectiveness of aviators and Soldiers. The USAARL’s research focuses on blunt, blast and accelerative injury and protection; crew survival in military helicopters and combat vehicles; the en route care environment; human operator health and performance in complex systems and sensory performance, injury and protection. Current USAARL work for the Army’s modernization priorities includes research in the areas of future vertical lift, the next generation combat vehicle and directed-energy weapons. The Laboratory’s highly skilled workforce consists of rated aviators, medical professionals, doctoral- and masters-level researchers, and research technicians.  Visit https://usaarl.health.mil/ to learn more about USAARL.

About ORISE

This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.  Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.  For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.

Qualifications

The qualified candidate will have a MS or Ph.D. in kinesiology, biomechanics, or related engineering (biomedical, mechanical, electrical) field.  Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date. It is required that candidates be 22-years of age at the time of application.

Highly competitive applicants will have education and/or experience in one or more of the following:

• Several years of research experience in a laboratory or clinical setting. 
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, standards, and procedures within biomechanics and mathematics as demonstrated through a degree and coursework in a relevant STEM field from an accredited program
• Certified athletic trainer (ATC) preferred
• Military experience (active duty, guard, reserve) or environment familiarity
• Experience with conducting human volunteer screening, assessments, and evaluations in research or clinical settings; experience working with military populations
• Demonstrated experience with human volunteer performance and kinematic motion tools, techniques, and methodology for data capture and analysis
• Ability to integrate complex medical and engineering methodologies and equipment
• Mathematics and data analysis and acquisition experience
• Advanced knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office Suite software
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and detail oriented

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

• Zintellect Profile
• Educational and Employment History
• Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
• Resume (PDF)
• Transcripts/Academic Records - For this opportunity, an unofficial transcript or copy of the student academic records printed by the applicant or by academic advisors from internal institution systems may be submitted. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
• Two Recommendations. We encourage you to contact your recommenders as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.

If you have questions, send an email to ARMY-MRMC@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [MRDC-AARL-2025-0007] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing.  Please do not send application materials to the email address above.

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