Research Scientist - Tactical and Occupational Performance Institute

About Us

Georgia Southern University is the state's largest and most comprehensive center of higher education south of Atlanta. With nearly 150 degree programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels, Georgia Southern has been designated a Carnegie Doctoral/R2 "high research" university and serves more than 29,500 students from all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as well as 106 nations.

With three vibrant campuses - the Statesboro Campus, the Armstrong Campus in Savannah and the Liberty Campus in Hinesville - Georgia Southern offers a dynamic environment which encourages learning, discovery and personal growth. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has earned special accreditation from professional and academic associations that set standards in their fields.

Georgia Southern is an influencer and intellectual catalyst in southeast Georgia, a rapidly expanding region that is home to international companies such as Hyundai, Gulfstream and JCB, as well as the Port of Savannah and Georgia Ports Authority. With a focus on hands-on learning, Georgia Southern is supporting the demand for highly skilled workers by providing academic excellence and creative innovation in a supportive student-centered environment that empowers the next generation of leaders to succeed.

Beyond an ideal location, there is a place for you to work in an exciting environment abounding with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Named one of the Best U.S. Colleges by The Wall Street Journal, Georgia Southern is nationally ranked for the caliber of its programs and services. Georgia Southern University has been recognized by Forbes as one of "America's Best-In-State Employers" for 2025.

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