Research Scientist - Tactical and Occupational Performance Institute

Job description

Research Scientist - Tactical and Occupational Performance Institute

Job ID:

Location: Georgia Southern - Savannah

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

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

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 or by email at .

For technical support, please call the USG Service Desk at , or email .

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Georgia Southern University, as determined by Georgia Southern University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request. Legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of employment without assistance from the University. 

Must be able to perform duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Georgia Southern University is a Tobacco and Smoke-Free Community. 

Proof of valid Driver's License upon hire and throughout employment. 

Employment contingent on availability of soft grant/contract funds.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Georgia Southern University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. Individuals in need of reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources: .

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

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Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.