The Centers for Spinal Cord Injury Research and Outcomes & Assessment Research at Kessler Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School is seeking a talented and motivated applicant for a Diversity and Health Equity in Rehabilitation Research Postdoctoral Fellowship.
This two-year funded fellowship will provide advanced training and research experience to prepare scientists for a career in rehabilitation research with a focus on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities—especially those with spinal cord injury rehabilitation. This fellowship seeks to develop trainees from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented groups, to enhance diversity among research scientists in the field of rehabilitation research.
The successful candidate will work on ongoing multidisciplinary implementation, program evaluation and community-based disability projects investigating issues related to health equity, social determinants of health, and outcomes in persons with spinal cord injury and other medical rehabilitation populations. The successful applicant will also be expected to develop their own mentored research project. They will work on various aspects of research projects from inception (e.g., study formulation, grant writing, etc.) through dissemination (conference presentation and manuscript publication). Opportunities of collaborating with clinicians and scientists on existing or future research are also available. All fellows participate in an extensive training curriculum and didactic offerings. Multidisciplinary-mentored training opportunities are individually tailored to achieve specific goals considering each fellow’s prior background and interests.
Kessler Foundation is a public charity that advances its mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities through research and grant-making programs. Kessler Foundation is affiliated with the renowned Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, New Jersey and enjoys close collaborations with partners at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Required Qualifications:
· PhD in a field relevant to medical rehabilitation or disabilities studies, such as, psychology, occupational/rehabilitation therapy, behavioral science, social science, and/or public health, or a related discipline.
· Demonstrates a strong commitment and track record of activities to pursuing a research career focused on issues related to addressing health disparities, equity, promoting diversity and inclusion.
· Experience with community-based research is preferred.
· Strong foundation in methodological research skills. Proficiency in qualitative and/or quantitative methods preferred.
· Excellent academic record. Evidence of publication productivity in conferences or journals.
· Prior experience and background in rehabilitation research is not required; we are interested in developing new investigators in the field.
· Eligible to work in the United States.
Salary is commensurate with NIH guidelines. Kessler Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, cooperative work environment.
Application Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
1. Cover letter detailing applicant’s career goals, research, background, and training experience that demonstrate their commitment and track record of activities promoting diversity and inclusion.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Three letters of recommendation.
4. Copy of graduate program transcripts.
5. Copies of publications or manuscripts.