Research Fellow Jobs in Virginia

INTRODUCTION

The VCU Advanced Neurotrauma Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Center is a federally-funded research training program for health and function in people with disabilities. The Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering (CERSE) in VCU’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation leads VCU ARRT activities, and is uniquely positioned with a 25-year record of achievement preparing post-doctoral fellows for successful research careers.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The VCU ARRT provides a rich research training experience, including the opportunity to:

1. Grow an independent line of research with a publication record of achievement.
2. Develop expertise in intervention development, participatory action research, clinical trial design, and grant writing.

The ARRT postdoctoral fellow will conduct research to develop accessible, usable, and effective clinical interventions that improve outcomes important to people with disabilities. VCU ARRT fellows co-develop an individualized development plan (IDP) with their mentors—tailored to their skill level, training needs, and goals—that lays the foundation for developing an independent line of research. The training program includes:

1. Didactic instruction and workshops that emphasize learning and application of scientific methods, large data analyses and clinical trial development that meet the evolving nature of rehabilitation research and care.
2. A mentoring network that includes a career development sponsor, and scientific, associate, and lived experience community mentors.
3. Leveraging PM&R/CERSE’s interdisciplinary rehabilitation research network, funded grants, and large data registries to provide fellows with opportunities to participate in collaborative research, publish manuscripts, conduct a pilot study, and present at local, regional and national conferences.

A key aspect of the program is community-based participatory action research (CBPR), which is expected to inform the fellow’s line of research. With mentor guidance, fellows will select among CERSE’s many community partners to begin collaborating on conducting research with constituent feedback and input.

Fellows may also pursue coursework relevant to their topic of choice and the skill-development needs identified in their individualized development plan developed with their mentors.

The primary fellowship goals are to develop a publication portfolio in the fellow’s line of research, work towards seeking a research faculty or similar position, and prepare preliminary materials for a research career development or other grant application that the fellow can use in their subsequent role.

VCU Postdoctoral Services offers an array of skills and career development activities/programs that can complement your activities and assist you your future career. VCU offers career services, grant writing assistance, a Postdoc grant academy, travel and research awards, and networking events.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a Ph.D. in psychology, rehabilitation, social work, public health, nursing, or related field.
• Knowledge of treatments/interventions for people with acquired disabilities.
• Proficiency in developing, navigating and maintaining database files (e.g., REDCap, Excel, SPSS, etc.).
• Evidence of excellent initiation, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Evidence of excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Has a publication history.
• Interest and commitment to improving the lives of people with acquired disabilities and/or their families.
• Evidence of working well as part of a research project or team.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

This is a restricted position with no set end date and continued employment is dependent upon availability of funding.

A successful candidate for the position is expected to reside in the Richmond, VA area in order to develop in-person experience in intervention development and clinical trials. Hybrid-remote and flexible work arrangements are available if they do not interfere with the candidate’s research and training.

SALARY RANGE

Set according to NIH NRSA guidelines.

As determined by the NIDILRR budget, fellows will be hired as a postdoctoral research fellow with an entry level postdoctoral fellow salary according to the 2025 National Research Service Awards (NRSA) stipend levels.

BENEFITS

All VCU employee types are eligible for a wide array of benefits to support you during your employment at VCU. Consult the benefits website for information on benefits eligibility according to employee type.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO APPLY

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of interest with applicant’s career goals, research accomplishments, experiences in disability and rehabilitation practice/research, attributes and experiences that would provide value to training and research, and how participating in the VCU ARRT program would advance their career goals.

MENTORING TEAM

Each Fellow will select a team of mentors to serve the multidisciplinary research and training needs of their chosen line of research. The complete list of available mentors is on the CERSE website.

APPLICATION TIMELINE AND DURATION

The ARRT Fellowship is a two-year fellowship. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must complete all MD or PhD graduation requirements including dissertation defense prior to their ARRT start date.

FLSA Exemption Status: Exempt

ORP Eligible: Yes

Rank: Non Faculty

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Name: Joshua Hahn

Contact Email: joshua.hahn@vcuhealth.org

LOCATION

907 Floyd Avenue, MCV Main Campus, Virginia, United States, 23284