Sports Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Job Category: Academic Staff
Employment Type: Regular
Job Profile: Scientist I
Job Summary:
The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation and the Badger Athletic Performance program is seeking an experienced researcher for a Sport Medicine Research Scientist role to support and advance clinical and research interests in the department related to musculotendon injuries in athletic populations. This role will be able to leverage and work collaboratively with existing research infrastructure, including long-standing athletic performance and injury datasets within the department and data from multi-site, longitudinal research studies assessing biomechanical and imaging-based risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries in high-level athletes. Experience working with these type of data and/or research designs is highly desired.
The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, highly organized, capable of collaboratively developing, leading, and advancing multiple projects, skilled in collaborating across units within the department, SMPH, and UW campus, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.The ideal candidate will also have experience leveraging AI technology to analyze data and improve efficiency of research processes. A demonstrated record of applying for external funding and publishing manuscripts is desired.
On a day-to-day basis, the incumbent could expect to engage in the following activities:

• Work collaboratively with Badger Athletic Performance faculty and research staff to advance current research goals and develop new lines of research
• Analyze and disseminate findings from the research networks, via abstracts, manuscripts, and other opportunities
• Identify and apply for internal and external grant opportunities

• Engage with collaborators to maintain and grow existing research networks

It is anticipated that this position will be full-time and in-person on UW-Madison campus, but the position may start in a part-time capacity, if needed to facilitate the onboarding process.

• This position is full or part-time, 50%-100%
• This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.
• This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations.The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and then every two years.
• Applicants for this position will be considered for the following titles: Scientist I, Scientist II. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

• Collects and analyzes highly complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures

• Identifies research problems and develops highly complex research methodologies and procedures. Publishes and presents results to help advance research

• Serves as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders providing expert level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

• May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit and staff and resolve routine personnel issues

• Identifies, writes, or assists in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, and proposals to secure research funding

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials and, disseminates information to appropriate entities

Department:
School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Division of Sports Medicine.
TheDepartment of Orthopedics and Rehabilitationis committed to conducting cutting edge research, training the next generation of leaders and providing world-class patient care for both adults and pediatric patients. The Department embraces both independent and collaborative work-styles. Our general approach is to empower individuals to work independently through thorough and hands-on training and onboarding, while also having regular meetings with collaborators and support staff within the department to foster a strong team environment.
Compensation:
The starting salary for the position is $65,000 annually; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026
Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a sports science or high-performance athlete setting
• Experience analyzing data using R, Matlab, or similar software
• Experience working with biomechanical equipment such as force plates, motion capture, etc
• Experience working with ultrasound or MRI technologies as they apply to muscle or tendon characteristics
• Experience leveraging AI tools to optimize efficiency in working with data and scientific writing
• Demonstrated success in publishing scientific findings and grant-writing

Education:
Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Investigation, or related field or closely related discipline, is required
How to Apply:
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To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.
Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.
• Cover letter required
• Resume or CV required
Your cover letter should address how your training, experience, and research interests align with the preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected.
University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas.The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility.If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.
Contact Information:
Mikel Joachim, joachim@ortho.wisc.edu, 608-890-4261
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