Post Doctoral Associate - Rutgers Exercise, Aging, and Brain Health Laboratory

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title Post Doctoral Associate - Rutgers Exercise, Aging, and Brain Health Laboratory Department DLS Kinesiology & Health Salary Details $63,968 - $65,000 Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, based on position, which includes:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discounts programs

For detailed information on benefits and eligibility, please visit: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/benefits/benefits-overview.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a highly qualified candidate for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position in the Department of Kinesiology and Health, School of Arts and Sciences. The Postdoctoral Associate will work with Dr. Ryan Dougherty in the Rutgers Exercise, Aging, and Brain Health Laboratory on an NIH-funded project investigating relationships between physical fitness-related measures, Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, and cognitive function in cognitively normal older adults. The Postdoctoral Associate will also contribute to additional research projects within the laboratory and have the opportunity to engage in innovative, multidisciplinary research at the intersection of exercise neuroscience, aging, and Alzheimer's disease within a stimulating, supportive, and mentored environment.

Position Status Full Time Posting Number 26FA0765 Posting Open Date 09/03/2026 Posting Close Date 10/30/2026

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in Kinesiology, Physiology, Neuroscience, Neurology, Biomedical Science, Psychology, Rehabilitation Science, or a related discipline.
• Candidates in ABD (all but degree) status will also be considered; however, a doctoral degree is required by the time of appointment.

Certifications/Licenses Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Experience in human research and data collection is required;
• Background & interest in the fields of physical activity/exercise, human physiology, cognitive and brain health, aging, Alzheimer's disease, or related research;
• Experience using physiological assessment techniques and equipment (e.g., cardiorespiratory fitness assessments with indirect calorimetry);
• Strong quantitative and analytic skills with proficiency in R/Rstudio, STATA, SAS, or other statistical software;
• Exposure to pre and postprocessing of magnetic resonance imaging and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy data or willingness to learn neuroimaging techniques;
• Ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals, with at least one first-author publication per year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences.
• Well organized, detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks to meet deadlines, and work effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Highly motivated, passionate about science, and able to learn independently.
• Experience with neuroimaging software (e.g., jMRUI) and research platforms (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics).

Equipment Utilized

Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe; Cognitive Assessment; Indirect calorimetry with metabolic measurement; Wearable sensors/actigraphy and data processing; Statistical software including R, STATA/SAS; Physiological and neuroimaging assessments/equipment (e.g., COSMED, 31P-MRS, MRI).

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands: Standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, reaching, talking, and hearing. Lifting to 25lbs. Computer work.

Work Environment: Open office environment, laboratory environment with human research data collection.

Overview Statement

Posting Details

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications should include the following materials:

• CV
• Cover letter
• Research Statement describing previous research contributions, specific role in those projects, and future research goals, including how your expertise/interests align with this ongoing project and the focus of the PI's lab.
• List of 3 reference contacts
• (Optional) 1~2 relevant peer-reviewed publications

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Quick Link to Posting https://jobs.rutgers.edu/postings/280326 Campus Rutgers University-New Brunswick Home Location Campus Rutgers University - New Brunswick City New Brunswick State NJ Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Research Statement
• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

• Writing Sample 1
• Writing Sample 2