Post-Doctoral Trainee

Position Summary

The Program on Integrative Medicine (PIM) within the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is seeking qualified candidates for a Postdoctoral fellowship. This T32 training program aims to cultivate independent researchers at the postdoctoral level who investigate the efficacy, effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and implementation strategies for integrating complementary, integrative, and holistic (CIH) therapies into clinical practice.

Research trainees will have the opportunity to:

• Receive rigorous training that emphasizes the development and implementation of clinical trials, including feasibility testing, mechanism evaluations, advanced quantitative and qualitative methods, systematic reviews/meta‑analysis, and implementation science methods.
• Receive a firm grounding in CIH concepts and research issues.
• Participate in the ongoing research of strong mentors.
• Develop and conduct significant studies that will provide a foundation for future funded research.
• Participate in the development of innovative research tools and measures to better examine CIH approaches to care.

Required fellowship activities include the following:

• Participation in a primary research project with Drs. Gaylord, Giscombe, Faurot, and potentially another approved UNC faculty mentor.
• Develop an original research area that aligns with ongoing research projects at the Program on Integrative Medicine or other UNC collaborators.
• Attend the Responsible Conduct of Research courses offered by the NC TraCS Institute, the fall semester course, and the Principles and Practices of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Course.
• Attend the T‑32 Fellows Weekly Seminar and in‑person meetings scheduled monthly.
• Create and submit an Individual Development Plan (IDP) in collaboration with fellowship directors in September and March each year.
• Meet with one of the Fellowship Directors every 2 weeks and with all three directors biannually (September/October, March/April) to review progress toward IDP goals.
• Enroll in relevant UNC coursework, which may be non‑degree graduate coursework or part of an optional research degree (e.g., Master’s in Clinical Research).
• Attend an integrative health conference annually and other selected conferences and seminars approved by the Fellowship Directors.
• Present research at one or more national meetings per year and to groups within the university.
• Submit 1–3 manuscripts in the first year (expectations depending on prior preparation) and 2–3 manuscripts in the second year to peer‑reviewed journals, with at least one first‑authored manuscript.

Applicants must possess a doctoral‑level degree in a health‑related field (e.g., MD, ND, Ph.D., DO, DC, DOM, PharmD, DPT, OTD, DNP). Applicants must also be a permanent U.S. resident or U.S. citizen.

Applicants must demonstrate a clear commitment to a career in academic research on complementary, alternative, and integrative health modalities such as mind‑body or nutrition interventions.

Research experience relating to complementary and integrative health is preferred.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and invites all qualified applicants to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.