Post Doctoral Research Scholar

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children's Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children's Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City - a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children's health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

The Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition is seeking multiple postdoctoral fellows broadly focused on obesity, physical activity, and/or nutrition research in children and/or adults. Applicants will be accepted from the fields of Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, Public Health, Psychology, or a related field. We are specifically seeking candidates who plan to pursue NIH funding, likely by submitting an F or K application during their fellowship, and who are interested in future research faculty positions. To help align the training with the fellow's individualized career goals, fellows will receive guidance from a primary mentor and a 4-member scholarship oversight committee comprised of faculty selected by the fellow. The fellowships are fully research positions, with hours toward licensure only available after specific negotiation when relevant. Applicants must have completed all requirements for their doctoral degree prior to beginning the fellowship. The positions are for two years and have a flexible start date in the latter part of 2026. Salary will follow current NIH guidance for postdoctoral fellows.

The Center for Children's Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition (www.chlnkc.org) is a joint partnership between the University of Kansas Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital. Applicants must select a primary mentor in their application materials from the following list of primary mentors accepting applicants: Ann Davis, PhD, MPH, ABPP; Jordan Carlson, PhD; Helena Laroche, MD, FAAP, ABOM; Robin Shook, PhD; Brooke Sweeney, MD, FAAP, FACP, DABOM

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please submit the following documents to Julie Aust at jaaaust@cmh.edu

1) A cover letter indicating your interest in the position, qualifications, specific research interests, selected primary mentor, and goals for the postdoctoral training years

2) Curriculum vitae

3) Names and titles for three professional references.

4) apply to the position

At Children's Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it's important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children's Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

Ph.D. or MD or related doctoral level degree in a relevant discipline and 1-2 years experience

The benefits plans at Children's Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $28.39/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

This is an intermittent remote position, which means that the person hired will work with his or her manager to determine a schedule that includes both at home and on-site hours at a Children's Mercy location. The incumbent must live in the Kansas City metro area.

#LI-Hybrid

Children's Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children's Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.