PhD RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP

An opening for one funded Biomechanics PhD position (Research Assistantship) is available in the School of Kinesiology (SoK) at The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA (http://www.usm.edu/kinesiology/phd-k...anics-emphasis ). This position is available to start immediately or as early as Fall 2016 semesters. Graduate students will be enrolled in the Biomechanics Emphasis of the PhD in Kinesiology program within the SoK while receiving mentorship from multiple PIs with varied experience .

The successful candidate will join an SoK Laboratory which focuses on (1) the use of classic dynamics to investigate blunt impact injury mechanisms primarily to the head and neck, but other body segments as well, and (2) developing strategies to mitigate impulsive forces to human tissue.

Required Qualifications:
· B.S in Kinesiology (or related discipline) or B.S. in engineering (mechanical, biomedical, or any relevant engineering)
· M.S. in Kinesiology (or related discipline) or M.S. engineering (mechanical, biomedical, or any relevant engineering)
· Admission to the Graduate School
· Desire to conduct impact biomechanics experiments
· High self-motivation and persistence
· Strong critical and analytical thinking skills
· Good work ethic

Preferred Qualifications:
· Peer-reviewed conference or journal publications
· Strong technical writing, presentation and communication skills
· Proficiency in MATLAB
· Proficiency on common biomechanical data acquisition techniques including (but not limited to): high-speed video, optical motion capture; and electromyography

Founded in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi is a comprehensive doctoral and research-driven university with a proud history and an eye on the future. A dual-campus university, Southern Miss serves students on campuses in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, in addition to five teaching and research sites in Mississippi and through Online at Southern Miss. Since 2006, Southern Miss students have collected seven Goldwater Scholarships, three Truman Scholarships and 14 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships. Our Center for Undergraduate Research affords our students meaningful research opportunities, and as a proven leader in innovation, we conduct transformative research that translates into real-world solutions. As one of a select number of institutions in the nation accredited in art, dance, music and theatre, we are a haven for creativity and artistic expression. In the classroom or lab, on the playing field, or in the performance hall, we strive to have a positive impact not only on our students, but also the world around us. Further information is found at www.usm.edu.

Interested students can contact either PI (Trent Gould, PhD or Scott Piland, PhD) at Trent.Gould@usm.edu or Scott.Piland@usm.edu to discuss the opportunity to join the laboratory as a PhD student. Priority application deadline for the Summer/Fall 2016 semester is February 15, 2016 to be considered for funding. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
SCHOOL OF KINESIOLOGY
118 College Drive #5142 | Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
Phone: 601.266.5386 | Fax: 601.266.4445 | www.usm.edu/kin