Rehabilitation Sciences at the U. of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU AMC) is a comprehensive urban research university serving more than 28,000 students in metropolitan Denver. The University of Colorado School of Medicine Physical Therapy Program in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is home to multiple educational programs including the Physical Therapy Program and PhD Program in Rehabilitation Science. The CU Physical Therapy Program most recently was ranked within the Top 13 accredited physical therapy programs in the United States by the U.S. News and World Report and is one of the first 25 educational programs still in existence in the United States. Additionally, our clinical and research partners include the Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMR VAMC), University of Colorado Hospital, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Craig Hospital, and Colorado Clinical & Translational Sciences Institute.

The Muscle Morphology, Mechanics, and Performance Laboratory (3MAP Lab) group is establishing clinical research locations at CU AMC and the RMR VAMC Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (GRECC). 3MAP Lab has a history of conducting applied and translational research concerning the development of sonographic methods for sarcopenia and myosteatosis screening. We are currently conducting VA-funded clinical research concerning the assessment and treatment of age-related muscle dysfunction, and the impact of poor muscle health on older adults and individuals with chronic kidney disease. Specific lines of investigation may include: 1) image processing techniques for sonographic estimates of muscle quality; 2) the assessment of functional performance and anaerobic capacity in older adults; 3) velocity-based eccentric overload exercise interventions for older adults and those with chronic conditions. This work will be conducted in collaboration with the CU Bioengineering Department, CU Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, and the RMR VAMC Renal Service.


Funded PhD Position: A PhD Research Assistantship within the University of Colorado Rehabilitation Sciences Program, an interdisciplinary graduate school program housed within CU School of Medicine and CU Physical Therapy Program, is available beginning in the Fall Semester 2021. The CU Rehabilitation Science Program is comprised of core and associated faculty, postdoctoral fellows, students, and research assistants with a disciplines that span physical therapy, occupational therapy, medicine, psychology, engineering, and public health, all working together to improve the lives of people who live with disabilities. The environment is highly collaborative, with strong mentors and state of the art facilities. While in the PhD Program, students develop a wide range of skills, including research and teaching, and career development skills regarding dissemination, grant writing, and laboratory management.

The dissertation project will support 3MAP Lab sarcopenia assessment and intervention studies at CU AMC and the RMR VAMC, and involve transdisciplinary research activities that incorporate rehabilitative diagnostic imaging, tissue and body composition analysis, clinical assessment, exercise physiology, epidemiology, and rehabilitation/disability studies. Candidates with experience in the movement sciences (e.g., Kinesiology, Applied Biomedical Engineering, Exercise Science, Muscle Physiology) and/or clinical experience (e.g., Physical Therapy) are strongly encouraged to apply. The PhD candidate will be supervised by Dr. Michael Harris-Love. This PhD Research Assistantship includes a stipend of $30,000, paid tuition up to $20,000 per year, and CU Denver healthcare benefits; consideration will be given to well-qualified students who apply by January 29, 2021.


About Colorado and the Metro Denver Area
Denver is one of America’s most vibrant urban centers and the downtown UCD campus is located just steps from the Denver Center for Performing Arts and the LoDo District. The metropolitan area affords our students, faculty and staff access to a broad array of academic, professional, community, recreational and cultural outlets. Moreover, the state of Colorado offers ample outdoor activities through its 42 state parks, 8 mountain ranges, and 7 national forests.

Applicants
Please email your statement of interest and curriculum vitae to Michael.Harris-Love@CUAnschutz.edu, and follow the program application instructions at: https://graduateschool.ucdenver.edu/admissions/apply by January 29, 2021.