2 x Fully Funded PhD Studentships – Human Performance, Biomechanics & Wearable Technology
Start Date: August 2027
Location: Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Supervisor: Dr. Chris Connaboy, Batten Endowed Professor of Health Sciences
Laboratory: ARES Lab
Program: PhD – Exercise Science / Kinesiology and Rehabilitation – see Open evening invite at the bottom of the page
Funding: 2 x Fully funded PhD studentship
Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD studentship beginning in August 2027 to join the School of Exercise Science at Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Virginia.
The ARES Lab conducts applied human-performance research focused on understanding how people move, adapt, recover, and maintain readiness under physically and cognitively demanding conditions. Our work integrates biomechanics, motor control, wearable sensing, human performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation , with a particular emphasis on translating laboratory science into solutions that can be used in real-world environments.
The successful candidate will work with Dr. Christopher Connaboy, Batten Endowed Professor of Health Sciences , as part of an interdisciplinary research program involving collaborators across ODU, military medical and operational organizations, academic institutions, and technology partners.
Research Opportunities
The student will have opportunities to contribute to ongoing and developing research in areas including:
Human movement and biomechanics
Musculoskeletal injury risk, recovery, and return to activity
Wearable sensors and real-world movement monitoring
Movement variability, coordination, stability, and adaptability
Neuromuscular and sensorimotor performance
Physical readiness and human performance
Development and validation of objective movement biomarkers
Integration of laboratory biomechanics with wearable and field-based assessment
Translation of human-performance research into military, clinical, and other high-performance environments
Projects within the laboratory use technologies including 3D motion analysis, inertial measurement units (IMUs), wearable physiological sensors, force measurement, electromyography, strength and power assessment, and advanced computational and statistical approaches to human movement data .
The precise dissertation topic will be developed jointly with the successful candidate based on their interests, expertise, and the laboratory's funded research portfolio.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a highly motivated student with a strong interest in experimental human-performance research.
Applicants would ideally have a background in one or more of the following:
Biomechanics
Kinesiology or exercise science
Motor control
Biomedical engineering
Rehabilitation science
Human performance
Data science or a related discipline
Experience with human-subjects research, biomechanics, wearable sensors, motion capture, MATLAB, Python, R, signal processing, or statistical analysis would be advantageous but is not required across all areas.
Candidates should have strong quantitative and analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication, an ability to work effectively within interdisciplinary research teams, and enthusiasm for developing an independent research program.
A master's degree is required, and those with previous research experience are encouraged to enquire.
What the Studentship Provides
The position is fully funded and is expected to include:
Full doctoral tuition support
Graduate stipend
Opportunities to work on externally funded research
Access to advanced human-performance and biomechanics research facilities - https://www.odu.edu/health-sciences/research
Professional development and conference presentation opportunities
Opportunities to publish within an active research program
Collaboration with academic, military, clinical, and industry partners
The student will be based at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia , within the Ellmer College of Health Sciences.
About the Research Environment
The ARES Lab is developing a research program centered on the measurement and optimization of human performance and readiness. A major emphasis is placed on conducting rigorous science that can transition beyond the laboratory into environments where objective information about movement, injury, recovery, and performance can directly influence decision-making.
Students joining the laboratory will be encouraged to develop strong methodological expertise while also gaining experience working within large, multidisciplinary, externally funded research programs.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send:
A current CV
A brief statement describing their research interests, relevant experience, and why they are interested in joining the ARES Lab
An unofficial academic transcript
Contact information for two academic or professional references
Inquiries from prospective applicants are strongly encouraged.
Application materials should be sent to: Dr Chris Connaboy at cconnabo@odu.edu
Application review will continue until the position is filled.
Expected start: August 2027
Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia , at the center of the Hampton Roads region and in close proximity to a large concentration of military, clinical, research, and technology organizations.