Assistant, Associate, and Senior Investigator (Research Faculty)

Company Overview

Shriners Children’s is an organization that respects, supports, and values each other. Named as the 2025 best mid-sized employer by Forbes, we are engaged in providing excellence in patient care, embracing multi-disciplinary education, and research with global impact. We foster a learning environment that values evidenced based practice, experience, innovation, and critical thinking. Our compassion, integrity, accountability, and resilience define us as leaders in pediatric specialty care for our children and their families.

With 20+ hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe, we provide excellent care to children up to age 18 regardless of their family’s ability to pay or insurance status. Please click here to learn more about our locations.

Job Description

Shriners Children’s Research Institute (SCRI ) is a newly established research organization designed to advance translational science and accelerate innovation in pediatric medicine. Located in Atlanta, Georgia's Science Square innovation district, SCRI will occupy a 150,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility focused on tissue engineering, genomics, movement science, artificial intelligence, clinical informatics, augmented reality, and biomanufacturing. By leveraging Shriners Children’s global network of pediatric specialists, hospitals, and outreach clinics, SCRI aims to transform groundbreaking research into clinical solutions that improve children's health worldwide.

SCRI invites applications for Assistant, Associate, and Senior Investigator Research Faculty positions. Researchers will join a collaborative, mission-driven environment dedicated to translating scientific discoveries into real-world pediatric healthcare advances. Positions are based on site in Atlanta, Georgia, and include competitive salaries and startup support packages.

We seek candidates with expertise in the following areas of research to advance this effort and to work both within the institute, in collaboration with our domestic and international clinical and research partners within Shriners Children’s, and in concert with our local research collaborators in the academic and not-for-profit research community in Atlanta. The programs currently recruiting include:

• Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: SCRI will host a premier facility supporting tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, biomaterials, scaffold design, and biofabrication. The center will include translational research capabilities and a CGMP facility to develop bioengineered materials for clinical research. Investigators will collaborate with clinicians across the system to advance innovative treatments for mission-related conditions.
• Motion Analysis and Musculoskeletal Modeling: SCRI will support a state-of-the-art motion analysis laboratory focused on gait, upper-extremity, and sports analysis. The program will advance precision medicine, surgical planning, remote patient assessment, and injury prevention through collaboration with motion analysis teams across the Shriners Children's system. Experience in biomechanical modeling, machine learning, computer vision, or related technologies is preferred.
• Augmented Reality (AR): This program will support the development and testing of augmented reality (AR) technologies for clinical interventions, including gamified therapies, mental health applications, surgical planning, and advanced visualization. Opportunities also exist in medical education, training, and patient education. Researchers will have access to dedicated AR spaces with flexible infrastructure, and experience developing clinical AR applications using commercial hardware is preferred.
• Artificial Intelligence: Shriners Children’s has modernized its data infrastructure to support advanced analytics, generative technologies, and computational modeling. This program focuses on data standardization, interoperability, advanced modeling tools, and innovative data-driven approaches to improve pediatric clinical care. Experience with large-scale pediatric data platforms and repositories is highly desirable.
• Genomics and advanced -omics: Shriners Children’s Genomics Institute supports whole-genome sequencing and is expanding into next-generation sequencing and multiomics. Investigators will have access to unique datasets and opportunities to collaborate with clinicians and researchers across the system on translational research and clinical applications.

Applicants should hold a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent in their discipline and should demonstrate a strong record of scholarly achievement and clear potential for sustained extramural funding. Early-career applicants should show evidence of initiating independent research, while mid-career to senior investigator applicants should demonstrate a sustained record of independent research within academic or industrial organizations, as well as contributions to education and/or mentoring.

The successful candidate will receive a start-up package and will be expected to establish an independent, externally funded research program with particular emphasis on the potential for clinical translation. The primary appointment for faculty will be at the Shriners Children’s Research Institute, and joint appointments at area universities will be determined on a case-by-case basis. This position includes substantial salary support and access to significant institutional resources, ensuring investigators have the financial and professional foundation to advance their scholarship and academic impact. Through our collaborations with area universities, the successful candidate will be encouraged to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and contribute to service with affiliated university partners, and where appropriate, Shriners Children’s hospitals. Collaboration with university and industry partners within the Atlanta research ecosystem is expected.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.D. in the appropriate discipline.
• Demonstrated excellence in research and publication dependent on stage of career.
• Dedication to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students appropriate to level of career.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of students and faculty.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful solicitation of funding for independent research through federal, state, or foundation sources.
• Ability to shape a new research laboratory and contribute to capital equipment and consumables planning.
• Interest in and experience with sustaining interdisciplinary collaborations and collaborating with clinical teams to develop scientific programs and protocols.
• As appropriate, experience working with clinical translation programs with a knowledge of regulatory compliance, project milestone management, and investigational products.

The anticipated start date for this position is Summer 2027 . Review of applications will begin on October 31, 2026 , and applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Applicants should submit the following materials

• Cover letter (maximum two pages)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Research plan (maximum three single-spaced pages) describing the proposed research and its potential alignment with Shriners Children's research priorities and areas of interest

• Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, drug screening, and all other pre-employment requirements.
• For questions regarding the position or application process, please contact Dr. Alison Cernich at alison.cernich@shrinenet.org .
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Compensation is determined based on years of relevant experience and departmental equity.