Spine Research Fellow

Position Overview

Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) invites highly motivated MS2–MS4 medical students to apply for a full-time, one-year Spine Research Fellowship. This competitive fellowship is designed for students pursuing a dedicated research year to strengthen their candidacy for Orthopaedic Surgery residency with a focused interest in spine surgery. The program offers an intensive, high-productivity research experience within a premier orthopaedic research institution, paired with meaningful clinical exposure and close mentorship. Start dates are flexible with accommodation for medical school rotations and examination preparation.

Research Focus

Primary emphasis is on high-impact clinical outcomes research in spine surgery, with opportunities in multicenter and interinstitutional collaborations, biomechanics and implant studies, advanced imaging analysis, and select translational or laboratory-based projects within our institution.

Responsibilities

Fellows lead and manage multiple spine research projects, develop study protocols, submit IRB applications and research grants, perform data and imaging analysis, and prepare manuscripts, abstracts, and podium presentations for national and international meetings. The incoming fellow receives structured peer mentorship from the outgoing research fellow to ensure seamless transition, sustained productivity, and guidance on navigating fellowship expectations and residency preparation.

Clinical Exposure

Clinic and operating room observation, participation in cadaveric spine laboratories with our spine surgery fellow, and exposure to sports medicine surgical principles and techniques through cadaver labs, alongside attendance at conferences and research meetings.

Productivity Benchmarks

Expected output includes 8–12 peer-reviewed manuscript submissions and 10–15 national or international abstract submissions, with opportunities for first authorship, podium presentations, book chapters, and scholarly reviews.

• Minimum of 2 years of medical school (or equivalent anatomical and surgical knowledge)
• Experience with cadaver dissection required
• Prior Research Experience – Preferably in orthopedics 
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• Excellent written English