2026-2027 ​Basic Science Research Fellowship at the University of Southern California

We would like to invite applications for a 1-year basic science research fellowship with Dr. Lieberman at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. We encourage highly motivated U.S. medical students and medical school graduates to apply for a funded research position for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Position: Research Staff 
Number of Positions Available: 2 
Duration: 1 year 
Salaried: A stipend is provided  
Where: Los Angeles, California - USC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery  
When: Flexible (as early as March 2026) 

Dr. Jay Lieberman, Chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at USC, is an internationally recognized surgeon-scientist who has pioneered the field of regional gene therapy for bone tissue engineering. For over 20 years, the Lieberman Lab has performed research to develop and optimize the genetic manipulation of stem cells to treat extensive bone loss. With the goal of developing a therapeutic product, the lab is also interested in studying mesenchymal stem cell biology,  osteoimmunology, and biomaterials.  The lab is looking for two medical students or recent medical graduates interested in 
taking a research year. Students will work alongside a full-time PGY3 orthopaedic surgery research resident and two staff research specialists. Students will be involved in all aspects of the lab including preclinical study design, data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation. Students will be required to learn basic techniques for molecular and cell biology. No prior lab experience is required. 

In addition to the lab, students will have the opportunity to attend weekly resident core curriculum lectures, grand rounds, and become involved in clinical research studies with other divisions in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. The position is an excellent opportunity to bolster your CV and improve your fund of orthopaedic knowledge prior to sub-internships and applying to residency. The lab has a long track record of successful matches at top orthopaedic residency programs including USC, Stanford, NYU, and the Mayo Clinic.  

HOW TO APPLY 
Please email the below listed items to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
1. Cover letter (limit to 1 page)  
2. CV 
3. Transcript of available clinical clerkship grades 

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT 
If you are selected for an interview, you will receive an invitation to interview with the research staff and Dr. Lieberman. Positions will be filled on a rolling basis.