Pitt/UPMC: 2026-2027 BMRC Orthopaedic Research Fellowship

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh-UPMC invites medical students between their third and fourth years, to apply for the 2026-2027 Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center (BMRC) Orthopaedic Surgery Clinical Research Fellowship. This paid position provides a unique opportunity to collaborate with distinguished faculty, gaining invaluable clinical and research experience that enhances the fellow’s ability to match into an orthopaedic surgery residency. The fellowship begins in May / June 2026.

Position Title: Clinical Research Fellow

Positions: 1

Duration: 1 year

Who: US medical students interested in Orthopedic Surgery. Only USA MD and DO students will be considered!

Where: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Pittsburgh, PA.

When: May / June 2026

Salary: A monthly stipend is provided.

Deadline: Rolling. Decision will be made by the end of March.

The selected fellow will work directly with Dr. Joon Lee, Orland Bethel Professor in Spine Surgery and Executive Director of the BMRC, and Dr. John Fowler, Associate Residency Program Director. The research fellow will coordinate projects across two primary research groups under the BMRC: The Pittsburgh Orthopaedic Spine Research (POSR) Group, led by Dr. Lee, and the Surgery of the Upper Extremity (SUPER) Group, led by Dr. Fowler. Research projects will span a variety of orthopaedic subspecialties, with a focus on spine and hand and upper extremity research. The fellow will work directly with residents and attendings on existing projects and initiate new ones, with the opportunity to observe both inpatient and outpatient clinical activities and gain exposure in the operating room.

 The primary responsibility of the fellow will be to coordinate and organize ~60 ongoing clinical research projects. This includes managing multiple research teams, handling administrative tasks, managing IRBs, and overseeing inter-institutional collaborations. Key duties include:

• Coordinating other team members and assigning responsibilities
• Designing novel studies and contributing intellectual value to the BMRC
• Facilitating collaborations across institutions
• Managing IRB submissions and approvals
• Submitting abstracts and posters to regional and national conferences
• Preparing manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals
• Conducting chart reviews and database management

A key part of this fellowship involves serving as the BMRC BioBank Research Fellow, a multimillion-dollar research initiative that has enrolled over 250 patients in its first year. The BioBank collects surgical tissue and blood samples from orthopaedic procedures across UPMC to fuel cutting-edge translational and molecular research.

As the coordinator for this rapidly growing project, the fellow will play a central, hands-on role in driving both the daily operations and future growth of the BioBank. Core responsibilities include:

• Determining eligible surgical cases and distributing weekly Biobank collection schedules
• Preparing and coordinating patient consents alongside surgical teams and research staff
• Working directly in the OR to assist with specimen labeling, tissue grading, and blood collection
• Coordinating logistics between surgical sites and research labs for tissue and blood pickup
• Maintaining accurate records of all enrolled patients and case characteristics
• Leading weekly Biobank meetings to organize workflows, track progress, and plan process improvements
• Collaborating with surgeons and research staff to expand the BioBank’s reach and impact

This is a dynamic, leadership-driven position that provides unparalleled exposure to orthopaedic surgery, clinical research, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The fellow should be dependable, proactive, and highly organized, with strong leadership and communication skills to manage complex projects and contribute to one of the most innovative biobanks in the country.

Although not required, we would prefer a fellow with previous orthopaedic research experience. Additionally, you MUST have access to a car in Pittsburgh, PA throughout the duration of the fellowship year.

 During your time in this fellowship, you will have the opportunity to publish 15+ articles in peer-reviewed journals and present multiple abstracts at conferences. You will also have access to weekly educational conferences, monthly Grand Rounds with leading orthopaedic experts, and networking opportunities with faculty and residents throughout hthe year.

Application Requirements

• Cover letter (including expected start and end dates)
• CV
• Unofficial transcript
• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores (if completed)
• 1 letter of recommendation is required (preferably from an orthopaedic surgeon); 2 preferred.
• Access to a car in Pittsburgh, PA
• Demonstrated prior research engagement (can be non-orthopaedic) via either publications or presentations

APPLY HERE: https://forms.gle/dJpJiK6pDKn4z9LT8

Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and CC This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any inquiries regarding the fellowship.