The Upper Extremity Division of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine is seeking a highly-motivated clinical research fellow to join our team for the 2026-2027/2028 year(s). This intensive, one- to two-year long research fellowship is designed for current medical students and post-baccalaureate students interested in strengthening their residency or medical school applications through a meaningful gap year(s) experience. Competitive applicants demonstrate an interest in orthopaedic surgery, high academic productivity, and data-driven research exposure. Improved skills in IRB writing, study design, grant writing, data analysis, manuscript preparation, and podium/poster presentations should also be expected. This team is one of the most productive research teams in the country, publishing 30+ peer-reviewed papers a year in shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand surgery. Dr. Eric Wagner (Associate Director of Upper Extremity Surgery Fellowship/ Director of Upper Extremity Surgery Research at Emory) and Dr. Michael Gottschalk (Upper Extremity Division Chief/ Upper Extremity Fellowship Director at Emory) will work directly with the fellow throughout their term. Under their guidance, research fellows will have the opportunity to collaborate on clinically impactful research spanning randomized controlled trials, database studies, systematic reviews, and imaging-based studies involving a variety of upper extremity pathologies.  Position Details

• Title: Research Specialist (Clinical Research Fellow)
  
• Positions Available: 1-3
  
• Duration: 1 or 2 years
  
• Location: Emory Musculoskeletal Institute, Atlanta, GA
  
• Start Date: Immediate need to fill one position; 2nd/3rd position Spring-Summer 2026 (flexible)
  
• Compensation: Full-time hourly paid position
  

Responsibilities

• Manage the progress of several of the department’s longitudinal research projects
  
• Prepare and submit IRB protocols and amendments
  
• Recruit, screen , and enroll prospective study patients in one of several randomized controlled trials  
  
• Monitor study participants’ progress and administer study follow-up activities (clinical measurements, questionnaires, etc.) according to research study protocols
  
• Assist with data entry, organization, and analysis
  
• Perform statistical analysis using programs such as SPSS, R-studio, SAS, etc.
  
• Draft, revise, and submit materials for publication to peer-reviewed journals or conferences presentations
  
• Attend regular team meetings to report on the status of research activities
  
• Coordinate research responsibilities with medical students, residents, fellows, and attending to facilitate project progress
  
• Maintain relationships and execute research studies sponsored by industry partners
  

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree completed or to be obtained by May 2026
  
• U.S. applicants only (visa sponsorship is not available)
  
• Strong motivation to pursue a career in medicine, particularly orthopaedic surgery
  
• Demonstrated interest in clinical outcomes, imaging, or biomechanical research
  
• Experience with or willingness to learn statistical software
  
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks/projects at once 
  
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment
  
• May require personal transportation to various clinic locations or surgery centers and must have the ability to work in person
  

Benefits and Opportunities

• Co-authorship on multiple peer-reviewed publications 
  
• Poster and podium presentations at major orthopaedic meetings (registration and travel expenses partially covered)
  
• Strong letters of recommendation and structured mentorship for career goals
  

Application InstructionsIf you are interested in starting your career at Emory University, and you meet the above qualifications, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and a cover letter with your anticipated start date to upperextremityresearch@gmail.com with the subject line “Research Fellowship Application - [Full Name].”