2024-2025 Spine Clinical Research Fellow- University of Minnesota

The Division of Spine Surgery at the University of Minnesota invites medical students between their 3rd and 4th year of medical school & recent medical graduates to apply for a funded, one-year spine research fellowship, starting in July 2024. This is a unique opportunity that will allow the research fellow to work closely with Dr. David Polly MD, Dr. Jonathan Sembrano MD, Dr. Kristen Jones MD, Dr. Christopher Martin MD, Dr. Nathan Hendrickson MD, the spine surgical fellows, and the rest of the spine research team at the University of Minnesota. Dr. David Polly MD is the James W. Ogilvie Professor, Catherine Mills Davis endowed Professor, and Chief of Spine Surgery in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Minnesota. He has over 300 peer-reviewed publications, five book chapters, and over 700 professional presentations, and he is a past-president of the Scoliosis Research Society.

The Spine Department at the University of Minnesota is one of the most productive spine departments in the country, and applicants can expect to have 10-20 publications (manuscripts, posters, presentations, etc.) within the year. This position is ideal for a medical student hoping to match into an orthopedic or neurosurgery surgery residency position or for a recent medical school graduate trying to upgrade their residency application. There are many projects, both new and ongoing, that the research fellow will help to complete, with first authorship opportunities for any project that you significantly contribute to.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Data Collection Spine Research – 90%  
  • Managing broad aspects of data collection in the surgical suite for spine research projects 
  • Assisting in statistical analyses and manuscript writing 
  • Performing miscellaneous support of other ongoing projects for Dr. David Polly and the orthopedic spine surgery staff at M Health Fairview University and Riverside Hospitals. 
• Program Management (Spine Research Group) – 10% 
  • Attend Spine Research Group meetings. 
  • Track new and active studies. 
  • Track manuscript submissions and acceptances 
  • Track abstract submissions and acceptances for conferences 
  • Assist with grant proposals as well as budgeting and determining pricing for grants.
  •  Assist with other study-related tasks such as but not limited to preparing, filing, or copying study materials for investigators and staff, and/or scheduling meetings. 
  •  Assist with managing financial and administrative transactions (e.g., purchase and track participant incentives, order mailing supplies) 
  • Assist with manuscript preparation and formatting of papers for submission to scientific journals. 
  • Other duties as assigned 

Duration: 1 year with possible option of 2nd year Start date: July 1, 2024 Salary: $40,000 + benefits

Required Qualifications:

• US Medical School student (between Third and Fourth Year) in good academic standing or recent US Medical School Graduate 
• Interest in pursuing an orthopedic specialty or a career in academic medicine and clinical research with a particular interest in spine surgery
• Moderate experience with bench research during undergrad or med school (lit reviews, data collection, etc.)
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Experience with technical/medical writing
• English language proficiency
• Authorization to work in the United States

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some experience with orthopedic and spine care concepts is preferred, along with the ability to learn and understand radiographic image measurements to collect data.
• Experience with anatomical and /or surgical dissection techniques, with a strong understanding of anatomy, in particular musculoskeletal anatomy, is preferred.
• The preferred candidate would have skills and experience in scientific/medical writing and the ability to support the development and execution of clinical and/or biomechanical study protocols, including an understanding of statistical analysis and publication of scientific research results.
  • Data analysis skills, including proficiency in relevant statistics software (SPSS, R, STATA, etc.)
• Experience in mentoring medical students
• High Medical language proficiency  

About the Department

To learn more about the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, please visit med.umn.edu/ortho,

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. This position requires that you attach a cover letter/letter of interest, CV, Medical School Transcript, and USMLE board scores (Step 1, and Step 2 if taken). Please also send all materials as a PDF file to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis, so everyone is encouraged to apply as soon as they can. We are currently planning to accept two applicants for this position. After review of application materials, select individuals will be invited for phone interviews with the current research team, followed by an interview with Dr. Polly. Questions: Please contact Kari Odland This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any questions.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).