We are interested in recruiting one candidate for the 2026-2027 Shoulder & Elbow Research Fellowship with Dr. Gregory Nicholson and Dr. Grant Garrigues, world-renowned shoulder & elbow surgeons. Dr. Nicholson and Dr. Garrigues invite competitive and motivated candidates who are willing to take a year off before or during medical school and who demonstrate a strong interest in orthopaedics.
Collectively, the team has the most Pubmed shoulder replacement publications in the world over the last 10 years, was awarded the clinical Neer award, and earned a NIH R01 grant for shoulder basic science research.
Position Title: Clinical Research Fellow
Positions: 1
Duration: 1 year
Where: Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
When: May 2026 - May 2027
Salary: A monthly stipend is provided
Duties of the research coordinators will include:
- Coordination of all research projects
- Statistical analysis of data
- Creation and submission of Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols
- Drafting and writing of book chapters, textbooks, and educational articles for Dr. Nicholson and Dr. Garrigues
- Managing a team of research assistants
- Management of administrative tasks
Specific Prerequisites and Characteristics of the coordinators should include:
- Strong motivation to pursue a career in Orthopaedic Surgery
- Proven interest in research
- Excellent time management skills, strong work ethic, and ability to thrive in a team environment
- Having a car is helpful but not required
- US applicants only (we cannot provide any visas)
- Unmatched 4th year US medical students welcome to apply
Benefits of the position:
- 10+ publications/chapters/abstracts/presentations by the end of the research year, with first author opportunities directly related to your contribution
- Collaboration with shoulder and elbow surgery fellows, orthopaedic residents, and orthopaedic surgery attendings
- Opportunities to observe surgical procedures and spend time in clinic
- Chance to join in Rush Orthopaedic Grand Rounds and Journal Clubs
- Opportunities and support to present research at Orthopaedic/Shoulder and Elbow Conferences
Joining the Nicholson Research Team offers a coveted opportunity to strengthen your medical school or residency application and prepare you to be a high performing individual. Dr. Nicholson and Dr. Garrigues provide mentorship throughout the application process, letters of recommendation, and strengthening the applicant’s candidacy. Research fellows who have completed a year with the Shoulder & Elbow team have had high rates of acceptances into medical school and orthopaedic residency.
Interested individuals should send a brief Cover Letter explaining their motivation for joining the team (what experiences/skills would they contribute), CV/resume (with USMLE step I and/or II scores if applicable), and expected starting date to:
[email protected] with subject title “2026-2027 Research Fellowship Application [last name, first name]”
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis
