2026-2027 Northwestern Spine Research Fellowship
Job Type: Paid, one-year research fellowship
Location: The Northwestern Medicine Center for Spine Health at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois USA
Job Summary: The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is seeking applications for a one-year research fellowship in spine surgery. Under the guidance of Dr. Srikanth Divi, Dr. Alpesh Patel, Dr. Wellington Hsu, and Dr. Matthew Colman, the fellow will join a department producing over 30 projects annually. Our faculty mentors are globally recognized leaders, deeply connected to surgical training programs and research societies worldwide.
This fellowship is designed for highly motivated medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery, spine surgery, or related fields. The fellow will take an active leadership role in research projects, characterized by robust daily interactions with faculty, resident physicians, and patients. An ambitious fellow should expect to leave with multiple publications and several poster/podium presentations at national and international meetings.
The fellow will immerse themselves in the spine clinic, building meaningful rapport with patients and observing complex cases in the operating room. A hallmark of this position is the unparalleled access to mentorship; fellows engage directly with residency faculty and receive personalized guidance on application materials and the residency process. This is an outstanding opportunity to distinguish yourself for highly competitive programs in orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery.
Responsibilities: The fellow will be responsible for conducting research in the field of spine surgery under the supervision of the spine surgery research faculty. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Engaging directly with patients for prospective study recruitment and data collection
- Writing, reviewing, and editing manuscripts
- Coordinating with clinical trial partners
- Presenting research findings at local, national, and international meetings and conferences
- Participating in weekly residency didactics and departmental grand rounds
- Leading and managing the medical student spine research group (30+ members) and monthly research meetings
Qualifications:
- Students must be enrolled in medical school at a US or Canadian accredited institution
- Strong interest in spine surgery or related fields
- Excellent academic record and prior research experience
- Exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Familiarity with statistics software, machine learning platforms, and/or programming languages
Application Requirements:
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement (500 words or less) outlining your interest in spine surgery and your career goals
- Academic transcripts from your current or former medical school
- Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the team following an initial application review
Application Deadline: All application materials should be sent to the current research fellow,
Theodore Joaquin ([email protected]) with the subject line
"2026-2027 Research Fellowship". Send application materials as soon as possible as decisions will be made on a rolling basis. The fellowship will begin on July 1, 2026.
Compensation: This is a paid fellowship with a competitive monthly stipend
Note: Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.
