Orthopaedic Trauma Research Year Position – Loyola University Medical Center 
 
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center is seeking a full-time, paid research assistant for the 2026-2027 academic year under the mentorship of Drs. Ashley Levack, Joseph Cohen, and Hobie Summers. This position is ideal for medical students interested in pursuing a career in orthopaedic surgery, particularly those who aspire to match into an orthopaedic residency program and develop strong research experience. 
 
Primary Mentor: Dr. Ashley Levack, MD 
Title: Research Assistant 
Duration: 1 year (recommended June 2026-June 2027, but negotiable) 
Location: Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 
 
The research assistant will be involved in a variety of clinical research projects, including retrospective and prospective studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. They will also participate in multicenter studies and gain experience with IRB protocols, patient recruitment, and data analysis. Close collaboration with orthopaedic residents and faculty will provide valuable mentorship and networking opportunities. 

Responsibilities Include: 

• IRB application preparation, submission, renewals, and amendments 
  

• Patient identification and enrollment for clinical research studies 
  

• Obtaining informed consent for prospective research studies 
  

• Conducting literature reviews and systematic reviews 
  

• Data collection and management (e.g., REDCap database use) 
  

• Collaboration with biostatisticians for data analysis 
  

• Abstract preparation and submission to national orthopaedic conferences 
  

• Poster and podium presentations at academic meetings 
  

• Manuscript writing and submission for publication 
  

• Mentorship of medical students interested in orthopaedic research 
  

The research assistant will participate in biweekly mentorship meetings to ensure that personal educational and professional goals are met. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop research skills, gain authorship on multiple publications, and strengthen a future residency application in orthopaedic surgery. 
 
Preferred Qualifications: 

• Strong interest in orthopaedic surgery and clinical research 
  

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and self-motivation 
  

• Prior research experience is beneficial but not required 
  

• Medical students at US MD or DO programs in years M2 and M3. M1s and pre-medical students may apply. 
  

 Application Process: 
Interested applicants should submit an email titled ‘Research Fellowship – Last name, First name’ with CV, cover letter, and one letter of recommendation (recommended, not required) to loyola.ortho.research@gmail.com. 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged. 
 
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026
 
For further inquiries, please contact Sloan Nesbit at loyola.ortho.research@gmail.com