Washington University Spine Orthopaedic Surgery Research Scholar Program
Positions Title: Clinical Research Scholar
# of Positions: 2
Duration: 2026-2027 Academic Year
Affiliated institutions: Washington University School of Medicine; Orthopaedic Surgery Research Scholar Program
is being offered by the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. This program is designed to provide a one-year mentored research experience centered on investigation of the pathophysiology and treatment of adult and pediatric spine disorders. The selected scholar will gain hands-on experience in clinical, qualitative, and health services research.
Details | Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine Brian J. Neuman, MD and Mark J. Lambrechts, MD are pleased to invite interested individuals to submit an application for the Spine Research Scholar Program at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Neuman has a strong interest in complex adult and pediatric deformity but also treats all types of spine pathology. His research is directly relevant to patients, clinicians, scientists, and policymakers with assessing patient reported outcomes and rates of recovery. His main focus is assessing various patient factors, surgical factors and societal factors and how these relate to patient outcomes complications, and recovery. He also has a strong interest in identifying ideal postoperarive alignment goals. Dr. Neuman has been mentoring students for over 10 years and this program will provide students with a rich and well-rounded experience that we hope will have a long-lasting impact on their careers. The spine surgery department has a well-maintained surgical registry including data on patient-reported outcomes which is used for retrospective cohort studies that are presented at national and international conferences. These projects focus on clinical outcomes following surgery for adult spine deformity and other spine disorders. We are also enrolling patients in prospective studies to assess the affect biological age has on outcomes and plan to investigate how a pre-rehabilitation program would impact outcomes as well as recovery kinetics.
Dr. Lambrechts is interested in outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for spine trauma and degenerative spine disorders. His main goal is to identify optimal surgical approaches and procedures with a special interest in patients with acute spinal cord injuries, cervical myelopathy, and motion preservation surgery including cervical disc arthroplasty and spinal endoscopy. He hopes to identify how to obtain the greatest likelihood of achieving a full recovery in these patient population. With over 160 publications, he is looking for a highly motivated individual interested in obtaining a large volume of publications during the dedicated research year. There will be additional oppotunities to be involved in prospective studies and potentially translational research including animal model research. Additionally, as a member of multiple editorial board, he understands the nuances of how to publish manuscripts in high impact factor journals.
Both scholars will have longitudinal projects to design and complete during the program but will also be asked to contribute to ongoing/existing research projects, prospective clinical trials and review articles in order to maximize productivity.
Eligibility: - 4th year medical students as well as medical school graduates -
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate anyone on a visa
Stipend and Benefits The recipient of this award will receive a living stipend of $26,660.00. No additional benefits are provided.
Goals and Responsibilities There are several key educational goals and responsibilities for this Scholar Program: - Gain knowledge on study design, protocol development, participant recruitment and enrollment, and data collection. - Gain knowledge on various methods of statistical analysis and be able to perform these analyses - Gain the experience of abstract writing, poster podium and manuscript preparation and submission, as well as grant writing - Gain the experience of presenting podium presentations at national meetings - Gain the knowledge of assessing and treating various spine disorders - Gain the knowledge to perform multiple spine radiographic measurements
Specific characteristics we are looking for: - Individuals interested in a career in orthopaedic surgery or spine surgery, who are naturally hard working, works well with others, manage multiple tasks, and willing to continue to improve their knowledge base.
Benefits of the position: - Opportunity to critically think and develop a longitudinal research project that can directly improve patient care - Have the experience of developing a project that may lead to you presenting this project at various national spine meetings - Obtain the knowledge on how to perform statistical analysis - Develop a long-lasting relationship with multiple spine surgeons who would mentor you and help advance your career - Learn how to manage various spine pathologies from an experience in outpatient clinics and inpatient/outpatient operating rooms
How to apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. The anticipated start date for the program is June/July 2026 but it is flexible. Eligible candidates can apply by sending a single email including CV, step I and II scores, a personal statement on why you are interested in the position and your qualifications (max 1 page), and contact information for 2 professional references (name/email/phone) to Mark Lambrechts:
[email protected]
Alternatively, if interested in specifically working with Dr. Neuman, please feel free to email his administrative assistant
[email protected]
