2026-2027 University of Minnesota Spine Research Gap-Year Fellow (# 371291)

About the role

The Spine Division Within The Department Of Orthopedic Surgery Offers a One-year Gap-year Fellowship For 2026 Graduates (undergraduate) And 3rd/4th-year US And IMG Medical Students Interested In Orthopedic Surgery. The Fellowship Focuses On Adult Degenerative And Deformity Research, Including Studies In BMI/Bariatric & GLP-1 impact on surgical outcomesCBD and CBT impact on post-surgical pain managementBiomechanical applications of spine implant designsSafety in adult deformity surgeryArtificial intelligence in surgical planningMetabolomic/genomic factors affecting surgical outcomesClinical and radiographic factors in spine surgery.

Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain multiple research projects (biomechanical, cadaveric, systematic reviews, clinical/bench research, national registries)
• Participate in weekly research meetings with faculty, fellows, residents, statisticians, and coordinators
• Develop and submit research prospectus to Department CRC and IRB
• Aid in preparing presentations and e-posters for professional conferences
• Lead studies alongside other medical students and clinical fellows
• Observe clinical practice in the clinic and operating room
• Opportunities to produce 10–15 publications, reviews, conference presentations, and book chapters

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• US-based 2026 graduates or US/IMG MS3 or MS4 students
• Strong interest in orthopedic research and academic medicine
• Prior research experience preferred but not required
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams

Benefits

• Health, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Retail and flexible spending accounts
• Paid holidays and generous time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee wellbeing and financial counseling programs

Pay

$44,000 per year + benefits

Schedule

Summer 2026