Clinical Research Fellow- Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery

Dr. Allison Rao invites interested and motivated individuals to apply for a clinical research fellowship at the University of Minnesota. Our team provides the unique opportunity to work with leaders in orthopedic sports medicine and shoulder surgery, who are seeking forward-thinking, self-driven students to explore their interests in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine by working in a fast-paced clinical research environment and biomechanics lab determined to produce high quality, novel research.

• Duration: 1 year (potential to extend)
• Who: US medical students between M2/M3 or M3/M4 interested in Orthopedic Surgery. Unmatched medical students and students applying to medical school may also be considered.
• Where: University of Minnesota, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Division of Sports Medicine and Shoulder Surgery, Minneapolis, MN.
• When: July 2025-June 2026 (duration 1 year, potential to extend)
• Salary: A biweekly stipend is provided

Current Areas of Active Research

• Injections about the Shoulder
• Patient reported and clinical outcomes
• Database studies: Health claims, national registry databases, professional athletic associations
• Procedure-specific outcomes and associations
• Biomechanics studies pertaining to the shoulder

Benefits of the Position:

• Expectation to publish 6-10 publications/chapters/abstracts at conclusion of research year
• Increasing competitiveness for a position in an orthopedic surgery residency
• Collaboration with sports medicine fellows, residents, and other sports attendings
• Ample opportunities to attend grand rounds, sports conferences, and cadaver labs
• Opportunities to present research at orthopedic conferences

Application Instructions:

• Interested candidates should send a cover letter detailing current level of training, motivation for pursuing a research year, and future career goals.
• A complete application should also include:
  • A curriculum vitae,
  • USMLE step I and/or II scores, and
  • Expected starting date.
  • Reference(s) or letters of recommendation from any research or orthopedic experiences are preferred (1-2), but not required.

After review of application materials, select individuals will be invited for phone interviews with the current research team followed by interviews with Dr. Rao. Please send all materials to rao00149@umn.edu.

• This position is designed for a medical school student or recent graduate in good academic standing, with an interest in pursuing an orthopedic specialty or a career in academic medicine and clinical research with a particular interest in sports medicine.
• This position will participate in a gap year program facilitated by their training institution (MD or DO), and applicants must meet eligibility criteria for their institution's program.
• In addition, candidates should have a motivation for a career in orthopedic surgery, with proven research interest, a strong academic record and work ethic, and organized, detail-oriented, and proactive.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Some experience with orthopedic care concepts is preferred along with prior experience in biomechanical research, prospective trials including randomized clinical trials, and database research. In addition, some experience with data analysis and statistical software (SPSS, STATA, etc.) are preferred.
• The preferred candidate would have skills and experiences in scientific writing, the ability to support the development and execution of clinical and/or biomechanical study protocols, including an understanding of statistical analysis and publication of scientific research results.
  

To learn more about the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, please visit https://med.umn.edu/ortho.

• Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.
• The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations
• Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.
  

Pay Range: $43,888-$45,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

• Interested candidates should send a cover letter detailing current level of training, motivation for pursuing a research year, and future career goals.
• A complete application should also include:
  • A curriculum vitae,
  • USMLE step I and/or II scores, and
  • Expected starting date.
  • Reference(s) or letters of recommendation from any research or orthopedic experiences are preferred (1-2), but not required.

After review of application materials, select individuals will be invited for phone interviews with the current research team followed by interviews with Dr. Rao. Please send all materials to rao00149@umn.edu.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).