2026–2027 Hand & Microsurgery Clinical Research StudentDivision of Hand Surgery, Montefiore EinsteinPosition OverviewThe Division of Hand Surgery at Montefiore Einstein is seeking a highly motivated 3rd- or 4th-year medical student for a full-time, year-long clinical research position. This opportunity is designed for students pursuing orthopaedic surgery residency who seek intensive research training, close mentorship, and early immersion in academic hand and microsurgery.This is a funded position and represents a unique opportunity to serve as the sole dedicated research student within a large, high-output academic hand surgery program.Position Details

• Title: Hand & Microsurgery Clinical Research Student
• Duration: 12 months (with possibility of a second year)
• Start Date: Mid-June to early July 2025 (flexibility on a case-by-case basis; earlier start possible)
• Compensation: $32,000
• Location: Bronx, NY

Program Structure & EnvironmentAs the program’s dedicated research student, you will lead and coordinate a portfolio of 30+ active clinical studies while working closely with:

• Hand Faculty
• Orthopaedic and plastic surgery residents
• Hand fellows
• Medical students
• Certified occupational hand therapists

You will also collaborate with established academic partners at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and others.Active participation in weekly grand rounds and monthly hand conferences is expected, providing direct exposure to the full orthopaedic faculty in both clinical and educational settings. Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate multidisciplinary research initiatives across multiple institutions
• Collaborate on retrospective, prospective, and clinical trial–based studies
• Develop and submit IRB protocols and manage databases using REDCap
• Perform data analysis (advanced proficiency in R, SPSS, Python, or similar strongly preferred)
• Participate in Mixed Methods Research projects using MAXQDA
• Draft, revise, and submit abstracts and manuscripts
• Capture intraoperative techniques using an advanced video system and edit content for educational use
• Manage patient screening, consent, enrollment, and follow-up for clinical trials

During the past year alone, our group submitted work to:

• American Society for Surgery of the Hand
• American Association for Hand Surgery
• Federation of European Societies for Surgery of the Hand
• Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Plastic Surgery The Meeting
• Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America

Goals & Opportunities

• Strengthen the applicant’s orthopaedic surgery residency application
• Produce 5–10 peer-reviewed publications and/or national abstracts, dependent on motivation and work ethic.  Typical output is 15-20+.
• Opportunity for primary authorship on projects with substantial contribution
• Present work at major national and international meetings
• Build a broad professional network across institutions and specialties
• Observe a wide range of complex hand, microsurgical, brachial plexus, and congenital procedures

This position is intentionally structured as a long-term mentorship and career-development experience.MentorshipThe research student will work under the mentorship of Dr. Steven Koehler, brachial plexus and congenital reconstructive microsurgeon at Montefiore Einstein. As well as Dr. Lynn Ann Forrester.  We are seeking a student who is industrious, efficient, independent, and team-oriented.Now entering its fourth year, the research program has demonstrated consistent high productivity, submitting 20–30 projects annually to national and international forums. The incoming student will join a well-established research infrastructure.Applicant Qualifications

• Current 3rd- or 4th-year medical student
• Prior research experience required
• Demonstrated manuscript writing experience mandatory
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative academic environment

Application InstructionsPlease submit the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Personal Statement (≤500 words)

Send materials to: Alejandro Friedman Clinical Research Student alejfriedm@montefiore.orgApplications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with anticipated decisions by March 2026. Selected applicants will be invited for interviews over the coming months.