Hello students interested in Orthopaedic Surgery, We are inviting applications for a 1-year, in-person Orthopaedic Spine research fellowship at the University of Maryland Medical Center. This position is designed for an UNMATCHED fourth-year medical students planning a dedicated research year.  Job Title Orthopaedic Spine Research Coordinator (Research Fellow) Location: University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD Mentors

• Dr. Steven Ludwig, Spine Division Chief
• Dr. Eugene Koh
• Dr. Daniel Cavanaugh
• Dr. Louis Bivona
• Dr. Julio Jauregui

Positions: 1 position (one MS4) Duration: Approximately 12 months Start Date: Ideally April 2026 or May 2026 (latest). Start date is somewhat flexible within this window. Eligibility

• U.S. medical students only 
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• We cannot sponsor visas and cannot accommodate applicants from institutions outside the U.S.

Salary Bi-weekly pay (approximately $30,000 per year) Position Overview:  The Spine Division of the University of Maryland Department of Orthopaedics is accepting applications from U.S. medical students seeking to expand their clinical research experience in orthopaedics and strengthen their residency application. The research fellow will work closely with spine faculty and the broader research team (fellows, residents, students, and staff).Opportunities include

• Direct guidance, mentorship, and advocacy from faculty in research and the orthopaedic residency application process
• Co-author 10 to 15 manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, posters, and/or book chapters (strong opportunity for first authorship)
• Opportunity to present at national and international conferences
• Educational activities including Daily Spine Rounds, Weekly Spine Conference, Spine Fellow Journal Club, Orthopaedic Grand Rounds, M&M Conference, cadaver lab, surgical skills lab, and more
• Networking with residents, fellows, and attending orthopaedic surgeons

Job Duties

• Manage ongoing spine division studies, including clinical trials, prospective studies, and retrospective studies
• Lead monthly research meetings with attendings and fellows to provide project status updates
• Perform literature reviews, develop project ideas, and help formulate study protocols
• Draft and submit IRB proposals and modifications
• Recruit patients and obtain informed consent (when applicable)
• Coordinate with industry sponsors and research teams across sites
• Collect, organize, and analyze clinical research data (statistics experience preferred)
• Assist with manuscript and book chapter preparation, and contribute to grant submissions

Qualifications

• Strong interest in orthopaedics and musculoskeletal disease
• Strong academic record
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects
• Ability to work independently and efficiently
• Prior research and statistical analysis experience preferred

How to Apply Email: umdorthospine@gmail.com Subject line: “2026-2027 Spine Research Coordinator – (Last name, First name)” Please include:

1. Brief cover letter (1 to 2 paragraphs: background, prior research experience/skills, interests, goals)
2. CV (file name: LastName_FirstName_CV)
3. Transcript
4. Earliest start date (June 2026 preferred; July 2026 latest)
5. USMLE Step 1 status and Step 2 CK score (if available), or planned test date

Optional:

• Letter of recommendation

Application Deadline: Rolling Basis Interviews: Selected applicants will be contacted by email. Interviews will occur on a rolling basis