ORGANIZATION: The San Diego Spine Foundation, a leading 501c3 non-profit organization based in San Diego, California, is dedicated to advancing research, education, and policy to improve spine health and patient care. Our mission centers on three primary objectives:

1. Promoting innovative spine research to improve treatment outcomes.
2. Educating patients, healthcare providers, and the community about spine health and the latest advances in spine care.
3. Advocating for evidence-based spine health policies and practices to improve patient care and outcomes.

We are inviting applications for a full-time Foundation Research Fellow position for the duration of one year (June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025). We seek candidates who are passionate about orthopedics and spine surgery. This fellowship offers flexibility in start and end dates and will be conducted primarily remotely, with regular in-person coordination as needed.COMPENSATION: The fellowship offers a monthly stipend. Please note that this position does not include benefits.ELIGIBILITY:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employment visa sponsorship.
• Must have completed an undergraduate degree.
• Preference will be given to medical students or recent medical graduates, particularly those with a demonstrated interest in spine health.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate and support new and ongoing educational and advocacy projects related to spine health.
• Track, coordinate, write, edit, and submit ongoing research projects.
• Organize and execute new research trials focused on spine health and surgery.
• Support grant program execution and reporting.
• Facilitate meetings and events related to spine health initiatives.
• Co-author multiple manuscripts and present research findings at relevant meetings.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Strong communication skills and a robust work ethic.
• Ability to work reliably in a team environment, including leading medical students.
• Excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Google Docs/Sheets and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

ACTIVE AREAS OF RESEARCH:

• Minimally-invasive surgical management techniques for spine conditions.
• Complex spinal deformity and modern alignment principles
• Innovations in spine surgery technologies.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, personal statement (300 words max, detailing past experiences and interest in this role), to: Kiersten Farmer farmer.kiersten@sandiegospinefoundation.org.WEBSITE: www.sandiegospinefoundation.orgSAN DIEGO SPINE FOUNDATION DIRECTORS BIOS: https://www.sandiegospinefoundation.org/about/board-directors/