2026-2027 University of Virginia Spine Research Fellowship
The University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery Department is accepting applications for a
paid Spine Research Fellowship position for 2026-2027. The goal of the research fellowship is to mentor medical students interested in orthopaedic surgery and provide comprehensive training in clinical research.The research fellow will be supervised by Dr. Lockey and Dr. Li and will have the opportunity to take part in educational activities available through the department, such as daily resident conferences and journal clubs. Fellows will also have the opportunity to shadow in the clinic and operating room and gain valuable clinical experience.
Location: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
Mentors: Dr. Stephen Lockey, MD, MBA and Dr. Joshua Li, MD, PhD ( )
Eligibility Criteria and Expectations:
- Currently enrolled in a medical school in the USA
- Work full-time in the Spine Division
- Participate in the planning, protocol development, IRB approval, data collection, data analysis, manuscript preparation, manuscript and abstract submission of prospective and retrospective clinical research
- Assist in maintaining and supporting current research projects
- Applicants with experience in statistics or programming are preferred and given further consideration but this is not mandatory
- Note also that all applicants must have health insurance as Visiting Graduate Researchers (VGRs) are not eligible for the UVA student health plan.
Number of Positions Available: 2
Duration: 1 year starting in Spring 2026, but some flexibility in start date is possible.
Stipend: $36,000 per year
Application: Complete an application via email to both Drs Lockey (
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), and Dr. Li (
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and attach the following documents
- A cover letter
- CV/resume
- Contact information for three references (name, email address, telephone number, and address)
- Optional: letter of recommendation (preferably from an Orthopaedic faculty member from your institution)
For further information about the position, please contact Joshua Li, M.D., Ph.D. at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Stephen D. Lockey, M.D., MBA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Stephen D. Lockey, MD, MBA
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Division of Spine Surgery
University of Virginia Health
Xudong Joshua Li, M.D., Ph.D.
Vice Chair for Research
Director, Spine Fellowship
Mary M. Stamp Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Professor of Biomedical Engineering
University of Virginia
