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Research MD Fellow J1 Temp Scholar at CommonSpirit… · Location…
Job Description
Research MD Fellow J1 Temp Scholar
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Research Fellow, you will perform research tasks consistent with our Research Scholar program, with the specific duties determined to support ongoing projects.
Every day you will contribute to laboratory or other research environments under the direct guidance of a faculty member, actively developing the essential skills and expertise required for a successful career as an independent investigator or advanced researcher.
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate a strong commitment to rigorous scientific inquiry, continuous professional development, and collaborative work. Your dedication to your assigned research projects and personal growth within the program will be paramount.
- Shows growth technically and intellectually and demonstrates capabilities to produce quality original research.
- Develops well-defined objectives and beneficially contributes to mentor-directed research.
- Is able to identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Conduct research to develop methodologies for medical application, analyzing data and presenting findings to the scientific audience and general public.
- Brings added value to the collective skill set in the mentor’s group.
- The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
About the Sonntag Fellowship
The International Sonntag Spine Research Fellowship offers a funded, one- year research opportunity at Barrow Neurological Institute’s Kelly Spinal Biomechanics Laboratory, focusing on non-clinical, laboratory-based spine research. Designed for international spine surgeons or neurosurgery residents
from low- and middle-income countries, the fellowship is anticipated to start in July 2027.
Fellows will engage in academic, collaborative learning and research, primarily investigating implantable devices and surgical spinal procedures under the direction of Brian P. Kelly, PhD, in the Sonntag Spine Center. Support will also be provided by the Franke Neuroscience Education Center, Barrow Global, and
its partners. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of spinal biomechanics principles, learn advanced laboratory techniques, and take a leadership role in research projects, including data collection, analysis, and presentation. A key component of the fellowship involves disseminating research through abstract submissions to major spine-related conferences (e.g., CNS, NASS, AANS) and publishing in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, with crucial support from Barrow’s Neuroscience Publications Department. This opportunity does not involve direct patient care or clinical practice, but fellows can augment their clinical learning by attending neurosurgical spine rounds, clinical case conferences, grand rounds, and via observation in Barrow operating rooms. While the role is research-focused, fellows will be expected to contribute clinical insight to novel study designs and interpretation of findings. An ultimate goal is for fellows to be able to take the research principles and methodologies learned during their time at Barrow and apply them to conduct future research projects in their country of origin.
Application deadline is October 15, 2026.
Job Requirements
Required
- Doctor of Medicine or equivalent in a relevant field of endeavor
- Laboratory research at the postbaccalaureate level with an interest in a faculty member’s line of study
Preferred
- Experience writing research reports concerning own work and familiarity with a biomedical discipline
Where You’ll Work
Hello humankindness Located conveniently in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona,St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center is a 571-bed, not-for-profit hospital that provides a wide range of health, social and support services. Founded in 1895 by the Sisters of Mercy, St. Joseph's was the first hospital in the Phoenix area. More than 125 years later, St. Joseph's remains dedicated to its mission of caring for the poor and underserved. We are extremely proud to be a nationally recognized center for quality quaternary care, medical education and research. St. Joseph's includes the internationally renowned Barrow Neurological Institute, Norton Thoracic Institute, Cancer Center at St. Joseph's, Ivy Brain Tumor Center, and St. Joseph's Level I Trauma Center (which is verified by the American College of Surgeons). The hospital is also a respected center for high-risk obstetrics, neuro-rehabilitation, orthopedics, and other medical services. St. Joseph’s is considered a sought-after destination hospital for treating the most complex cases from throughout the world. Every day, approximately 20 percent of the hospital’s patients have traveled from outside of Arizona and the United States to seek treatment at St. Joseph’s. U.S News & World Report routinely ranks St. Joseph's among the top hospitals in the United States for neurology and neurosurgery. In addition, St. Joseph's boasts the Creighton University School of Medicine at St. Joseph's, and a strategic alliance with Phoenix Children's Hospital. St. Joseph's is consistently named an outstanding place to work and one of Arizona's healthiest employers. Come grow your career with one of Arizona's Most Admired Companies. Look for us on Facebookand follow us on Twitter. For the health of our community ... we are proud to be a tobacco-free campus.