Orthopedic Surgery Research Assistant, Foot and Ankle

PIs: Jonathan Deland, MD; Scott Ellis, MD; Matthew Conti, MD

Dates: June 2, 2025 – May 29, 2026* (approximate)

Salary: Paid (full-time)

Institution: Hospital for Special Surgery; New York, NY

Position Summary:

The Foot & Ankle Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, NY, is looking for one hard-working, motivated, and enthusiastic individual to join our research team for one year. The research assistant (RA) will be integrated into a leading orthopaedic surgery department in the heart of New York City and will help to manage the research directives of the service. Within the Foot & Ankle Service, there are numerous opportunities to be involved in both clinical and biomechanics research. Day-to-day responsibilities of the RA include consenting patients for research studies, obtaining clinical outcome scores, collecting data, collaborating with statisticians, writing abstracts and manuscripts, and preparing scientific presentations. Additionally, there are opportunities to shadow orthopedic surgeons in both the office and operating room (OR), orthopedic residents and fellows, and engineers as well as participate in weekly lectures. This position is ideal for individuals who are planning to take a gap year between undergraduate and medical school or for medical students who are taking a research year and planning to apply for an orthopaedic surgery residency.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts the informed consent process and oversees patient enrollment (requires appropriate training and certification of human research subjects training)
• Act as a resource for patients enrolled in clinical studies.
• Act as a liaison between physicians and study participants
• Lead efforts to meet patient enrollment targets related to independent research studies.
• Manages data collection for research studies including but not limited to collecting clinical data directly from patients, performing measurements for applicable studies, and managing the performance of all other duties as put forth in the protocol.
• Ensures timely data collection and entry.
• Ensures accuracy of personnel transcribing data from a paper case report form (CRF) into an electronic format.
• Manages and executes all IRB submissions and ensures timeliness and accuracy of these submissions and no lapses in approvals for the study.
• Represents the Principal Investigator in departmental audits as well as external audits performed by representatives of the sponsor for each clinical research project.  Works closely with HSS internal monitor for guidance on these activities.
• Prioritizes and schedules work activities to ensure that workflow is controlled and meets the need of the department. Communicates and maintains institutional/departmental policies, standard operating procedures, quality standards, improvement initiatives and external legal regulations/regulatory requirements.
• Participates in weekly research meetings and updates and manages multiple research projects.
• Participates in clinical, bench and cadaveric research studies.
• Has opportunities for authorship of scientific studies.
• Prepare, write, and revise abstracts, manuscripts, and presentations
• Collaborates with HSS biomechanical engineers
• Work with HSS statisticians to analyze data
• Assist with grant documents and applications
• Organize the Foot & Ankle Service research studies using project management software and provide weekly updates on research progress

Criteria: 

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree (current undergraduates who are planning to graduate by the end of May 2025 are encouraged to apply)
• A qualified candidate has exceptional written and oral communication skills and utilizes these skills in an effective manner to interface with a broad range of surgeons, clinical staff, management, external sponsors, and patients at HSS.
• Undergraduate classes in science or pre-medical studies preferred
• Interest in orthopaedic surgery research
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint

Previous scientific research experience or knowledge of statistics is beneficial, but not mandatory. 

If interested, please submit your CV, MCAT scores, transcript (unofficial), and a cover letter to DrContiOffice@hss.edu.