Assistant Research Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Description
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Clinical Research Fellow to join a dynamic and growing academic surgical research program. This fellowship is designed to provide comprehensive training in clinical research methodology, outcomes research, clinical trials, and translational investigation across the full spectrum of cardiothoracic surgery and cardiovascular disease.
This position offers an exceptional opportunity for surgical residents, medical graduates, or postdoctoral trainees interested in academic medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, cardiovascular research, or physician-scientist careers. The Fellow will work closely with faculty mentors on diverse clinical research initiatives spanning cardiac surgery, mechanical circulatory support, heart and lung transplantation, structural heart disease, extracorporeal support, surgical innovation, and outcomes research.
The fellowship provides structured mentorship, formal research training, and hands-on experience in clinical research design, execution, analysis, and dissemination.
Program Goals and Training Objectives
The Clinical Research Fellowship is designed to provide Fellows with:

• Comprehensive training in clinical and translational research methodology
• Experience with retrospective, prospective, and registry-based studies
• Exposure to clinical trials, device development studies, and investigator-initiated protocols
• Formal instruction in:
• Biostatistics and statistical interpretation
• Clinical research design and methodology
• Manuscript writing and scientific communication
• Grant preparation and funding strategies
• Research ethics and regulatory compliance
• Database management and analysis

A key longitudinal goal of the fellowship is to prepare trainees for academic careers and future roles as independent clinical investigators.
Research Environment and Opportunities
The Fellow will be embedded within a highly productive academic cardiothoracic surgery research environment with access to:

• Large institutional clinical databases and electronic health record-derived research data warehouses
• National clinical registries including STS, UNOS, SRTR, CMS, and administrative datasets
• Clinical trial infrastructure supporting investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored studies
• Multicenter registry collaborations
• Translational and device-related clinical research initiatives
• Opportunities to participate in innovation and surgical device development

The Fellow will work directly with faculty mentors and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including surgeons, cardiologists, intensivists, biostatisticians, engineers, and research coordinators.
Research areas include, but are not limited to:

• Outcomes research in cardiothoracic surgery
• Mechanical circulatory support (LVAD, RVAD, ECMO)
• Heart and lung transplantation
• Structural heart and valve interventions
• Surgical innovation and device-related clinical research
• Health services and policy research

Registry-based outcomes and comparative effectiveness research
Fellow Responsibilities
The Clinical Research Fellow will:

• Design and conduct clinical research studies
• Perform data collection, management, and analysis
• Lead and contribute to manuscript preparation and publication
• Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings
• Assist in clinical trial development and execution
• Participate in research meetings, journal clubs, and academic conferences
• Contribute to grant preparation and regulatory submissions (IRB, protocols)
• Participate in seeking out federal, local and society cardiothoracic related research application opportunities

Fellows are expected to develop independent research projects under faculty mentorship.
Mentorship Structure
The Fellow will be supervised by a dedicated faculty mentor team consisting of experienced clinical investigators with active research programs and national leadership in cardiothoracic surgery research.
Mentorship will include:

• Weekly one-on-one research mentorship meetings
• Structured project planning and progress review
• Career development guidance
• Opportunities for national collaboration and networking

Duration and Time Commitment

• Full-time position (minimum 40 hours per week)
• Typical duration: 1-2 years
• Start date: Flexible (rolling start dates available)

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have one of the following:

• M.D., D.O., or equivalent medical degree
• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree
• Enrollment in or completion of a surgical residency or medical training program
• Must demonstrate ability to effectively communicate in written and spoken English sufficient for clinical research activities, regulatory documentation and/or interdisciplinary collaboration.

Preferred candidates include:

• Surgical residents pursuing dedicated research time
• Medical graduates interested in cardiothoracic surgery or cardiovascular research
• Postdoctoral trainees interested in academic careers
• Individuals interested in clinical research, academic medicine, or physician-scientist career pathways

Expected Academic Outcomes
Fellows are expected to:

• Publish multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Present research at national scientific meetings
• Develop skills in clinical research methodology
• Build a foundation for academic or physician-scientist careers

Institutional Environment
Emory University Hospital and Emory Healthcare represent one of the leading academic medical centers in the United States, with a large volume of advanced cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures and a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and research.
The Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery offers a highly collaborative and supportive academic environment with extensive infrastructure supporting clinical, translational, and outcomes research.
Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Health insurance and institutional benefits
• Funding support for national conference presentation
• Structured mentorship and academic career development

Application Instructions
Interested applicants should submit:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement describing research interests and career goals
• Names and contact information for 2-3 references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.
NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.
Additional Details
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).
Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.