Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

A prestigious two-year paid fellowship in spine surgery research, led by Drs. Agarwal and Hamilton. This immersive program provides advanced training in groundbreaking research focusing on spinal procedures, designed for individuals pursuing neurological surgery residency.

Postdoctoral research fellow working on spine finite element modeling

Program Overview

SCOLI is delighted to introduce a research fellowship in spine surgery, meticulously led by Drs. Agarwal and Hamilton. This prestigious fellowship offers advanced training in groundbreaking research focusing on spinal procedures. This paid two-year fellowship is designed as an immersive, full-time program for individuals interested in pursuing a residency in neurological surgery.

As a fellow within this program, you will have the unparalleled opportunity to contribute to and help shape the leading research publications under the guidance of the University of Pittsburgh’s esteemed faculty. Fellows will actively present their research findings at professional conferences, author publications, and engage in the myriad of other enriching activities we offer.

This fellowship serves as an excellent pathway preparation for neurological surgery residency, providing the research experience and mentorship necessary for competitive applications to top-tier programs.

Program Highlights

Our research fellowship offers comprehensive training and development opportunities in spine surgery research:

Program Structure

  • Two-year paid fellowship program
  • Full-time immersive research experience
  • Mentorship by renowned faculty Drs. Agarwal and Hamilton
  • Pathway preparation for neurological surgery residency

Research Focus

  • Focus on cutting-edge spine surgery research
  • Minimally invasive and robotic spine surgery
  • Novel diagnostic testing for spinal pathologies
  • Spinal procedure outcomes and effectiveness

Academic Opportunities

  • Opportunities to contribute to leading research publications
  • Active participation in professional conferences and presentations
  • Research publication authorship opportunities
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and innovation

Professional Development

  • Exposure to minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques
  • Advanced surgical technologies and innovation training
  • Career guidance and mentorship for residency applications
  • Professional networking opportunities

Research Focus Areas

Our research fellowship encompasses several cutting-edge areas of spine surgery research, providing fellows with exposure to the latest developments in the field:

Minimally Invasive Surgery

  • Latest minimally invasive spine surgery techniques
  • Outcomes research and technique refinement
  • Patient selection criteria optimization
  • Comparative effectiveness studies

Robotic Spine Surgery

  • Robotic spine surgery applications and outcomes
  • Technology integration and workflow optimization
  • Safety and efficacy studies
  • Future directions in robotic surgery

Diagnostic Testing

  • Novel diagnostic testing for spinal pathologies
  • Advanced imaging techniques and applications
  • Biomarker development and validation
  • Diagnostic algorithm optimization

Clinical Outcomes

  • Spinal procedure outcomes and effectiveness
  • Patient-reported outcome measures
  • Long-term follow-up studies
  • Quality improvement initiatives

Application Requirements

We seek highly motivated individuals with strong academic backgrounds and research interests in spine surgery. The ideal candidate will demonstrate commitment to academic excellence and have the potential to contribute meaningfully to our research programs.

Program Requirements

  • Step 1 and Step 2 completed
  • Prior research experience
  • Minimum two-year commitment
  • Two faculty letters of recommendation (neurosurgical faculty preferred)
  • Strong academic record and research background
  • Interest in pursuing neurological surgery residency

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. We encourage interested candidates to apply early to ensure consideration for the next available position.

  1. Prepare your application. Gather your curriculum vitae, personal statement, and two faculty letters of recommendation.
  2. Submit your application. Email the complete package to [email protected] with the subject line “Research Fellowship Application”.
  3. Faculty review. Faculty review the application materials and assess research fit and potential.
  4. Interview and selection. Selected candidates are invited to interview with faculty and program leadership.

Contact Information

Ready to apply? Email your completed application package to the program address below. We are also glad to answer questions about the fellowship, the research areas, and the application process before you apply.

Program Email

[email protected]

Principal Research Fellow

Ayesha Akbar Waheed, MBBS