Neurosurgery Post-Doctoral Research Fellow SMS-3836

SIU Medicine; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Neurosurgery at SIU Medicine seeks a lead clinical researcher to advance outcomes research in glioma biology, neurotrauma, spine, and skull base surgery. You will shape study design, analyze EMR data, and drive scholarly productivity with publications and conference presentations.

Responsibilities include coordinating prospective trials, mentoring trainees, and collaborating across departments to secure grant funding and translate findings into improved patient care.

Qualifications

• MD, DO, or PhD in Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field.
• Sensitivity to the needs of underrepresented minority populations.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct retrospective clinical research studies using EMR data and multicenter databases.
• Develop research questions, hypotheses, study protocols, data collection methodologies, and analytic plans with faculty investigators.
• Lead systematic reviews and meta-analyses addressing clinically relevant neurosurgical questions.
• Conduct statistical and outcomes analyses using appropriate quantitative methods, including survival analysis and regression modelling.
• Participate in prospective clinical research and clinical trials, including protocol implementation, recruitment, data collection, and monitoring.
• Analyze and interpret research findings with faculty investigators and team members.
• Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals, with opportunities for first-author publication.
• Maintain high output of first-author publications and present data at neurosurgical meetings.
• Develop innovative clinical and translational research projects related to glioma biology, neurotrauma, spine, skull base, and outcomes.
• Identify potential funding sources and participate in grant proposals and career development awards.
• Collaborate with neurosurgery faculty, residents, students, statisticians, research personnel, and external investigators.
• Maintain familiarity with current literature and emerging methodologies.

Skills

Clinical research design

Data analysis

Scholarly writing

IRB knowledge

Statistical software SPSS

Collaborative teamwork

Education

MD, DO, or PhD in Clinical Research / Epidemiology / Public Health or related field

Tools

SPSS

Job description

Lead clinical research initiatives under direction of the Division Chief of Neurosurgery, with emphasis on neurosurgical outcomes, glioma biology, neurotrauma, spine, and skull base research. Responsibilities include study design, data analysis, scholarly publication, grant development, and collaboration with faculty and trainees.

I. Research 75%

• A. Design and conduct retrospective clinical research studies utilizing EMR data and appropriate national or multicenter databases.
• B. Develop research questions, hypotheses, study protocols, data collection methodologies, and analytic plans in collaboration with faculty investigators.
• C. Lead and participate in systematic reviews and meta-analyses addressing clinically relevant questions and best practices in neurosurgical care.
• D. Conduct statistical and outcomes analyses using appropriate quantitative methods, which may include survival analysis, regression modeling, propensity score methods, and other advanced statistical techniques.
• E. Participate in prospective clinical research and clinical trials, including protocol implementation, recruitment activities, data collection, quality assurance, and monitoring.
• F. Analyze and interpret research findings in collaboration with faculty investigators and other members of the research team.
• G. Prepare manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals, with an expectation of sustained scholarly productivity and opportunities for first-author publication.
• H. Maintain a high output of first-author publications and present data at regional, national, and international scientific meetings, including neurosurgical conferences such as the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and American Association of Neurological Surgeons annual meetings.
• I. Develop innovative clinical and translational research projects in areas relevant to the Department of Neurosurgery, including glioma biology, neurotrauma, spine, skull base surgery, and neurosurgical outcomes.
• J. Identify potential sources of research funding and participate in preparation of grant proposals, fellowship applications, and career development awards.
• K. Collaborate with neurosurgery faculty, residents, students, statisticians, research personnel, and investigators from other departments or institutions to support multidisciplinary research.
• L. Maintain familiarity with current scientific literature and emerging research methodologies relevant to assigned areas of investigation.

II. Teaching 10%

• A. Assist in the education and mentorship of medical students, graduate students, residents, and other trainees participating in neurosurgical research.
• B. Provide instruction and guidance related to research methodology, study design, literature review, data collection, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and presentation of research findings.
• C. Support trainees in the development and completion of abstracts, manuscripts, posters, presentations, and other scholarly work.
• D. Participate in research conferences, journal clubs, seminars, and other educational activities within the Department of Neurosurgery and School of Medicine as appropriate.

III. Administration 10%

• A. Coordinate the operational aspects of assigned clinical research projects, including study timelines, documentation, data management, and communication among research team members.
• B. Assist with preparation and submission of Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications, amendments, continuing reviews, and other regulatory documentation.
• C. Assist with coordination of prospective clinical trials, including study initiation, participant recruitment processes, regulatory compliance, and data monitoring.
• D. Maintain accurate research records and ensure that research activities are conducted in accordance with institutional policies, study protocols, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• E. Assist in identifying appropriate internal and external funding opportunities and preparing research grant and career development award applications.
• F. Participate in departmental research meetings and assist with planning and prioritization of ongoing research initiatives.

IV. Service 5%

• A. Participate in departmental, School of Medicine, and university research-related activities as assigned.
• B. Contribute to departmental research conferences, scholarly activities, and collaborative initiatives.
• C. Assist with activities that promote the academic and research missions of the Department of Neurosurgery and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
• D. Represent the department through presentation of research findings and participation in appropriate professional and scientific organizations and meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• MD, DO, or PhD in Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field.
• Sensitive to the needs of underrepresented minority populations.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1 year of demonstrated experience in clinical study design, IRB protocols, and medical manuscript preparation.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical software package (e.g., SPSS).
• Exceptional writing skills and the ability to explain complex clinical data to both clinicians and researchers.