Pediatric Orthopedic Research Scholar - Pediatric Orthopedic Residency Program

The Nemours Foundation; Wilmington (DE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nemours Children's Health in Wilmington, DE invites a physician who has completed orthopaedic training to join a one-year Pediatric Orthopedic Research Scholar position within the Residency Program. This fellowship emphasizes clinical and basic orthopaedics research under the supervision of staff orthopaedists and basic scientists.

The role involves IRB protocol development, data collection, analysis with statisticians, and manuscript preparation, with limited patient contact and observation in

Qualifications

• Must hold an active medical license in country or state of origin.
• Experience in orthopaedic research or related clinical research.
• Ability to develop and manage research protocols and projects.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff attendings on developing clinical research protocols.
• Collaborate with staff attendings in writing research protocols for IRB approval.
• Review clinical records to develop scientific data for research projects.
• Collect data (questionnaires, interviews); schedule return visits; assist in data collection.
• Maintain data sheets and analyze data with attending staff and statisticians.
• Observe in outpatient clinics with limited patient care responsibilities.
• Participate in OR for educational purposes and attend seminars.

Skills

Medical license

Research experience

Education

Medical degree (MD/DO)

Job description

Pediatric Orthopedic Research Scholar - Pediatric Orthopedic Residency Program

Job Description

We are seeking a physician who has completed all orthopaedic training and desires further post-graduate training in pediatric orthopaedics related research, for a one-year Pediatric Orthopedic Research Scholar position at Nemours Children's Health in Wilmington, DE.

For international scholars needing a J1 Visa: The individual must have a medical license from their home country and/or local government and a letter of recommendation from the home institution stating that the training will benefit the individual and the community after further pediatric experience. Good English language skills are required.

Research Scholars are expected to be involved in clinical science research projects. They may have limited patient contact as casual observers and may be in the operating room as observers. Length of service is a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 24 months.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Orthopaedic Research Scholar is a physician who may or not be licensed in the State of Delaware with a medical training license. The license depends on the status of USMLE testing. The responsibilities are to pursue clinical research projects and basic research projects related to orthopaedics under the direct supervision of the basic scientists and clinical staff orthopaedists. The Orthopaedic Research Scholar is expected to participate in clinical science research projects. Basic science research projects are also available.

The Orthopaedic Research Scholar is expected to have only incidental patient contact and will not have responsibility for diagnosis and treatment of any patient. Patient examination may be done for research purposes. The scholar can be in the operating room to observe but may not directly be involved in the operative procedure.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with staff attendings on developing clinical research protocols.
• Collaborate with staff attendings in writing research protocols for IRB approval.
• Review clinical records in the development of scientific data related to clinical research projects.
• Collect data such as patient questionnaires and telephone interviews.Schedule research patients for return visits and assist in collecting patient data, such as joint ranges of motion, as required in research protocols.
• Maintain data sheets of collected research data and to analyze data in collaboration with attending staff and statisticians.
• Observe in outpatient clinics, without responsibility for direct patient care.
• Be involved in the operating room for purposes of education Participate in all educational seminars and conferences in the Department of Orthopaedics and attend weekly research seminars, when appropriate.

Be involved in data collecting especially obtaining x-rays and making x-ray measurements, as related to defined research projects.

Be involved in the design, analysis and interpretation of data using statistical software programs

Be involved in the preparation and submission of manuscripts to scientific journals

Present findings at appropriate conferences related to research projects

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education, Training and Experience
• Must have an active license to practice medicine in their country or state of origin.
• Must present a career plan stating how the position as an Orthopaedic Research Scholar will add to the individual’s experience and opportunity for advancement in their career and area of origin.
• The individual must demonstrate completion of basic orthopaedic education in their country or state of origin.
• Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
• Obtaining a State of Delaware physician training license is not a requirement.

Dr. Mihir Thacker has primary oversight of the research fellows in conjunction with the specific service or staff that the individual may desire to work with.

There is no need to determine prior to starting which attending or specialty the fellows wants to work with; however, if an individual has a specific interest they should coordinate this prior to arriving for the fellowship. In addition to general pediatric orthopedics, special areas of interest available include neuro-orthopedics with gait analysis, spinal surgery, and upper extremity surgery.

During the first month of your fellowship, you will not have any specific research project activities. You will complete all of the necessary post arrival paperwork and orientation processes. You will have the opportunity to observe physicians in the Cast Room and Orthopaedic Care Center. The majority of your time will be spent procuring your social security number, arranging banking and transportation and attending various orientations and screenings.

About the Team

At Nemours Children's, our physicians collaborate across specialties, practices, and hospital settings to deliver care that is among the safest, most compassionate, and most advanced in pediatric medicine. As part of a fully integrated health system with strong academic partnerships, we are focused on achieving exceptional outcomes across every specialty.

We continuously measure and improve outcomes to ensure consistent, top-tier care for children and families. Our culture supports professional growth, collaboration, and innovation while advancing our mission to create the healthiest generations of children.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to creating a strong sense of belonging for patients, families, and team members alike. Nemours is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

In the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings, Nemours Children’s, Delaware is a Top 10 children’s hospital in the Mid-Atlantic region with eight nationally ranked specialties, including Top 10 in orthopedics and Top 15 in diabetes and endocrinology.

A Level I Children’s Surgery Center and three-time Magnet-recognized organization, Nemours Children’s continues a $130 million campus expansion enhancing cardiology, oncology, maternal fetal medicine, and surgical services.

Wilmington offers an ideal blend of historic charm, economic vitality, and East Coast accessibility. Located along the scenic Brandywine River, the city features vibrant cultural districts, acclaimed restaurants, museums, performing arts venues, and miles of parks and trails.

Residents enjoy convenient access to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., along with Amtrak service throughout the Northeast Corridor. Wilmington’s strong financial, health care, and life sciences sectors, combined with excellent schools and diverse neighborhoods, make it an attractive place for professionals and families seeking both opportunity and quality of life.

About Us

Nemours Children's Health is an internationally recognized pediatric health system serving more than 1.7 million patient encounters each year. We deliver care across six states through two freestanding children’s hospitals — Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware and Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida — along with a network of more than 80 primary, urgent, and specialty care practices and more than 40 hospital partnerships.

Backed by the Nemours Foundation and Alfred I. duPont Trust, our $1.7B nonprofit system is dedicated to improving children's health through clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention. Our Whole Child Health approach focuses equally on prevention and treatment, partnering with communities to help every child thrive.

Inclusion and belonging guide our strategy and growth. We are committed to culturally relevant care, reducing health disparities, and fostering an environment where every associate, patient, and family feels supported and valued.

Job Info

• Job Identification 18360
• Job Category Research
• Posting Date 05/01/2026, 02:08 AM
• Degree Level Doctorate Degree
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, US (On-site)