The Clinical Research Scholar Program at WashU Medicine Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases is a full-time, immersive research experience designed for students pursuing careers in academic medicine and work in bone and mineral diseases. Scholars work closely with nationally-recognized faculty on high-impact clinical research while gaining exposure to clinical care, mentorship, and professional development.
The program is ideal for highly-motivated students seeking a rigorous, mentorship-driven research year within a leading division of bone and mineral diseases research .
Program Overview
- Duration: 1 year (with the possibility of extension for a second year)
- Format: In-person, full-time position
- Number of Positions: 1 scholar per cycle
- Start Date: Typically summer
Area of Research Focus
Scholars are embedded within the Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases.
Who Should Apply
This program is open to individuals at various stages of training, including:
- Graduates of accredited colleges and universities taking a gap year.
- Medical students between their 1st and 4th years.
- Medical school graduates.
- Please note: VISA support is not available for this program.
Why Choose WashU Medicine Division of Bone and Mineral Diseases?
Scholars benefit from a highly-developed research environment and a proven track record of success:
- Exceptional institutional and divisional research infrastructure, including IRB support, biostatistics collaboration, and database access.
- Opportunities to participate in prospective registries, multicenter studies, outcomes research, and large database analyses.
- Structured, hands-on mentorship with close faculty involvement in study design, execution, manuscript development, and career advising.
- A strong history of scholar productivity, including peer-reviewed publications, national podium and poster presentations.
Goals and Benefits
During the program year, scholars will:
- Lead and complete longitudinal research projects with opportunities for national presentation and publication.
- Contribute to ongoing research studies with authorship opportunities.
- Gain exposure to clinical medicine through participation in outpatient bone and mineral disease clinics.
- Build a national professional network within the osteoporosis and bone and mineral diseases community.
- Expand knowledge through divisional educational conferences and CME activities.
- Develop skills in clinical, qualitative, and outcomes research, including:
- Study design and protocol development.
- Database creation and management.
- Participant recruitment and data collection.
- Statistical analysis and interpretation.
Scholar Responsibilities
Under faculty mentorship, scholars will:
- Lead and collaborate on clinical research projects.
- Work closely with research coordinators, fellows, residents, medical students, biostatisticians, and faculty.
- Develop and maintain research databases.
- Attend monthly divisional research meetings.
- Participate in hypothesis development, study design, and data analysis.
- Prepare scientific abstracts, manuscripts, and grant materials.
Candidate Profile
Successful applicants are typically:
- Interested in a future career in Osteoporosis, bone and mineral diseases or academic medicine.
- Self-directed, intellectually curious, and comfortable managing multiple projects.
- Strong collaborators who work well in team-based environments.
- Receptive to feedback and mentorship.
Prior experience is preferred but not required. Helpful backgrounds include:
- Data management tools (Excel, REDCap, SAS, R).
- Manuscript preparation or academic writing.
- Clinical or outcomes research exposure.
Stipend
- Annual Stipend: $27,600
- No additional benefits are provided.
Questions?
For questions about the Clinical Research Scholar Program, eligibility, or the application process, please contact:
Mahshid Mohseni, MD, MSCI
Director, Clinical Research Unit