Research - Neurosurgery

Position: Research Opportunities - Neurosurgery
Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Greenberg lab at WashU in St. Louis. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to impactful, hypothesis‑driven work using data science and advanced analytics to study clinical mechanisms and outcomes for spine disease. The role focuses on analysis of human data related to cervical and lumbar spine disease, utilizing datasets such as free‑living wearable data (e.g., Fitbit), smartphone digital biomarkers, large biobank datasets, EHR data, and other clinical mechanistic data.

The lab works in an interdisciplinary environment and collaborates closely with computer scientists, biostatisticians, data scientists, pain scientists, and other researchers. This position is well‑suited for someone looking for hands‑on clinical data science experience before pursuing a clinical residency, advanced research training, or a biomedical industry job.

What We Offer

• A dynamic and collaborative lab environment with strong mentorship.

• Hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge data science and mobile health methods in spine surgery research.

• Opportunities for authorship on high‑impact scientific publications.

• Potential for presentation and attendance at major national meetings.

• Professional development in preparation for graduate school, residency, industry jobs, or other advanced research careers.

Primary

Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyze clinical and digital biomarker datasets to investigate mechanisms and outcomes of spine disease.

• Design and implement statistical models, machine learning pipelines, and data visualization tools.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to integrate findings into translational research projects.

• Prepare manuscripts and presentations for scientific conferences and journals.

• Maintain analytical code and data pipelines following best practices for reproducibility.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, biostatistics, clinical epidemiology, or a related field, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to this requirement.

• Strong foundation in quantitative science with advanced training in data science, biostatistics, or clinical epidemiology.

• Proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, Python) and data‑analysis tools.

• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a quantitative field.

• Experience with wearable device data and mobile health analytics.

• Knowledge of spine surgery research and related clinical datasets.

• Strong publication record or pre‑publication research experience.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314‑935‑1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre‑Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre‑employment screening for this position. The screening will include criminal background check, drug screening, employment and education verification, physical examination, vaccinations, and other checks as applicable. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full‑time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at  to view a…