Employment - Vail mountains

Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) is known throughout the world for its research into the causes, prevention and treatment of orthopaedic disorders. We are committed to solving orthopaedic problems that limit an individual's ability to maintain an active life, harnessing regenerative medicine, biomechanics, robotics, advanced imaging and clinical outcomes research in SPRI’s comprehensive approach to orthopaedic science. As a mission-focused organization, SPRI employs dedicated team members who are committed to advancing patient care through scientific research and the practice of evidence-based medicine. SPRI’s team includes scientists, researchers and administrators, all of whom are united in our mission to evolve orthopaedic and musculoskeletal research.


Employment Opportunities

If you are interested in working in a dynamic work environment focused on advancing patient care through research, click here to learn more about our employment opportunities and to apply.

Internship Opportunities

In addition to full-time employment positions, SPRI offers one-year Research Assistant and Research Fellow internship roles at the institute. These internships are highly competitive and designed for individuals who are currently in medical school or pursuing advanced scientific degrees.

Research Fellow Internship

Research Fellow interns in the orthopaedic Robotics and Biomechanics lab play an integral role in projects from initiation to completion. In the study design phase, the employee will conduct literature reviews to identify unanswered clinical questions, participate in team meetings (with bioengineers and orthopaedic surgeons) to design studies and assist with submitting project grants for funding. In the testing phase, the employee will work with orthopaedic surgeons to prepare and dissect specimens, and with biomedical engineers to conduct testing. After testing, the employee will help interpret data, write manuscripts and submit to top-tier orthopaedic conferences and journals. Research Fellow interns may also assist with project logistics, such as scheduling test days, acquiring specimens that meet inclusion criteria and managing surgical equipment inventory to ensure we are prepared for testing days. This lab develops and tests new orthopaedic surgeries in cadaveric specimens and evaluates their efficacy using state-of-the-art robotic manipulation and sensors. Interns are required to have completed a minimum of 3 years of medical school or possess equivalent anatomical and surgical knowledge.

Research Fellow interns in the Center for Outcome Based Orthopaedic Research (COOR) conduct evidence-based, patient-centered, research to aid both physicians and patients in making better and more informed treatment decisions. COOR Research Assistant intern responsibilities include research data management and analysis, literature reviews, manuscript writing and preparing research presentations. Interns are required to have completed a minimum of 3 years of medical school or possess equivalent anatomical and surgical knowledge.

Research Assistant Internship

Research Assistant interns have opportunities in the following departments:

  • Center for Outcome Based Orthopaedic Research (COOR): COOR Research Assistants conduct evidence-based, patient-centered, research to aid both physicians and patients in making better and more informed treatment decisions. COOR Research Assistant intern responsibilities include research data management and analysis, literature reviews, manuscript writing and preparing research presentations.
  • Center for Regenerative and Personalized Medicine (CRPM): CRPM Research Assistants utilize molecular and cellular biology techniques to investigate regenerative medicine strategies to improve the function of musculoskeletal tissues damaged by injury, age, or disease. The lab focuses on a bench-to-bedside strategy where the team performs both basic and clinical research studies with the aim of enhancing the lives of orthopaedic patients. CRPM Research Assistants will work in a semi-independent manner under one of the program directors and be responsible for performing a wide variety of assays including: cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, gene therapy, protein and gene expression analysis. RAs will design, plan, conduct and coordinate experiments to contribute high-quality data for research grants, manuscripts and presentations in support of various research projects. The position is highly collaborative and will work with the clinical teams at The Steadman Clinic and the Imaging, Robotics, Biomotion, and Clinical Outcomes teams.Imaging: As part of the Biomedical Engineering Department, Imaging Research Assistants provide technical, scientific and general operational support to Biomedical Engineering research projects. The Research Assistant intern will support many aspects of imaging research activities through various duties including research project planning and design, participant recruitment and scheduling, data acquisition, data processing/analysis, manuscript drafting and submission, and preparation of abstracts/posters/presentations. Specific activities vary by assignment. One significant focus of this position will be on the organization, segmentation and processing of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data collected as part of several research studies and clinical trials. This position will involve the identification of anatomical structures on images of various joints as well as the skills and knowledge to process the subsequent results for appropriate analysis using software such as MATLAB, Python, or/and Excel. SPRI will consider a qualified student without a college degree, provided they have some knowledge of anatomy and coding.

Employment Duration, Start Date and Application Posting

Research Fellow Internship

  • Two openings in Robotics and Biomechanics, two–four openings in COOR, extremely competitive
  • One-year duration with start of academic summer
  • Position posted close to the first of November and closed when filled
  • Interviews may start in November

Research Assistant Internship

  • Approximately two–eight openings for all three research areas, extremely competitive
  • One-year duration with start of academic summer
  • Position posted close to the first of November and closed when filled
  • Interviews may start in November

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal treatment of all employees without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, physical or mental disability or other basis protected by law.