About the Research Fellowship
Besides clinical fellowships (which include some research), the Alps Surgery Institute (ASI) also offers a full research fellowship. The research fellowship is open to all medical students, residents, orthopaedic surgeons, and human movement, biomedical, epidemiology, or physiotherapy scientists interested in research on trauma, plastic, or orthopaedic surgery of the upper extremity.
A research fellowship at the ASI is a valuable experience. Within the rapidly developing world of orthopaedics, the ASI is known for its leadership and innovation, such as the introduction of the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure and lasso-loop suture. We perform studies on a wide range of topics including trauma, plexus surgery, arthroplasty, arthroscopy, and many more, which allows the fellow to experience the full range of surgical science. We also employ a large variety of study methods, including randomised trials, prospective, retrospective, cross-sectional, review, and technique papers, and we employ the latest technology such as machine learning algorithms, 3D pre-operative planning, per-operative navigation, and image recognition software. This will allow the research fellow to develop the full range of scientific skills from study design to publication.
Research fellows are also encouraged to participate in the clinic and operating theatre, as well as in the organisation of international courses and congresses that are held at our centre.
To date, 5 full-time research fellows have profited from this opportunity, contributing to 3 PhD trajectories at our partner universities. The ASI offers three types of research fellowships:
1. Short-term
This 3- to 6-month research internship will allow you to experience the full range of research that is performed at our centre. It provides the opportunity to be an integral part of one of the leading centres for innovation in upper extremity and brachial plexus surgery. The aim of this short-term research fellowship is to complete and publish at least one small project, while assisting with other projects that are already ongoing in order to create a full scientific experience. This will be done under supervision of other researchers and the orthopaedic surgeons. The short-term research internship is a great opportunity to start developing or further advance your scientific skill. French language proficiency is not strictly required, but will allow you to benefit more from the internship.
2. Long-term
This 9- to 18-month fellowship will allow you to play a central role in our research team. The aim is to set up and complete several projects, preferably including one randomised trial. As long-term research fellow you are also encouraged to participate in other ongoing projects and provide supervision for short-term research fellows. This experience help you further develop all necessary skills to become an orthopaedic scientist. A reasonable degree of French language (CEFR level B1 or higher) would enable you to get the most out of the placement and is therefore advised.
3. Full PhD
This 2- to 3-year fellowship will allow you to become one of the leading scientists at our innovative centre. The aim of this fellowship is to complete 5- to 10 projects with a variety of methods ranging from randomised trials to proof-of-concept studies. As a full PhD fellow, you are encouraged to supervise other researchers and play a pivotal role in our research team. You will also have the freedom and opportunity to implement new research directions and structures, shaping the future of the ASI. A reasonable degree of conversational French (CEFR level B1 or higher) is required. This fellowship will allow you to obtain a PhD degree at one of our partner universities.
We can provide assistance in collecting grants and funding for the research fellowships. We have previously been successful in obtaining grants from European, national, and local societies. For long-term and PhD fellowship, there are possibilities to obtain institutional funding.
We aim to organise studies well before the arrival of the responsible research fellow to avoid any delays in getting started upon arrival in Annecy, we try to plan at least 6 months ahead. It is important to consider that some work is required before the starting date of the fellowship.
A custom fellowship can be organised according to your wishes and planning, please do not hesitate to reach out so we can discuss the options.
Note: Unfortunately, due to visa related constraints we are not allowed to offer applicants from outside the EU a fellowship for more than 3 months.
Role of the ASI research fellows
• Set up and perform clinical studies as part of the ASI research team
• Contribute to ongoing studies
• Write and publish articles
• Present abstracts at national and international conferences
• Aid in the organisation of international courses and congresses held at the ASI
• Be a team player
• Pro-actively contribute to the future of the institute by bringing in new ideas and innovations.
Requirements:
• The research fellow must be a (bio)medical student, resident, orthopaedic surgeon, or movement science, biomedical, epidemiology, physiotherapy scientist, or active in another field related to orthopaedics.
• The fellow must have sufficient skill in English writing.
• The fellow must be comfortable in conversational English speaking.
• The fellow must be enthusiastic for orthopaedics and clinical research and be willing to contribute to the research team and the future of the institution.
• The fellow must be pro-active take responsibility for their own project(s)
Additional requirements for long-term and PhD fellows:
• The fellow must be reasonably fluent in conversational French or willing to take language courses before arrival. CEFR level B1 or higher is advised for long-term fellows and required for PhD fellows.
• The fellow must have some scientific experience, in the form of a previous research internship, course, or at least 1 publication.
• The fellow must master basic skills in statistics and research methodology.
Essential Criteria for all Fellows
– The fellow must have suitable evidence of full registration with the medical regulatory body of their home country as well as evidence of health clearance to practice medicine.
– Language – the fellow must be reasonably fluent in conversational French and it would be desirable if he/she had an understanding of English. IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT A FELLOW ON A ONE YEAR FELLOWSHIP IS FLUENT IN FRENCH.
– IT skills – the fellow will be expected to have a good knowledge of and understanding of data collection and analysis and it is essential that they are comfortable using Microsoft Excel and Access.
– A suitable fellow will have the initiative to contribute to the Institute’s knowledge base and experience. Since the unit is small, the working environment is always friendly and team-based and fellows are always welcomed and treated as valued members.
The Institute may consider the possibility of funding for surgeons participating in a one year fellowship.
Fellows of the unit may also benefit from a large reduction in the cost of lunch in the hospital’s restaurant.
Salary: 1 500 €/month
Lunch: about 3,50 €/meal
