Non‑ACGME Plastic Surgery Research Fellow
Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware**

Position Title: Plastic Surgery Research Fellow (Non‑ACGME)

Department: Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Location: Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware

Position Type: Full‑Time, One‑Year Research Fellowship (Renewable for a second year based on performance and funding)

Compensation:

• Residents currently enrolled in an ACGME‑accredited residency program will be compensated according to their PGY level aligned with the Thomas Jefferson Medical School salary ladder. 

• Non‑resident applicants (e.g., medical students, international graduates) will receive compensation according to Nemours Research Fellow pay scales.

Position Summary

The Non‑ACGME Plastic Surgery Research Fellowship at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware offers a dedicated year of full‑time clinical outcomes, translational, and basic science research within the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. The fellow works closely with faculty, residents, advanced practice providers, and multidisciplinary collaborators to advance scientific discovery and improve outcomes in pediatric plastic surgery, craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, hand surgery, and reconstructive surgery. This position is ideal for motivated individuals pursuing a career in plastic surgery who seek to strengthen their research portfolio, gain exposure to high‑volume pediatric plastic surgery, and build long‑term academic productivity.

Key Responsibilities

Research Activities

• Design, implement, and manage clinical outcomes studies, database research, and prospective research protocols.

• Coordinate IRB submissions, modifications, renewals, and compliance activities.

• Collect, manage, and analyze clinical and imaging data.

• Perform statistical analysis with support from biostatistics (training available).

• Prepare abstracts, posters, and oral presentations for national meetings (e.g., APSA, ASPS, ACPA).

• Draft and submit manuscripts to peer‑reviewed journals.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including craniofacial, ENT, neurosurgery, orthopedics, neonatology, and rehabilitation.

• Participate in grant writing and research funding applications as appropriate.

Clinical Exposure (Observation Only; Non‑ACGME)

• Optional structured OR and clinic observation with attending surgeons.

• Participation in interdisciplinary craniofacial team reviews and case conferences.

• Attendance at departmental academic programming (M&M, indications conference, journal club, resident teaching).

• No independent patient care responsibilities (this is a research-only role).

• Plastic surgery surgical service call required. 

Administrative & Leadership Responsibilities

• Assist in research training for medical students and rotating observers.

• Contribute to maintaining the division’s research databases and registries.

• Support ongoing quality improvement (QI) projects within the division.

• Represent the division at institutional research committees or national meetings (as assigned).

Qualifications

Required

• MD/DO, MBBS, or equivalent degree OR currently enrolled in an ACGME‑accredited residency program (plastic surgery, general surgery, ENT, orthopedics, or related field).

• Strong interest in academic plastic surgery.

• Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work both independently and within a team.

• Commitment to ethical and compliant research conduct.

Preferred

• Prior experience with research design, statistical analysis, or manuscript writing.

• Prior publications or conference presentations.

• Experience with REDCap, statistical software (SPSS, R, Stata), or advanced imaging tools.

• Experience working with pediatric populations or pediatric surgical specialties

Duration

• 12 months (Start date flexible; renewable up to 24 months based on performance and mutual agreement)

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Division Chief of Plastic Surgery

• Works closely with: 

  • Plastic Surgery faculty

  • Plastic Surgery residents & APPs

  • Clinical research coordinators and research administration

  • Nemours Biomedical Research teams

  • Craniofacial and multidisciplinary partners

Learning Objectives

By the end of the fellowship, the Research Fellow will have achieved:

• Substantial authorship on manuscripts submitted to peer‑reviewed journals

• Accepted abstracts at major plastic surgery or pediatric surgery conferences

• Competency in study design, IRB processes, and data analysis

• Improved understanding of pediatric plastic surgery and craniofacial pathology

• A strong academic foundation to support a competitive application to plastic surgery residency or fellowship programs

Application Requirements

• Curriculum Vitae

• Personal Statement outlining research interests and career goals

• One to three letters of recommendation

• For current residents: Letter of good standing from Program Director

• For international applicants: Documentation of work authorization (Nemours sponsorship may vary)

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.

Learn more at Nemours.org.

At Nemours Children’s, our providers and associates work together across specialties, clinics and hospitals, to give children care that's among the safest, most caring and compassionate. As part of a pediatric health system with both clinical and academic partnerships, we are 100% focused on ensuring a healthier future for children. We strive for excellent outcomes across all of our medical and surgical specialties - and we measure these outcomes in order to provide consistent, top-rated care.
We aspire to build a workforce of providers that support the needs of the communities we serve and create a sense of belonging for our patients and families. Nemours Children’s is committed to equal opportunity in welcoming candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Any preference or exclusion based on a protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. To learn more, click here.
Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, a 220-bed facility located in Wilmington, serves as a Level IV NICU and the only Pediatric Level 1 Trauma Center in the state. For more than 80 years, its world-renowned care, education and research capabilities have healed hundreds of thousands of children and provided training for thousands of pediatric specialists across the U.S.
In 2023–24, U.S. News & World Report ranked the hospital in five pediatric specialties: cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and GI surgery and orthopedics. The hospital is a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center, verified by the American College of Surgeons. This recognition highlights the center's improved surgical quality, reduced complications, lower costs and saved lives. Our nursing program has earned Magnet status for the third time from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®, demonstrating excellence in health care.
We collaborate closely with Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, providing pediatric specialty care for newborns and in the emergency department, and collaborating closely on research and care for complex conditions.
Wilmington, Delaware Living in Wilmington, Delaware offers a blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, historic landmarks and proximity to major East Coast cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore. Residents enjoy a variety of dining options, shopping districts and outdoor recreational opportunities along the Brandywine River. Wilmington is also a hub for business and employment.