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When you join the UMass Chan Medical School team, you join us in advancing together to improve the health and well-being of our diverse communities throughout Massachusetts and across the US and the world. Together, we lead in education, research, health care delivery, and public service. Your life’s work is more than a career. It’s an expression of your passion, intellect, skill, and drive. UMass Chan's commitment to excellence, innovation, competitive benefits, and work-life integration will allow you to build a professionally rewarding career as we work together to better or improve the health of people around the globe.
We are accepting applications for the Mark Justin Kusek Colorectal Cancer Research Fellowship, a fully funded position in our Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
We are seeking candidates who will have completed a minimum of two post-graduate training years in an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency program by June 30, 2026.This includes recent general surgery residency graduates with a specific interest in innovative colorectal cancer care who are interested in pursuing an intensive research experience.
The position can be either a one-or two-year commitment, depending on the candidates research goals.
We will provide a comprehensive research experience for a motivated, focused, and driven young surgeon who has a strong interest in pursuing a career in academic surgery. There will be significant opportunity for active participation in clinical trials, outcomes research, quality improvement programs, as well as translational research protocols. Interest in video technology and media is advantageous. There will be several opportunities for presentations at national and regional meetings throughout the year.
UMASS is a major academic tertiary regional referral center in Worcester, MA—less than a one-hour drive from Boston. We are a high-volume academic colon and rectal surgery practice. We are a dynamic, team-oriented group with a diverse and vibrant colorectal practice. We have a clinical focus on minimally invasive techniques for colorectal cancer, including robotics, transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM/TAMIS), and endoluminal colonic stenting.
There will be significant opportunity to work on projects alongside our general surgery residents and clinical fellow in Colon & Rectal surgery as well as guiding University of Massachusetts Medical Students. We are eager to mentor a research fellow who has promise for a successful career as a leader in academic surgery.
Our staff:
Justin Maykel, MD (Division Chief)
Tess Aulet, MD (Mark Justin Kusek Fellowship Director)
Karim Alavi, MD, MPH (Director of Research, Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery)
Paul Sturrock, MD
Thomas Peponis MD
Start date is July 1, 2026. All interested applicants should submit a cover letter, CV, and a letter of recommendation to Kinga Laska-Bostock Kinga.Laskabostock@umassmemorial.org by Friday, November 28,2025.Any inquiries can be directed via email to Kinga Laska-Bostock
Posting Disclaimer:
This job posting outlines the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the role but is not intended to be an exhaustive list.
Duties and expectations may evolve in response to the needs of the department and the broader institution.
In alignment with our commitment to pay transparency, the base salary range for this position is listed above (exclusive of benefits and retirement).
At UMass Chan Medical School, final base salary offers are determined based on a combination of factors, including your skills, education, and relevant experience.
We also consider internal equity to ensure fair and consistent compensation across our teams.
Please note that the range provided reflects the full base salary range for this position. Offers are typically made within the midrange to allow for future growth and development within the role.
In addition to base pay, UMass Chan offers a comprehensive Total Rewards package, which includes paid time off, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and participation in a 401(a)-retirement plan, with the option to contribute to a voluntary 403(b) plan.
UMass Chan welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
