Explore FARIL

Foot & Ankle Research and Innovation Lab logo

The Foot & Ankle Research and Innovation Lab (FARIL) is a groundbreaking initiative from Massachusetts General Hospital’s foot and ankle service focused on pioneering breakthroughs that directly impact care. Led by Christopher W. DiGiovanni, MD and Soheil Ashkani, MD, FARIL researchers are considering some of the most complex issues facing foot and ankle care today. The Lab aims to leverage clinical expertise and artificial intelligence in its work to refine approaches to diagnosis and both surgical and non-surgical treatment. In recent years, FARIL has produced novel surgical treatment techniques, instruments, implants and guides. Beyond the OR, FARIL is enabling patient-centered post-treatment care and building outcome prediction models to help doctors and patients in the decision-making process.

Foot & Ankle Research Topics

Daniel Guss, MD and Lorena Bejarano-Pineda, MD, Principal Investigators with the Foot and Ankle Research and Innovation Lab
  • Artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer vision
  • Biomechanics and kinematics
  • Designing, 3D-modeling, prototyping and testing novel instruments and implants
  • Diagnostic imaging, ultrasound and weightbearing CT scan
  • Finite element modeling
  • Joint preservation and salvage
  • Neurovascular disease
  • Outcomes and translational research
  • Predictive and decision support models and algorithms
  • Surgical techniques (open/arthroscopic/minimally invasive)
  • Venous thromboembolic (VTE) diseases and other orthopedic complications

Our Team

Principal Investigators

Affiliated Faculty

Clinical Research Coordinators

Affiliates and Research Managers


Research Positions

members of the Foot and Ankle Research and Innovation Lab during a group meeting

The Foot & Ankle Research and Innovation Laboratory is a multidisciplinary platform for innovation, research and education, and serves as a unique environment where clinicians, researchers and engineers work together and share their expertise. FARIL researchers get the opportunity to conduct and co-author clinical and biomechanical research across the topics mentioned above and and gain experience with the fundraising process.

We are recruiting for the following academic positions/classifications:

Research Internship

Full or part-time unpaid position

Qualifications:

  • US Citizen
  • Undergraduate/Graduate/Medical student enrolled in accredited program
  • Biostatistics familiarity
  • Programming and coding skills are preferred
  • Being able to work onsite is preferred

How To Apply: Please send your resume/CV and letter of interest to Soheil Ashkani, MD.

Research Internship for Data/AI Engineers

This position is specifically for trainees and students focused on data science and various aspects of AI engineering, including but not limited to machine learning, natural language processing, deep learning, data analytics, image analysis, 3D design, statistical analysis, software, and web design. Participants should be committed to participating for a minimum of 12 weeks. The program is unfunded; however, individual financial support might be available based on the type of project and the presence of financial support.

Qualifications:

  • Being able to work with a team of clinical and biomedical researchers
  • Experience in developing machine learning algorithms is highly preferred
  • Python programming experience is preferred.

How To Apply: Please send your resume/CV and letter of interest to Soheil Ashkani, MD.

International Research Intern

This program is offered to train international students, MD graduates, and clinical researchers with limited experience in research willing to expand their knowledge and learn more about orthopaedic research and innovation. The program is for 6 months to 1 year and can be extended according to the conditions. The position is unfunded*; however, limited funding opportunities can be available based on the type of the project and the presence of financial sponsors/grants.

Qualifications:

  • MD and/or PhD student or recently graduated
  • Excellent proficiency in the English language
  • Enrolled in an educational program such as MPH, MBA, PhD or post-doc program is preferred
  • Excellent experience in clinical research (at least 1 peer-reviewed publication as the first author is preferred)
  • Biostatistics familiarity
  • Programming and coding skills are preferred
  • Need to have two letters of support from previous/current supervisors

How To Apply: Please send your resume/CV and letter of interest to Soheil Ashkani, MD.

International Research Fellow

One- or two-year unpaid* position

Required Qualifications:

  • MD (with clinical orthopedic experience)
  • Excellent proficiency of the English language
  • Biostatistics familiarity
  • Two letters of support from previous/current supervisors

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Enrolled in a PhD or post-doc program
  • Programming and coding skills
  • At least 3 peer-reviewed publications as first author

*Limited potential for funded research projects

How To Apply: Please send your resume/CV and letter of interest to Soheil Ashkani, MD.

Research Fellow/Post-Doc

This position is ideal for candidates seeking a long-term career in academic medicine.
Project-based funding available

Required Qualifications:

  • MD or MD-PhD
  • US Citizen or permanent resident
  • Solid knowledge on biostatistics
  • Two letters of support from previous/current supervisors

Preferred Qualifications:

  • At least 5 peer-reviewed publications as first author
  • Programming and coding skills

How To Apply: Please send your resume/CV and letter of interest to Soheil Ashkani, MD.

Learn more about FARIL Research


FARIL Team Photos