Research Assistant II
 Brigham and Women's Hospital | |
 United States, Massachusetts, Boston | |
| 60 Fenwood Road (Show on map) | |
 Mar 12, 2025 | |
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We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, and talented individual to join the team as a Research Assistant II to aid in the acquisition of data from patients enrolled in our studies and the organization and analysis of that data.
GENERAL SUMMARY The laboratory of John Rolston MD, PhD employs invasive measuresof brain activity to better understand brain diseases like epilepsy, and how they can be helped with neurosurgical interventions. In collaboration with Dr. Rina Zelmann, PhD, in the Department of Neurology, we are exploring the effect of stimulation on sleep physiology, by recording different cortical and subcortical structures while delivering pulses of electrical stimulation. We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, and talented individual to join the team as a Research Assistant II to aid in the acquisition of data from patients enrolled in our studies and the organization and analysis of that data. The ideal candidate will also assist in the improvement of hard and software for brain stimulation experiments in humans. Part of the work will involve design, configuration, and operation of real-time systems to link stimulation parameters to simultaneously recorded physiology and behavior ("closed loop" stimulation). This position is best suited for candidates with strong programming skills and a working knowledge of analog-digital electronics and signal processing. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The incumbent in this position will be responsible for: * Interacting with patients to obtain data and run cognitive experiments, sometimes during the day and sometimes during the night. * Maintenance of equipment necessary for recording neural data from patients. * Hardware set-up and hands on both open and closed-loop stimulation * Performs daily work involving data analysis for a wide variety of research projects as well as monitoring subject daily recordings (weekends included) to ensure a high-quality data collection. * Programming of tasks and pre-processing including both open and closed loop stimulation experiments. * Preprocessing and analysis of neural data sets. * Analysis of MRI and CT images to localize electrodes and for other purposes. * Interacting with a team of other researchers inside and outside the lab to achieve these goals including coordination with other members of the research team to ensure all necessary tasks are achieved. * Contributing to reports, documentation, and analytical results working with collaborative research teams. * Attending work-appropriate clinical planning meetings, lab meetings and departmental scientific meetings * Providing support to various research projects within the lab * Training others as appropriate SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED * Demonstrated experience programming in MATLAB or Python. * Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in research laboratory activities. * Superb organizational skills. * Good written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to work independently and as a member of a team. * Analytical skills and ability to problem-solve. * Flexibility to meet the demands of the work and the lab. * Strong ability to interact effectively with many different people and levels throughout the institution and within as well as outside the hospital setting, including patients, doctors, nurses, grant administrators, researchers, etc. Given the complexity of the work involved, a minimum commitment of two years is preferred. NOTE: This position is grant funded. EDUCATION BA/BS degree required. A degree in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or a closely related field is preferred. EXPERIENCE Minimum of 1 year of directly related experience, including behavioral testing, Matlab or Python programming, and some analytical skills. Programming experience and a working knowledge of analog-digital electronics and signal processing is desirable. WORKING CONDITIONS The Research Assistant will work within a team of postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, physician-scientists, and clinical research coordinators. Work will be performed in both the laboratory setting and clinical facilities within the hospital. There must be a willingness to work at night and occasionally work on weekends as required. Physical Requirements
The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. | |