Brigham and Women's Hospital
Clinical Research Assistant in Neuroimaging and Eating Disorders (COUNTERACT)
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
The Multidisciplinary Eating Disorders Research Collaborative (MEDRC) at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Holsen Lab Brigham and Women’s Hospital is seeking a full‑time post‑bac clinical Research Assistant with a strong interest in neuroscience and quantitative methods, including data analysis or computer science. The individual will assist with a clinical trial focused on the impact of cognitive‑behavioral therapy for avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in adolescents on clinical, neuroimaging (fMRI/sMRI), and neuroendocrine metrics, and may have the opportunity to be involved in other clinical research studies in the MEDRC and Holsen Lab. Under the supervision of the principal investigators, the post‑bac clinical research assistant will carry out a broad range of neuroimaging, biostatistics, and computer science‑based research activities and procedures as indicated below. This is a great position for those wanting clinical research experience before applying for graduate school or medical school. Our team has a strong track record of mentoring research assistants who have gone on to pursue medical school or doctoral programs in clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience, public health, and bioinformatics.
You can find out more about our lab at https://holsenlab.bwh.harvard.edu/.
Fostering diversity in the scientific research workforce is a key goal of the MEDRC and the Holsen Lab. Thus, additional support and mentorship are available for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups demonstrated to be underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and social sciences.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Interact with adolescent participants during clinical study visits in the MRI environment
Collect neuroimaging data during clinical study visits
Contribute to the collection, coding, management, and analysis of serologic and behavioral data
DICOM unpacking, conversion of data to NIfTI (BIDS) format
Creation of bash scripts for data organization
Visual inspection of structural and functional data quality
Editing and running MATLAB-based SPM12 preprocessing scripts
Quality assessment of motion for functional data
Editing and running first‑and second‑level models in SPM12 and fMRIPrep
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Uploading data to the NIH Data Archive
Preparing detailed agendas and data updates for meetings
Conducting structured clinical interviewing for psychiatric disorders, including eating disorders, mood disorders, and suicidal ideation. Training and supervision with a clinical psychologist provided.
Processing (aliquoting, centrifuging) blood samples collected during study visits
Assist in logistical coordination and preparation before study visits
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Have a strong background and interest in neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psychology, biology, mathematics, statistics, or computer science
Be in good academic standing with a strong GPA
Strong computer and statistical skills
Programming skills (previous R experience is required)
Comfort with Linux environment
Experience using R, MATLAB, SPM12, or fMRIPrep
Careful attention to details
Good organizational and communication skills
Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
Ability to demonstrate respect and professionalism for subjects’ rights and individual needs
Ability to work independently and as a team player
Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems
Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
Working knowledge of data management program
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.
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You can find out more about our lab at https://holsenlab.bwh.harvard.edu/.
Fostering diversity in the scientific research workforce is a key goal of the MEDRC and the Holsen Lab. Thus, additional support and mentorship are available for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups demonstrated to be underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical, and social sciences.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Interact with adolescent participants during clinical study visits in the MRI environment
Collect neuroimaging data during clinical study visits
Contribute to the collection, coding, management, and analysis of serologic and behavioral data
DICOM unpacking, conversion of data to NIfTI (BIDS) format
Creation of bash scripts for data organization
Visual inspection of structural and functional data quality
Editing and running MATLAB-based SPM12 preprocessing scripts
Quality assessment of motion for functional data
Editing and running first‑and second‑level models in SPM12 and fMRIPrep
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Uploading data to the NIH Data Archive
Preparing detailed agendas and data updates for meetings
Conducting structured clinical interviewing for psychiatric disorders, including eating disorders, mood disorders, and suicidal ideation. Training and supervision with a clinical psychologist provided.
Processing (aliquoting, centrifuging) blood samples collected during study visits
Assist in logistical coordination and preparation before study visits
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
Have a strong background and interest in neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psychology, biology, mathematics, statistics, or computer science
Be in good academic standing with a strong GPA
Strong computer and statistical skills
Programming skills (previous R experience is required)
Comfort with Linux environment
Experience using R, MATLAB, SPM12, or fMRIPrep
Careful attention to details
Good organizational and communication skills
Working knowledge of clinical research protocols
Ability to demonstrate respect and professionalism for subjects’ rights and individual needs
Ability to work independently and as a team player
Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems
Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
Working knowledge of data management program
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.
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