Research Assistant II, Neurosurgery

Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

The Mapping & Engineering Neural Dynamics (MEND) Laboratory is part of the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. We study how brain circuits process information, how these circuits become disrupted in neurological disease, and how neuromodulation therapies can restore normal function. Our research combines advanced MRI, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience to study disorders including epilepsy and essential tremor, with a focus on therapies such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound (FUS).

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented (half-time) Research Assistant to support imaging and electrophysiology research investigating the mechanisms and treatment of neurological disorders. The successful candidate will assist with data acquisition, curation, and analysis, working closely with John Rolston, MD, PhD (MEND Lab Director), and an interdisciplinary team of physicians, scientists, and trainees within the MEND Laboratory and the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics.

Qualifications

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work collaboratively with physicians, scientists, trainees, and research staff on studies involving epilepsy and movement disorders.

• Curate, organize, and maintain research databases and study documentation.

• Maintain secure and confidential participant records and research data.

• Assist with participant recruitment, consent, scheduling, and MRI data collection.

• Attend laboratory meetings and relevant clinical conferences.

• Assist with preparing and maintaining ethics applications and collaborative data usage agreements with other research sites.

• Learn and apply neuroimaging methods to process and analyze structural, functional, and diffusion MRI data using tools such as MRtrix, FreeSurfer, and FSL.

• Use Python, MATLAB, and/or R to manage data, perform analyses, and support research workflows.

• Help troubleshoot, improve, and maintain computational image-processing pipelines.

• Assist with preparing scientific manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and grant applications.

• Perform other research-related duties as needed.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team.

• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new technical methods.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Computer literacy, including database tools.  Proficiency with standard computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office or equivalent). 

• Good interpersonal and communication skills.

• Careful attention to detail.

• Ability to follow directions and exhibit professionalism.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, psychology, computer science, engineering, biomedical engineering, or another science or health-related field.

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EXPERIENCE:

• Students from neuroscience, psychology, computer science, engineering, biomedical engineering, mathematics, physics, and pre-med backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• Experience with programming (Python and/or MATLAB), Linux/UNIX, or scientific computing is desirable.

• Experience with neuroimaging software (e.g., FreeSurfer, MRtrix, FSL) is desirable but not required.

• Prior research experience in neuroimaging, electrophysiology, epilepsy, movement disorders, or related fields is desirable but not required.

• Enthusiasm for learning advanced neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, and research methods is essential.  

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Remote Type

Onsite

Work Location

60 Fenwood Road

Scheduled Weekly Hours

20

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$24.28 - $39.43/Hourly

Grade

6

At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.

EEO Statement:

2200 The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.