Research Assistant I, Neurosurgery

Mass General Brigham•Boston, MA

1d•$21 - $29•Hybrid

About The Position

The Mapping & Engineering Neural Dynamics (MEND) Laboratory, part of the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, studies how brain circuits process information, how these circuits become disrupted in neurological disease, and how neuromodulation therapies can restore normal function. Their 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). This role supports imaging and electrophysiology research investigating the mechanisms and treatment of neurological disorders. The Research Assistant will assist with data acquisition, curation, and analysis, working closely with Dr. Aaron Warren and Dr. John Rolston, and an interdisciplinary team of physicians, scientists, and trainees within the MEND Laboratory and the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Work collaboratively with physicians, scientists, trainees, and research staff on studies involving epilepsy and essential tremor.
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.