Research Assistant – Music Technology and Biomedical Sensing (Temporary, Grant-Funded)

Worcester Polytechnic Institute•Worcester, MA

20d•Onsite

About The Position

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks a temporary Research Assistant to support the Music-induced Analgesia Genome Study (IMAGS), an interdisciplinary research project investigating the use of music and physiological sensing technologies to support chronic pain management. IMAGS explores how music can reduce chronic pain by examining the relationship between listeners' musical experiences and physiological indicators of stress. The project combines music technology, biofeedback sensing, software development, and human-centered design to create tools that support researchers, clinicians, and music therapists. The Research Assistant will work closely with faculty investigators and student researchers to refine, prototype, test, and document wearable sensing technologies used in the IMAGS research platform. This position is funded through a summer research grant and is expected to support an intensive development sprint focused on advancing both existing and next-generation sensor designs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in a degree program in Music Technology, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Design, or a related field.
Experience with prototyping, electronics assembly, fabrication, or wearable technology development.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience with soldering, PCB assembly, or embedded electronics.
Experience with 3D modeling, CAD software, or enclosure design.
Familiarity with physiological sensing technologies, wearable devices, or biomedical instrumentation.
Experience with software development, data visualization, or human-computer interaction projects.
Interest in music technology, digital health, assistive technology, or interdisciplinary research.

Responsibilities

Assist in the refinement, testing, and assembly of wearable galvanic skin response (GSR) sensing devices.
Support the development of ruggedized sensor hardware suitable for research and field deployment.
Design, prototype, and evaluate enclosures and wearable form factors for physiological sensing technologies.
Participate in the exploration and development of novel wearable sensing approaches, including glove-based sensor systems.
Conduct hardware testing, troubleshooting, and quality assurance procedures.
Document design decisions, build procedures, and testing results.
Assist with software configuration, data collection workflows, and system integration as needed.
Collaborate with faculty investigators and other research assistants to meet project milestones.
Participate in project meetings and provide progress updates.