Clinical Research Coordinator Position @ Harvard Medical School/Massachusettes General Hospital

We’re looking for recent graduates or undergraduate students graduating in May with at least 1 year of related research experience, preferably in Neuroimaging (MRI, EEG, etc) and coding. These full-time positions would be suitable for an applicant with a background in engineering, computer science, or mathematics who has a strong interest and motivation to apply that knowledge in clinical neuroscience. Neuroscience, biology, psychology, or other majors with demonstrated quantitative skills are also welcomed to apply. We are looking for candidates who are organized, detail-oriented, able to work independently, and possess good writing and editing skills. We are hoping to recruit candidates with a strong background in at least one programming language commonly used for scientific data analysis (Python and MATLAB). 

Below you’ll find the detailed job descriptions. To apply, please have applicants send a copy of their CV and a cover letter describing their research experience to Ashley Hayden at neurotherapeutics@mgh.harvard.edu.

Principal Investigators: Darin Dougherty, MD & Tina Chou, PhD (primary supervisors)

Responsibilities: Full-time Clinical Research Coordinator I (CRC I) needed in the Division of Neurotherapeutics, a

multidisciplinary clinical neuroscience group. We conduct neuroimaging, brain stimulation, and behavioral studies of

mood and anxiety disorders. Most of our work uses neuromodulation devices as tools to both treat disease and

understand the brain.

The CRC will assist with the collection of neuroimaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and behavioral task

data. The CRC will work closely with individuals with psychiatric disorders by administering and scoring standardized

questionnaires and clinical interviews. There will be opportunities to shadow clinicians in the Division and observe

neurosurgeries. Data analysis includes time series (human EEG & intracranial recordings) and behavioral data analysis

for several studies on the neural mechanisms of psychiatric illness. This is likely to additionally include methods

development, e.g. programming the visual display of standardized stimuli for various testing environments. Analysis

will include a variety of statistical methods, and will require learning new software tools (e.g., MNE, SPM). This often

involves programming scripts and code collections that can then be used by others. Finally, the CRC I will have multiple

administrative duties.

The position requires high level technical and analytical skills, strong research and writing skills, and the ability to work

independently. The CRC will be working closely with psychiatric patients for data collection, and so should be

comfortable and considerate while working with clinical populations. We give preference to candidates who are

interested in clinical/translational research work as part of their long-term career. The CRC will also work closely with

investigators, study staff and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to implement and oversee studies, submit appropriate

regulatory forms, and maintain study databases. The CRC will assist with grant proposal submissions, renewals, and

progress reports. The CRC will also be involved in writing scientific poster abstracts and manuscripts for publication

and will be accordingly credited as an author.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree with at least 1 year of related research experience not for course credit required.

This position is best suited for an applicant with a background in engineering, computer science, with a strong interest in

motivation to apply that knowledge to clinical neuroscience. Neuroscience, biology, psychology, or other majors are also

acceptable with demonstrated quantitative skills. Candidates must be organized, attentive to detail, able to work

independently and possess good writing and editing skills. Strong interpersonal skills are also a must. Prior experience

working with clinical populations is preferred but not required.

Candidates should have a strong background in at least one programming language commonly used for scientific data

analysis (Python and MATLAB preferred). There should be documented evidence of ability to independently complete

programming tasks. Prior experience with neuroimaging (fMRI) and SPM is a plus, but not required as is prior

experience with electroencephalography and signal processing.

Ongoing/upcoming projects:

● An fMRI on the Neural Correlates of the Consciousness of Fear

● Integrated Information Theory of Consciousness Investigation of Surgical Interventions of Surgical

Interventions for Psychiatric Disorders

● On/Off Stimulation and Reward Motivation in Patients with Deep Brain Stimulators

● Combined Cortical and Striatal Stimulation for Re-Regulating Circuits of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Our laboratory is part of the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, one of the world's largest and most diverse human

neuroscience centers. There will be many opportunities for a broad exposure to cognitive and emotional neuroscience

through seminars, workshops, and peer interactions.