Translational Research Coordinator in Proteomics and Neuroimaging at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School
Translational Research Coordinator in Proteomics and Neuroimaging
The Eating Disorder Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking a full-time post-bac research assistant (Clinical Research Coordinator II) with a strong interest in neuroscience and quantitative subjects such as bioinformatics, mathematics, statistics, or computer science. The individual will assist with a study using both proteomics and neuroimaging (fMRI/sMRI) to identify state-specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets in low-weight eating disorders (LW-Eds). The post-bac clinical research coordinator will be mentored directly by PIs Drs. Lauren Breithaupt (Massachusetts General Hospital) and Laura Holsen (Brigham and Women’s Hospital). Under their mentorship, the Clinical Research Coordinator will carry out a broad range of neuroimaging, proteomics, biostatics, and computer science-based research actives and procedures as indicated below.
Fostering diversity in the scientific research workforce is a key goal of Drs. Breithaupt and Holsen. Thus, additional funding, support, and mentorship is available for individuals from a diverse background, including those from groups demonstrated to be underrepresented in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences.
GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
The Eating Disorder Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital is seeking a full-time post-bac research assistant (Clinical Research Coordinator) with a strong interest in neuroscience and quantitative subjects such as bioinformatics, mathematics, statistics, or computer science. The individual will assist with a study using both proteomics and neuroimaging (fMRI/sMRI) to identify state-specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets in low-weight eating disorders (LW-Eds). The post-bac clinical research coordinator will be mentored directly by PIs Drs. Lauren Breithaupt (MGH) and Laura Holsen (BWH). Under their mentorship, the Clinical Research Coordinator will carry out a broad range of neuroimaging, proteomics, biostatics, and computer science-based research actives and procedures as indicated below.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Please note, the functions below are representative of major duties that are typically associated with these positions. Specific responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Similarly, not all duties that have been outlined will be assigned to each position.
The coordinator will process and analyze neuroimaging and proteomics data, and the integration of the two, using longitudinal machine learning methods. Neuroimaging processing responsibilities include DICOM unpacking, conversion of data to NIfTI (BIDS) format, creation of bash scripts for data organization an description, visual inspection of structural and functional data quality, editing and running MATLAB-based SPM12 preprocessing scripts, quality assessment of motion for functional data, and editing and running first-and second-level models in SPM12 and fMRIPrep. Proteomics processing responsibilities include checking quality control metrics of NPX values, multiple imputation methods in R, presenting data workflows and summary statics using Rmarkdowns, editing script for running regression-based ML models in R and Python.
Additional responsibilities include uploading data to the NIH data archive, preparing detailed agendas and data updates for meetings, and training new staff members in neuroimaging and proteomics analyses. This is a great position for those wanting 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.
Ideal applicants for the position should:
• Have a strong background and interest in neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and/or biology.
• Have a strong background and interest in quantitative subjects such as mathematics, statistics, or computer science.
• Be in good academic standing with a strong GPA, and have completed coursework in calculus.
• Be interested in pursuing graduate studies in biostatistics or computational biology, with an emphasis in Big Data.
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
• Strong computer, statistical, and managerial skills are essential
• Programming skills (previous R experience is required, with a combination of MATLAB, bash, python)
• Comfort with Linux environment
• Experience using R, MATLAB, SPM12, and fMRIPrep
• Familiarity with BIDS format
• Prior knowledge/experience with cloud-based computing
• Careful attention to details
• Good organizational skills
• Ability to follow directions
• Good 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
EDUCATION:
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, or related
field required.
EXPERIENCE:
• Those with a minimum of 1-2 years of experience working in a research lab with neuroimaging/proteomics will be considered for the Clinical Research Coordinator II position.
The full ad and application can be found here: