Research Assistant: Law, Ethics, Neuroscience, and Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Francis Shen, Shen Lab, Center for Law, Brain, and Behavior, Massachusetts General Hospital / Medical School and Law School
part-time, fall 2022 and spring 2023


The Shen Lab at Harvard is now hiring research assistants. The Lab is directed by Dr. Francis Shen, JD, PhD, a faculty member at the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics, MGH Department of Psychology, and Harvard University Affiliated Professor at Harvard Law School. About the Lab: The Shen Lab motto is “Every story is a brain story,” and the mission of the Lab is to translate advances in brain science and artificial intelligence into better law and policy, and to identify and address the ethical, legal, and social implications of advances in neurotechnology and AI. We study big problems at the cutting edge of law, ethics, neuroscience, and AI, including: the regulation of portable neurotechnology and neuromodulation; behavioral genetics and the law; research ethics for digital / computational phenotyping in psychiatry; aging brains and the law; criminal responsibility and sentencing; sports concussions; litigating brain injury and pain; brain-based lie detection; legal implications of the developing and young adult brain; and improving diversity, equity, inclusion in neuroscience research and clinical practice. Duties and Responsibilities: Research assistants play valuable roles in all aspects of the Lab’s work, including conducting literature reviews, reviewing manuscripts, communicating with research partners, building websites, coordinating events, and much more. Requirements and Qualifications: Applicants must have graduated from high school. High school interns are not currently being considered for RA positions. To be eligible for a paid position, applicants must have residency in a Harvard Payroll State (California, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington). Previous research experience and knowledge of relevant fields such as law, medicine, neuroscience, and AI is not required, but should be mentioned in the cover letter if applicable. Skills valued for this position include ability for clear and effective writing; attention to detail; ability to work independently; organization; and ability to complete projects in a timely fashion. Additional Information: This is a part-time position, with hours varying between 5-15 hours per week. All RAs are mentored by Dr. Francis Shen. The Shen Lab website is at https://www.fxshen.com/shenlab. The lab has over 200 Lab alumni, who have gone on to successful careers and top graduate programs in law, medicine, neuroscience, ethics, and beyond. Dr. Shen hosted an information session about this and additional opportunities in the Shen Lab, and you can view the recording of the session. To Apply: Complete this google form: https://forms.gle/ocmfvynvYJFiuHWh7. Note that you will need to login with a Google account in order to complete the form because you will be asked to upload your cover letter and resume/CV. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible. (posted 11/2022)