Research Assistant Position: Accessible Evidence-Based Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder

Research Assistant Position: Accessible Evidence-Based Treatments for Borderline Personality Disorder
Dr.
Lois W. Choi-Kain, Gunderson Personality Disorders Institute, McLean Hospital / Harvard Medical School
Fall 2019 (part-time, 10 hours/week, unpaid)


We are looking for an undergraduate research assistant to support research on developing accessible and affordable pathways to care for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a prevalent psychiatric disorder characterized by interpersonal sensitivity, affective instability, and impulsivity. Our group is located on McLean Hospital’s main campus (115 Mill St, Belmont, MA 02478), with many clinical activities centered around our Cambridge location (625 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138). Our group, formerly headed by the late Dr. John Gunderson, holds a vested interest in the dissemination of good psychiatric management (GPM), a “generalist”, easily learned intervention to treat BPD against a backdrop of expensive and often inaccessible care models. We are also interested in comorbidities of BPD, including PTSD, and are collaborating with partners in Germany and at McLean Hospital to conduct a trial of dialectical behavior therapy for PTSD with a focus on psychophysiological responses to exposure treatment. Particularly high-yield days for a student to come in would be on Tuesdays at McLean Hospital and Fridays at our Cambridge location, although there is flexibility with this schedule.
Responsibilities: We are looking for a highly motivated student with a demonstrated interest in psychiatric disorders to assist with data analysis and literature-review-based research (e.g., systematic reviews/meta-analyses). Ongoing projects include a study of the interplay of social cognitive, neuropsychological, and attachment factors in BPD, a review of “generalist” treatments for BPD, brief treatment options for BPD, and a systematic review and meta-analysis of smartphone-based interventions for BPD and related symptomatology. In addition, we will require assistance with office administrative duties related to the responsible conduct of research. Requirements and Expectations: Demonstrated interest in clinical work (e.g., medicine, clinical psychology, clinical social work) is strongly recommended as the position provides ample opportunities for shadowing diagnostic interviews, clinical rounds, case discussions, and supervision meetings featuring footage of individual sessions. Previous experience in literature review and statistical techniques relating to biomedical and psychological research is desired, but not required. Additional Information: MBB students are welcome to apply to this position and we will help with arrangements for MBB 90r course credit as needed. Please feel free to address questions to Gabs Ilagan at gilagan@partners.org. To Apply: Send a resume and cover letter with detail on past experiences and how this position would help you achieve your future professional goals to Institute Business Manager Gabs Ilagan at gilagan@partners.org. (posted 8/2019)