Research Assistant Position: Clinical Neuroimaging of the Aging Brain
Research Assistant Position: Clinical Neuroimaging of the Aging Brain
Dr. David Salat, Brain Aging and Dementia (BAnD) Laboratory, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital / Medical School
fall 2024
We are seeking motivated undergraduate students interested in gaining hands-on experience in clinical neuroimaging research in the study of brain aging and age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and cerebrovascular disease. The Research Assistant will work closely with clinical research coordinators and other lab staff to support a range of activities related to human research studies. This position provides an opportunity to contribute to ongoing research while developing valuable skills in participant recruitment, study coordination, data management, and participant interaction. Responsibilities: Participant Recruitment and Enrollment: (1) assist in identifying and screening potential research participants for eligibility based on study criteria; and (2) communicate with participants to explain study procedures, obtain consent, and schedule study visits. Study Coordination and Logistics: (1) support the coordination of multiple ongoing studies, including managing timelines and tracking study progress; and (2) help organize study logistics such as scheduling participant sessions, ensuring adherence to study protocols, and tracking data collection. Participant Testing: (1) assist with neuroimaging sessions (e.g., MRI) and other participant testing, including cognitive and behavioral assessments (training will be provided); and (2) monitor and assist participants during testing sessions to ensure comfort and data quality. Data Entry and Management: (1) perform data entry and quality control of research data collected from participant visits; and (2) help maintain accurate and detailed study records, including regulatory documents and study-related correspondence. Administrative Support: (1) provide general administrative support, including preparing and organizing study-related documents; and (2) assist in the preparation and submission of regulatory documents such as Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols, amendments, and continuing reviews. Lab Support: participate in lab meetings and contribute to the smooth running of the lab, including assisting with various lab-related activities. Requirements and Expectations: Qualifications: (1) current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, pre-medicine, or a related field: (2) passion for research and a strong interest in neuroimaging, clinical research, or human studies; (3) Preferred but not required: (a) experience in research settings or coursework related to neuroscience, psychology, or related fields; and (b) familiarity with neuroimaging techniques (e.g., MRI, EEG) and software (e.g., FSL, SPM), or statistical tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python). Skills: (1) strong verbal and written communication skills; (2) ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative research environment; (3) detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills; (4) comfortable interacting with research participants, explaining procedures, and following study protocols; and (5) basic computer literacy, with a willingness to learn data management and analysis tools. Additional Information: This volunteer position is ideal for students pursuing a degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, pre-medicine, or a related field, and seeking practical experience to further their academic and professional development. Academic credit is possible through MBB90r (https://mbb.harvard.edu/pages/research-course) or other academic opportunities. It is also possible that this work could also culminate in a thesis project. Location: Brain Aging and Dementia Laboratory, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Charlestown Navy Yard, 149 13th Street, Charlestown. Lab Website: https://bandlab.mgh.harvard.edu/. Time Commitment: a minimum commitment of 10 hours per week, with flexibility depending on the student’s schedule; scheduling will be coordinated with research coordinators and may include some flexibility to accommodate participant availability. Benefits and Opportunities: Opportunity to (1) gain hands-on experience in neuroimaging and clinical research; (2) develop valuable skills in research methodologies, data collection, participant interaction, and study coordination; and (3) receive academic credit for your participation (must be coordinated with your academic advisor). This position offers professional development opportunities and is ideal for students interested in pursuing graduate school or a career in research. To Apply: Please send a resume and a brief statement of interest to David Salat at dsalat@mgh.harvard.edu. Include your expected availability and how this position aligns with your academic and career goals. (posted 9/2024)