Research Assistant Position: Maternal Mental Health, Childbirth-Related PTSD, Neuroimaging, and AI-Based Risk Prediction

Research Assistant Position: Maternal Mental Health, Childbirth-Related PTSD, Neuroimaging, and AI-Based Risk Prediction
Prof. Sharon Dekel, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School / Massachusetts General Hospital
Fall 2026

Brief Description of Research The Dekel Laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School studies maternal mental health, with a particular focus on traumatic stress following childbirth and childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD). Our NIH-funded prospective studies follow women from pregnancy through the postpartum period and integrate clinical and behavioral assessments with physiological measures, neuroimaging, obstetric information, and emerging AI-based tools. Our goal is to identify the psychological and biological signatures of traumatic stress following childbirth and translate these findings into practical screening and risk-prediction tools, as well as preventive approaches that enable earlier intervention and ultimately optimize maternal and infant well-being. Current projects examine the full trajectory of childbirth-related traumatic stress, from identifying why some women develop persistent PTSD while others remain resilient, to determining how early psychological, physiological, and biological responses can predict later outcomes and inform targeted intervention. We also investigate how maternal PTSD shapes maternal–infant attachment and early child development, with the overarching goal of developing integrated screening, prevention, and intervention strategies that improve outcomes for both mothers and children. Responsibilities: The undergraduate Research Assistant will work closely with our clinical research team on ongoing studies involving pregnant and postpartum participants. Responsibilities may include (1) assisting with participant recruitment and study visits; (2) administering research questionnaires and behavioral assessments; (3) supporting collection and organization of physiological, neuroimaging, obstetric, and clinical data; (4) assisting with data entry, management, and quality control; (5) conducting literature reviews; (6) participating in laboratory meetings and discussions of ongoing studies; and (7) supporting research presentations and manuscripts as appropriate. Depending on the student’s interests, experience, and duration of involvement, there may also be opportunities to become involved in data analysis and projects incorporating neuroimaging or AI-based approaches. Requirements and Expectations: We are seeking a motivated, reliable, and detail-oriented undergraduate with an interest in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, maternal health, psychiatry, data science, or clinical research. Students should be comfortable interacting with research participants and working collaboratively as part of a clinical research team. Previous research experience is helpful but not required. Experience with data analysis, programming, neuroimaging, or statistics is welcome but not necessary. We ask for a commitment of approximately 10-12 hours per week, with preference given to students who are able to commit for at least two semesters and be on-site. Additional Information: This is an unpaid volunteer research position and may be eligible for academic course credit, subject to Harvard/MBB requirements. The laboratory is located at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston Charlestown Navy Yard. The position will involve primarily in-person research activities, with some tasks potentially completed remotely depending on the project. Lab website: https://massgeneral.link/DekelLab. To Apply: Interested students should email sdekel@mgh.harvard.edu with (1) a CV or resume; (2) a brief description of their research interests and why they are interested in joining the lab; (3) relevant experience, if any; and (4) their anticipated availability during the academic year. Please use the subject line “Undergraduate Research Assistant – Dekel Lab.” (posted 9/2026)