Research Assistant: Web Development for Cognitive Science

Research Assistant: Web Development for Cognitive Science
Josh Hartshorne, Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence for Communication Science Lab (AI4CommSci Lab), Institute for Health Professions, Massachusetts General Hospital
fall 2024

The Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence for Communication Science (“AI4CommSci”) Lab at MGH Institute of Health Professions seeks a student research assistant with a strong background in computer science, experience in web development, and an interest in contributing to open-source scientific software for language and cognitive science. The RA will gain practical experience working in an open-source ecosystem, contribute to diverse components of the project’s codebase, and interact with researchers from affiliated institutions. Our open-source project, Pushkin, helps researchers in the cognitive and behavioral sciences implement large-scale online experiments. Pushkin has received multi-year funding from the NSF to upgrade our codebase and expand our community of users. You can learn more about the software at https://pushkin-consortium.github.io/pushkin/. Responsibilities: The RA will be a vital component of our 2-3 person team. Major activities will include (1) reviewing pull requests; (2) monitoring security alerts and bug reports and implementing patches; (3) upgrading dependencies; (4) developing new features; and (5) writing documentation. Requirements and Expectations: Position is ~ten hours weekly. Essential qualifications include experience with JavaScript and with Git and GitHub. Desired qualifications include (1) experience with React and/or Node.js; (2) experience with npm package development; (3) experience writing automated tests; (4) experience with PostgreSQL or other database technologies; (5) coursework in psychology and/or linguistics [helpful but not required]; and (6) familiarity with Docker and/or AWS [helpful but not required]. Additional Information: Hourly wage $17. Hybrid and remote (US) arrangement are possible. Josh Hartshorne is associate research professor at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions. To Apply: Please email save-aKiqMPdB8vEE@3.basecamp.com with (1) a resume or CV, (2) a cover letter, and (3) contact information for two references. This email address will import your application materials directly into our project management system. For general inquiries about the position, please contact jstorbeck@mghihp.edu. (posted 8/24)