Research Technician - AI in Otolaryngology

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary - MEI
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
243-245 Charles Street (Show on map)
Mar 14, 2025
Summary - Responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, organizing and preparing samples, conducting experiments, and recording and analyzing data. Does this position require Patient Care? No Essential Functions -Perform laboratory experiments following established protocols and procedures. -Prepare and handle samples, reagents, and solutions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to safety guidelines. -Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, conducting routine calibration and troubleshooting as needed. -Record experimental data accurately and maintain organized records of procedures, protocols, and results. -Compile and analyze data using appropriate statistical and analytical methods. -Assist in data interpretation and presentation, contributing to research findings and reports. Education High School Diploma or Equivalent required and Bachelor's Degree Biology preferred Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? Yes Licenses and Credentials Experience Prior laboratory experience, either through academic coursework, internships, or employment. 1-2 years preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory techniques and procedures. - Familiarity with common laboratory equipment and instruments used in research experiments. - Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and scientific software tools. - Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively. - Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot technical issues. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey experimental procedures, results, and challenges. POSITION SUMMARY: The Shalhout Lab is seeking a research technician to help with innovative natural language processing/large language model development research. Interested candidates should have a strong background and interest in the application of AI and ML to healthcare, electronic health records, and cancer to solve real-world problems. Focus areas of this work will include collecting, managing, and labeling datasets for training sets and model building, fine tuning and testing. Furthermore, the research tech will be heavily focused on pre-processing and curating synthetic and/or real-world data sets. The statements below describe the essential duties of the person or persons assigned to this job. They are not intended as an exhaustive list of all job duties and responsibilities. Please direct questions about position to Sophia_shalhout@meei.harvard.edu. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Performs data collection and data abstraction on complex ehr data Performs associated fine-tuning, coding, training, and testing of nlp/llm models Performs routine and non-routine laboratory tests and procedures as directed and required by the specific research project following established protocols. Carries out designated research tasks and projects that may require familiarity with a variety of techniques, software, electronic health records, and equipment. Makes use of library research, structured interviews, data processing and/or other investigative techniques. Collects, organizes, and summarizes acquired data using scientific techniques, including computer programs. Makes periodic reports of project status to supervisor; assists in judging the validity of the data obtained. If applicable, after appropriate training, uses radioactive, infectious, bio-hazardous, and/or toxic substances and stays current in safety procedures for handling, storage and disposal of bio-hazardous, infectious, radioactive, and/or toxic substances. Assists with patient biospecimen tissue collection as needed. Assists with planning specific research procedures, coordinating schedules of tests and procedures. Assists in training and onboarding of other team members. May demonstrate basic laboratory techniques to other research staff as necessary. Conducts literature searches; reviews and compiles information from journals and suggests use for new techniques to supervisor. Performs clerical duties incidental to research tasks as required. Attends meetings as required. Performs other laboratory related functions as required or directed. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: This position requires a bachelors' degree in AI, data analytics, data science, health informatics, biophysics, chemical biology, mathematics, computer science, or a related technical field. Requires demonstrated competency in the R and Python programming languages and associated AI/ML libraries (e.g., PyTorch). Requires demonstrated competency in data science, and nlp. Requires excellent organization, programming, and communication skills. This research involves protected health information and patient data and HIPAA Compliance is required. WORKING CONDITIONS: Potential Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens. Job may require performance of tasks that involve potential for exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Requires clear vision at 20 inches or less and depth perception. Work requires some lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.