Research Lab Tech I - Functional Brain Imaging

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.

Summary

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (Leila Mankarious, MD) the Research Assistant will provide human subject, laboratory and clinical translational research assistance using optical imaging methods for hearing impaired and language development human subjects. Projects and the position will primarily be utilizing functional brain imaging at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, under the supervision of Leila Mankarious, MD. Computational portion of the job will report to Stefan Carp, PhD

The position will offer an opportunity to participate in cutting edge research in hearing impairment and language development utilizing optical and multi-modal imaging in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team of investigators from the Mass. General Hospital Martinos Center and in several clinical departments within the hospital. The RA will work independently under the general direction of the PI to coordinate research studies and assist in data analysis and research reporting. The position will involve: performing laboratory-based measurements for subject testing, instrument validation and testing, performing data analysis, and assisting in the recruitment of subjects and in the preparation and maintenance of human subject research (IRB) protocols and associated documentations. The RA will also have an opportunity to help the PI and other members of the team with developing new data processing and analysis methods. Occasionally, the human subject measurements will need to performed after hours and on the weekends.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the execution of human subject measurements in both a laboratory and clinical setting
• Assist in the building and testing of novel research instruments.
• Conduct data analysis and processing using a variety of processing tools, generally implemented in the MATLAB environment; modify/build new computational tools as needed to advance research.
• Co-ordinate recruitment and clinical measurements in conjunction with clinical collaborators. This includes communicating with study subjects.
• Maintain research data, patient files, regulatory binders and study databases.
• Prepare reports and presentations.
• Participate in preparing manuscripts for publication.
• Prepare IRB submissions and amendments and help maintaining documentation for the IRB
• Collecting and maintain subject information database.
• Proof-reading and editing of manuscripts and grant applications.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Prior programming experience is required, prior experience with MATLAB is a plus; note that a data analysis exercise in MATLAB or another language of the candidate's choice will be included as part of the interview process.
• An engineering or physical science background is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of electro optical systems and/or biomedical optics is a plus.
• Ability to make independent effective decisions.
• The ability to work as part of an integrated research team.
• Excellent judgment and ability to interpret information and protocol requirements.
• Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills
• Detail oriented, creative, able to maintain accurate records.
• High degree of professionalism, ability to interact with study subject and clinical collaborators
• Capable of handling confidential information with discretion
• Ability to make independent effective decisions.
• Comfortable in participating in measurements on humans.