New

Research Assistant I NEUROLOGY RESEARCH SM

Brigham and Women's Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
60 Fenwood Road (Show on map)
Apr 04, 2025
We are seeking a talented Research Assistant with experience in neuroscience, computer science, and network science. The Research Assistant will join the Synaptic and Network Development (SAND) group, an exciting interdisciplinary collaboration at the intersection of neurophysiology, human stem cell biology, and network science. We will address how genetic changes in autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including Rett syndrome, lead to altered neural networks and seizures during early development. Using a novel preparation of human cerebral organoids (Giandomenico et al., 2019 Nature Neuroscience), we now have the ability to understand how brain network function is altered at the cellular scale in NDD human in vitro models. This organoid platform will also be used to test novel therapeutic strategies. We will also develop new computational tools for modulating and analyzing evoked network activity. Summary: Provides assistance to the Principal Investigator and Study Team in coordinating research activities that may include conducting a variety of routine experiments with established methodologies, data collection and management, and other research activities as assigned. Does this position require Patient Care? No Essential Functions: - Responsible for data collection, management, manipulation, analysis, and reporting. - Study cohort management. - Outreach communication with subjects, conducting mailings, follow-up on mailings, and obtaining necessary documents. - Provides assistance on work related to epidemiological studies and other population-based research. Education: Bachelor's Degree Science required (Neuroscience or Computer Science preferred) Experience: New grad with some relevant coursework, 0-1 year preferred Coding skills in MATLAB and Python preferred Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other group members Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Good interpersonal and communication skills. Careful attention to detail. Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks. Computer literacy including database tool. Ability to follow directions and exhibit professionalism. Key Responsibilities: Work closely with experts in human stem cell to create autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) disease models in human cerebral organoids from patient-derived iPSC lines. Perform multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings and analyze network activity in the NDD and control human cerebral organoids. Work closely with team members in our interdisciplinary collaborations on the development and application of methods for human organoids, network recordings and network analysis. Apply and develop computational methods for analyzing and modulating spontaneous and evoked activity from MEA recordings and/or calcium imaging. Ensure validity and reliability of all data collected and analyzed. Keep excellent records of experiments, undertake thorough data analysis and make active contributions to the laboratory research environment. Write regular internal reports as agreed and draft and/or contribute to reports for submission to research sponsors. Prepare and present findings at internal group meetings. Draft publications and/or presentations for scientific journals/conferences. Contribute to research grant applications. Provide guidance to staff and students, including training to students and/or other trainees. Be an active team member and set positive examples for other team members. Contribute and lead administrative tasks related to research and teaching goals. Maintain a safe workplace and follow all lab and hospital practices and procedures. Any other duties commensurate with the post as directed by the PIs. Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working collaboratively, including communicating progress and challenges to PIs. Rigorous scientific skills for acquiring, analyzing and presenting data. Excellent time and project management skills. Meticulous record keeping for both experimental procedures and for analysis. Willingness to adjust working hours in accordance with experimental demands and as necessary for project goals. Generosity of spirit and willingness to share and help develop skills in others. Length of appointment: One year in the first instance, with potential to extend up to one or more years if satisfactory progress is made. Probation period: 90 days The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. 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.