Research Assistant I, Neurosurgery

Research Assistant Position

The Mapping & Engineering Neural Dynamics (MEND) Laboratory is part of the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital. We study how brain circuits process information, how these circuits become disrupted in neurological disease, and how neuromodulation therapies can restore normal function. Our research combines advanced MRI, electrophysiology, and computational neuroscience to study disorders including epilepsy and essential tremor, with a focus on therapies such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound (FUS).

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Research Assistant to support imaging and electrophysiology research investigating the mechanisms and treatment of neurological disorders. The successful candidate will assist with data acquisition, curation, and analysis, working closely with Aaron Warren, PhD (Instructor in Neurosurgery), John Rolston, MD, PhD (MEND Lab Director), and an interdisciplinary team of physicians, scientists, and trainees within the MEND Laboratory and the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics.

• Work collaboratively with physicians, scientists, trainees, and research staff on studies involving epilepsy and essential tremor.
• Curate, organize, and maintain research databases and study documentation.
• Maintain secure and confidential participant records and research data.
• Assist with participant recruitment, consent, scheduling, and MRI data collection.
• Attend laboratory meetings and relevant clinical conferences.
• Assist with preparing and maintaining ethics applications and collaborative data usage agreements with other research sites.
• Learn and apply neuroimaging methods to process and analyze structural, functional, and diffusion MRI data using tools such as MRtrix, Free Surfer, and FSL.
• Use Python, MATLAB, and/or R to manage data, perform analyses, and support research workflows.
• Help troubleshoot, improve, and maintain computational image-processing pipelines.
• Assist with preparing scientific manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, and grant applications.
• Perform other research-related duties as needed.

• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to learn new technical methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literacy, including database tools. Proficiency with standard computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office or equivalent).
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Ability to follow directions and exhibit professionalism.

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, psychology, computer science, engineering, biomedical engineering, or another science or health-related field.

• Students from neuroscience, psychology, computer science, engineering, biomedical engineering, mathematics, physics, and pre-med backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with programming (Python and/or MATLAB), Linux/UNIX, or scientific computing is desirable.
• Experience with neuroimaging software (e.g., Free Surfer, MRtrix, FSL) is desirable but not required.
• Prior research experience in neuroimaging, electrophysiology, epilepsy, movement disorders, or related fields is desirable but not required.
• Enthusiasm for learning advanced neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, and research methods is essential.

Note:

This position is grant funded, with supported funding currently through 06/30/29. If additional grant funding is obtained, extension of position is possible.