Research Scientist, Community Mind-Body

Research Scientist, Community Mind-Body - CHA Center for Mindfulness and Compassion

As a Research Scientist specializing in participatory research methods and community mindfulness research, you will play a critical role in our research efforts aimed at investigating the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on populations with anxiety, mood disorders, substance use disorders, chronic pain, and trauma-related disorders. You will lead the development and implementation of research protocols, data analysis, and interpretation to provide valuable insights into the impact of mind-body practice in diverse communities.

• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to conceptualize and design research projects related to mindfulness-based interventions.

• Contribute to thought leadership in conceptual frameworks and implementation methods for mind-body practice for diverse communities.

• Design and lead research studies on mind-body practices for mental and physical health outcomes in primary care and community settings.

• Lead and expand participatory research projects involving patients, clinicians, and community stakeholders.

• Contribute to the refinement and evaluation of behavioral interventions such as mindfulness-based group medical visits.

• Oversee mixed-methods data collection including focus groups, qualitative interviews, and participatory approaches, ensuring high-quality data collection.

• Establish and maintain a robust data management system, including data cleaning and quality control.

• Perform advanced qualitative and quantitative data analysis using software packages such as STATA, R, or similar.

• Interpret and present research findings through scientific publications, conference presentations, and internal reports.

• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams, including neuroscientists, psychologists, clinicians, and community partners.

• Train and mentor junior research staff and students involved in data collection and analysis.

• Assist and/or lead in the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications to secure research funding for ongoing and future projects.

• Ensure all research activities adhere to ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements for human research subjects.

• A Ph.D. in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, Public Health, Behavioral Medicine, or related field.

• At least 2 years of postdoctoral research experience.

• Proven expertise in designing and conducting participatory-based research protocols. Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g. R, STATA).

• Experience in implementing mindfulness-based interventions in clinical or community settings is highly desirable.

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals related to participatory and mind-body research.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead research projects.

• Ability to meet criteria for an Instructor or Assistant Professor level appointment at Harvard Medical School.

CHA is a teaching affiliate of HMS. This position carries an HMS appointment of Instructor, Assistant or Associate Professor, commensurate with HMS appointment criteria, candidate qualifications and commitment to teaching responsibilities.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.