Research Assistant II, Neurosurgery

massgeneralbrigham; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 54,000; Part time

Job summary

The Brigham and Women's Hospital, part of Mass General Brigham, seeks a motivated half-time Research Assistant to support imaging and electrophysiology studies in the MEND Laboratory. You will curate data, assist with recruitment, and help apply neuroimaging methods using MRtrix, FreeSurfer, and FSL, while coding in Python/MATLAB.

Collaboration with clinicians and scientists is essential. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's degree in a science field, strong attention to detail, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience or related field required.
• Experience with programming (Python and/or MATLAB) and scientific computing preferred.
• Familiarity with neuroimaging software is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data acquisition, curation, and analysis for neuroimaging studies.
• Manage research databases and study documentation securely.
• Support MRI data collection and participant coordination.
• Learn and apply neuroimaging pipelines and contribute to manuscripts.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently

Written and verbal communication

Organization and time management

Collaboration in a research team

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, psychology, computer science, engineering, biomedical engineering, or related field

Tools

MRtrix

FreeSurfer

FSL

Python

MATLAB

R

Linux/UNIX

Job description

Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not‑for‑profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high‑performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

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 (half-time) 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 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.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work collaboratively with physicians, scientists, trainees, and research staff on studies involving epilepsy and movement disorders.
• 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, FreeSurfer, 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.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• 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.

EDUCATION:

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

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EXPERIENCE:

• 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., FreeSurfer, 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.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

• Remote Type - Onsite
• Work Location - 60 Fenwood Road
• Scheduled Weekly Hours - 20
• Employee Type - Regular
• Work Shift - Day (United States of America)
• Pay Range - $24.28 - $39.43/Hourly
• Grade - 6

At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package. In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as