Research Fellow

Summary

At Spaulding, we aim to apply the results of research and new ideas to patient care as quickly as possible. As the principal teaching hospital of the Harvard Medical School Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, new ideas and a passion for innovation are part of our makeup. This academic affiliation and our combined resources allow us to maintain a vigorous research agenda and operate ongoing neuroimaging and clinical trials.

These and other endeavors enhance Spaulding's treatment programs, with clinical research results that often quickly find their way to the bedside.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow independently or with some direction will organize and implement complex research plans, the development of research methods and/or protocols, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation of data, and writing reports containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content. The incumbent will conduct research and ensure that all experiments are appropriately conducted following the policies and procedures of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Specifically, this position involves the application of state-of-the-art MRI imaging methods to study brain-gut communication in controls and patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction, and how this relationship responds to non-pharmacological interventions. Candidates should have a Ph.D. in engineering, neuroscience, or other biological sciences. Experience with computer programming and image processing is essential. For instance, familiarity with fMRI analysis software including FSL, AFNI, and Freesurfer, as well as programming environments such as MATLAB is highly desirable. The Fellow will conduct at least some of their research in collaboration with the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at MGH.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is time limited. It is intended to be a short-term training position to be followed by a move to an independent investigator or research career position. The maximum term of service for a Research Fellow appointment is five (5) years.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research in the field of brain-gut communication and magnetic resonance imaging
• Collects, record, analyze and present data
• Maintains research records and databases
• Conduct literature searches
• Assists with recruiting patients for clinical and/or neuroimaging trials
• Obtains patient study data from medical records, physicians, etc.
• Uses software programs to generate graphs and reports
• Prepares reports of completed projects for: publication in technical journals, presentations at professional meetings/conferences, and for use in further applied or theoretical research activities.
• Participates in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or for presentations
• Performs administrative support duties as required
• Draft grants and portions of grants for submission to federal and private agencies with the assistance of the lab director
• Works under general supervision
• Stay current in area of research interest through review of the relevant literature; educate self about the latest methods and evidence related to biomedical science
• Help prepare clinical research protocols and documents for submission to IRB
• Assists with recruiting participants for clinical trials
• Conducts clinical research following all institution, state and federal regulations
• Collects research data from participants
• Obtains participant study data from medical records, physicians, etc.

Lab Specific functions and requirements:

Under the supervision of Roberta Sclocco, PhD, the candidate should have a Ph.D. or equivalent in engineering, neuroscience, or other biological sciences. Experience with computer programming and image processing is essential. For instance, familiarity with fMRI analysis software including FSL, AFNI, and Freesurfer, as well as programming environments such as MATLAB is highly desirable.

Qualifications and Experience

Required Education/Degree: Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal degree in their field of study.

Required Experience: Should have a Ph.D. or equivalent in engineering, neuroscience, or other biological sciences. Experience with computer programming and image processing is essential. For instance, familiarity with fMRI analysis software including FSL, AFNI, and Freesurfer, as well as programming environments such as MATLAB is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Confident, articulate, and professional communication skills
• The ability to efficiently & professionally communicate, in English (oral & written)
• Strong expertise in data analytics and/or computer programming skills
• Knowledge of clinical research protocols
• Careful attention to details

Spaulding Rehabilitation is an Affirmative Action 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.