Job Description:

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:



A multi-year postdoctoral research fellow position in human neuroscience is available in the Lam Laboratory (Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School), and in close collaboration with the Westover Laboratory (Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School). The post-doctoral fellow's primary responsibilities will be to work on research projects related to the ELUCID study (Epilepsy of Late-onset Unknown Etiology as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Impairment and Dementia). ELUCID is an NIH-funded, multi-site (7 academic medical centers), prospective, longitudinal observational study focused on understanding mechanisms and predicting outcomes in individuals with late-onset unexplained epilepsy. Initial work will involve analysis of large retrospective datasets to test hypotheses and develop analytic methodology, with later work involving analysis of prospectively collected cross-sectional and longitudinal data from the ELUCID study. The Post-Doctoral Research Fellow will also have some responsibilities in data management for the ELUCID study, including developing and maintaining tools to monitor study progress and outcomes, and to ensure data quality control across sites.


The incumbent must possess a strong programming background (Python, R), experience in machine learning and natural language processing, and a solid biostatistical foundation (longitudinal analyses such as survival curves, and clustering approaches). Prior experience working with human clinical data, including neurophysiologic data (EEG) and neuroimaging data (MRI) is highly desirable. This is an exciting opportunity to combine novel machine learning and statistical applications with multi-modal clinical data to gain new and clinically meaningful insights into the mechanisms of brain disease.


The fellow will work collaboratively with a team of clinicians, computational engineers, and research coordinators. There will be extensive opportunities to learn about clinical and translational neuroscience and patient-centered research. A successful fellow will be well-positioned to launch an independent research program in clinical neuroscience.



PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leading and conducting data analysis for clinical research projects on retrospective and prospective clinical research datasets


• Developing and implementing machine learning algorithms on large clinical datasets


• Carry out biostatistical analyses on multi-modal clinical datasets. This will include unsupervised clustering approaches, and analysis of longitudinal outcomes


• Develop and maintain tools for data management / monitoring study progress for the ELUCID study


• Actively participate in project team meetings and attend conferences as applicable


• Writing research manuscripts based on data results, and presenting research at conferences and professional society meetings


• Provide mentoring and guidance to trainees in the lab

Qualifications

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Strong programming skills, including proficiency with Python and R


• Strong biostatistical background, including in areas such as unsupervised clustering and longitudinal outcomes.


• Prior experience developing and implementing machine learning algorithms, including natural language processing


• Prior experience analyzing human clinical data, including EEG and MRI


• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.


• Careful attention to detail and have a high level of organization.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.


• Ability to identify problems and develop solutions.


• Ability to use discretion and sound judgement to identify priorities and meet deadlines.

EDUCATION:



PhD in a relevant discipline. This may include neuroscience, engineering specialties, computer science, cognitive science, or mathematics / statistics. Candidates should describe in their cover letter how their specific academic background is relevant to the responsibilities/competencies outlined above.



SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:



None immediate, but the incumbent will be expected to play an informal role in mentoring trainees in the lab



WORKING CONDITIONS:



Office setting on the main campus of the Massachusetts General Hospital.



EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged. Apply Now