Research Scientist – Boosting Mind Body Mechanism

CHA has a vibrant academic community with strong education, training and research programs. We are proud to have 700 providers on the faculty at Harvard or Tufts University School of Medicine. The Research Scientist will be responsible for developing his/her own independent research career and assisting with the day-to-day management of multiple research projects with minimal supervisory input.

As a Research Scientist specializing in functional MRI, you will play a critical role in our research efforts aimed at understanding the neural mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of mindfulness, compassion and IFS-based interventions on clinical populations. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, you will lead the development and implementation of fMRI protocols, data analysis, and interpretation to provide valuable insights into the impact of mindfulness, compassion and IFS on brain function.

Health Equity Research Lab Area Responsibilities:

• Develop, write and apply for research grant proposals for NIH, AHRQ, PCORI, and/or private foundation grants as Principal Investigator.
• Advance scientific understanding around specific topic areas through peer-reviewed published research manuscripts by authoring publications.
• Collaborate with other Lab staff on the development of research proposals and manuscripts.
• Participate in other ongoing projects of the Lab, contribute to dissemination efforts pertaining to those projects, and help develop proposals for new research projects for the Lab.
• Disseminate findings at national and international academic conferences.
• Mentoring and Supervising students and researchers

Center for Mindfulness & Compassion Area Responsibilities:

• Develop and refine neuroimaging protocols (fMRI, EEG, etc.), experimental tasks, and data acquisition procedures tailored to the study of clinical populations. Lead fMRI data acquisition sessions, ensuring high data quality and adherence to ethical and safety standards.
• Establish and maintain a robust data management system, including data preprocessing and quality control and perform advanced neuroimaging data analysis using software packages (e.g., FSL, SPM, CONN toolbox, or similar).
• Ensure all research activities adhere to ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements for human research subjects.
• Advance scientific understanding around specific topic areas through peer-reviewed published research manuscripts by authoring publications.
• Collaborate with other CMC staff, clinicians, and scientists on the development of research proposals and manuscripts.
• Participate in other ongoing projects of the Lab, contribute to dissemination efforts pertaining to those projects, and help develop proposals for new research projects for the Lab.
• Disseminate findings at national and international academic conferences.
• Mentoring and Supervising students and researchers

A Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related field with a strong emphasis on fMRI research is required. At least 3 years of postdoctoral or mentored investigator research experience. Proven expertise in designing and conducting fMRI experiments, data analysis, and statistical modeling. Proficiency in neuroimaging software packages (e.g., FSL, SPM) and programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python).Experience in working with clinical populations is highly desirable, i.e., individuals with trauma, childhood maltreatment, adolescents, or substance use disorder. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals related to neuroimaging research. 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.

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.