Health Science Specialist
Boston VA Research Institute, Inc. (BVARI)
POSITION TYPE: Salaried / Exempt
REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator
The position assists the principal investigator and other team members with neuroimaging-based projects, such as neuroimaging data acquisition, data processing and analysis, and integrating machine learning methodologies at the Boston VA Health Care System. All duties will be carried out under the guidance of the principal investigator. In carrying out responsibilities, the individual must promote a productive work environment, high morale, and a high level of cooperation among team members in order to ensure successful completion of projects in a timely manner. The position requires collaboration with staff across several disciplines. The individual must have excellent interpersonal skills as well as technical skills in order to work effectively with an interdisciplinary team. Team members include investigators, clinicians, program managers from the local VA facility and other VA facilities and investigators, staff and policy analysts from local universities and universities nationwide.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct advanced neuroimaging data acquisition using fMRI, DTI, and other modalities.
- Process and analyze large datasets leveraging state-of-the-art computer vision and machine learning techniques.
- Collaborate closely with computer scientists, neuroscientists, and clinicians to design and implement innovative experiments.
- Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at conferences.
- Mentor junior researchers, graduate students, and interns.
- Drafts research materials (manuscripts, reports, abstracts) and presentations for professional meetings, e.g., PowerPoint presentations and posters.
- Participates in planning and carrying out project timelines.
- Participates in developing detailed work plans based on project time-lines.
- Participates in team meetings and stakeholder meetings as needed.
- Assists with preparing data for analysis.
- Coordinates preparation, submission, and renewal of Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols.
- Collects research materials for project team meetings. Utilizes knowledge of statistics, clinical background, and computer systems to participate in meetings with research teams.
- Assists with maintaining project records, including regulatory binders and study files.
- Drafts charts, tables, and graphs for final reports.
- Assists with data management and security according to policy.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DDS, or the equivalent)
- Must possess strong organizational skills and interpersonal skills
- Proficient in neuroimaging tools (e.g., FSL, SPM, AFNI, Freesurfer) and programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
- Demonstrated expertise in computer vision and/or machine learning applications.
- Ability to learn other related software programs with training
- Recognizes the need for extreme confidentiality. Must be reliable, responsible and professional in demeanor.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Excellent writing and communication skills
The employee must be a resident of Massachusetts upon start date.
Please note we are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
Work Environment
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands; and reach with hands and arms.
This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Travel
No travel is expected for this position.
Work Authorization/Security Clearance
An employee in this position must complete all appropriate background checks at the time of hire and periodic reappointment.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Boston VA Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absences, compensation and training.
