Research Assistant II

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you're making a difference in people's lives.

About the role

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in digital health research, focusing on applications to mental health and neurological disorders. They will have experience conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses and working with multimodal and longitudinal real-world datasets. The candidate will have a track record of publications and conference presentations. Experience with AI, clinical research, and collaborating with international research groups is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct research studies using digital technologies (e.g., wearables, smartphone apps, AI) to assess, intervene, and prevent mental health and neurological disorders.
• Conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses to synthesize evidence on digital health interventions.
• Analyze complex, real-world datasets to identify patterns and generate insights.
• Develop and implement AI-powered tools for mental health and neuroscience research.
• Collaborate with international research teams to advance the field of digital health.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.
• Perform routine and non-routine laboratory tests which may include DNA sequencing, gene cloning, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, northern blotting; synthesize and interpret results.
• Operate and maintain moderate to complex lab equipment such as spectrophotometer, flow cytometer, etc.
• Make decisions regarding the reliability and accuracy of results using analytical abilities and sound judgment, repeating procedures when necessary.
• Assist with planning specific research procedures and coordinating schedules of tests and procedures.
• Prepare written and/or verbal reports on the status of research and technical procedures used, including statistical and graphic summaries of findings and possible conclusions.
• Contribute technical expertise in specific areas that surpass basic performance expectations (e.g., knowledge/use of the electron microscope).
• Demonstrate routine to complex lab techniques to others in the lab.
• Attend Medical Center lectures regarding all safety requirements/conditions.
• Attend courses, lectures, and conferences to further knowledge of research and laboratory techniques; consult with other researchers and technicians to exchange information.

Requirements

• Undergraduate or Master’s degree equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., neuroscience, psychology, computer science, public health).
• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related scientific field required.
• 1-3 years related work experience required, including 1 year of related experience or a Master's degree with requisite knowledge and skills.
• Experience with computer systems required, including web-based applications and some Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Access).
• Strong research skills, including study design, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Experience with digital health research, systematic reviews, and real-world data analysis.
• Proficiency in statistical software (R or SPSS) or programming languages (Python).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with AI, clinical research, and international collaborations is a plus.

Skills

• Decision Making: Ability to make decisions based on specific instructions, standard practices, and established procedures with little or no supervision.
• Problem Solving: Ability to address routine, somewhat repetitive problems by following clear directions and identifying opportunities for process improvements.
• Independence of Action: Ability to follow general instructions and procedures; work is monitored by supervisor/manager.
• Written Communications: Ability to read and write in English to understand safety instructions, take direction, communicate effectively with staff, and respond to basic questions.
• Oral Communications: Ability to understand spoken English to follow safety instructions and take direction; communicate effectively in basic English.
• Knowledge: Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures for routine situations.
• Team Work: Ability to interact respectfully with employees, professional staff, and external contacts to offer ideas, identify issues, obtain information, or deliver services.
• Customer Service: Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude and respond to requests in a timely and respectful manner.

About DCI

The Division of Clinical Informatics (DCI) at BIDMC is a pioneering force in leveraging technology to revolutionize patient care, medical education, and research. Established in 1970, DCI has consistently pushed boundaries, from developing one of the world's first hospital-wide computing systems to creating award-winning platforms like InfoSAGE Health and Alicanto. If you're passionate about shaping the future of healthcare through innovative solutions, DCI offers an unparalleled opportunity to collaborate with leading experts and contribute to groundbreaking research in clinical information systems, patient engagement, and more. Join us in transforming healthcare through the power of informatics.

Work Environment

• Work requires periods of close attention without interruption; concentrated effort of up to 4 hours without a break may be required.
• Work routine is fairly consistent, but judgment is needed to respond to events several times a week.
• Potential daily exposure to dust, gas, fumes, steam, chemicals (lab equipment), infectious diseases, airborne pathogens, and bloodborne pathogens.
• Protective equipment required (respirator, earplugs, mask, gloves, eyewear, etc.).
• Several times a week: potential exposure to radiation (irradiator possible).
• Sensory requirements: close work (paperwork, visual examination), color vision/perception, visual monotony, visual clarity.
• Physical requirements: light work (exerting up to 20 pounds of force frequently); frequent sitting, standing, fine manipulation using both hands, keyboard use; constant endurance (working up to 5-6 hours without a break). Rarely, power grasping using both hands may be required.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $21.64 - $31.25 per hour. Actual compensation is determined based on factors such as seniority, education, training, relevant experience, relevant certifications, geography of work location, job responsibilities, or other applicable factors permissible by law. Compensation may exceed the base hourly rate depending on shift differentials, call pay, premium pay, overtime pay, and other additional pay practices, as applicable.

Vaccination Requirement

As a health care organization, Beth Israel Lahey Health requires all staff to be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.