Clinical Neurotechnology Research Assistant Job in Mgh Main Campus
Job Description
The Clinical Neurotechnology Research Assistant"€™s primary responsibility is the performance of clinical neurotechnology research in the homes of clinical trial participants with tetraplegia (quadriplegia). These responsibilities include the careful execution and documentation of research sessions studying the safety and efficacy of investigational medical devices and novel, neurally-controlled assistive interfaces ("€œbrain-computer interfaces"€?) for people with paralysis or communication impairments.
"€¢ Install complex research computing hardware and software in private homes or assisted care facilities.
"€¢ Maintain computer software which involves tracking all software updates and testing equipment function after such updates.
"€¢ Maintain computer hardware by confirming that all cable connections are intact and functioning, troubleshooting equipment components in a manner consistent with safe use of the system, understanding the relationship between hardware components, and anticipating and eliminating hurdles to system expansion and changes (which occur regularly).
"€¢ Arrange, schedule, and execute twice-to-four-times-weekly research sessions, including regular interaction with persons with paralysis and their families/caregivers.
"€¢ Become highly proficient in communication methods used by individual participants with paralysis who cannot speak.
"€¢ Record neural activity, select appropriate neural waveforms when necessary, configure custom software, and document Neural Interface System performance.
"€¢ Record HD video of research sessions, and edit video in Final Cut Pro to present at weekly meetings, as well as prepare video clips for publications and other media outlets as necessary.
"€¢ Back up and archive data daily to RAID servers at MGH and offsite.
"€¢ Perform simple troubleshooting of computer software and hardware.
"€¢ Help to evaluate user interfaces and neurally-controlled assistive devices for persons with paralysis.
"€¢ Provide vigilant skin care of neurosurgically-placed devices.
"€¢ Teach participants"€™ caregivers how to properly clean and care for the skin around the percutaneous device interface, and ensure protocol is being followed.
"€¢ Assemble unique electrical and computer systems to perform new, unusual or special tests.
"€¢ Maintain inventory control for supplies and equipment to assure proper inventory levels.
"€¢ Conduct a broad range of experiments involving advanced technology; contribute to the design of experimental protocols to achieve the scientific objectives of the research project.
"€¢ Work closely with Supervisor and with colleagues at other universities.
"€¢ Communicate to manufacturers about problems with medical devices; ensure appropriate response.
"€¢ Assist other neurotechnology research projects, as assigned by Supervisor.
"€¢ Function as the principal technical specialist for the research unit or for a specific research project.
"€¢ Attend weekly lab meetings in Providence, RI (in person or by videoconference) to present research session data and video.
"€¢ Enhance Web presence for research.
"€¢ Assist in the planning of research-related events.
"€¢ Assist in preparation of reports for regulatory bodies (e.g., Institutional Review Boards, FDA).
"€¢ Assist in recruiting efforts when necessary, which may include making phone calls to special care facilities and attending meetings/conferences.
Bachelor"€™s degree required; Coursework in engineering, biology, or neuroscience is required. No previous experience is required but experience in neuroscience or electrical or computer engineering is helpful.
"€¢ Extraordinary interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a complex, multi-institutional team.
"€¢ Ability to comfortably and sensitively interact with study participants.
"€¢ Ability to work independently, take initiative and prioritize tasks.
"€¢ Ability to coordinate activities with colleagues at multiple sites primarily in Boston, MA and Providence, RI, as well as Palo Alto, CA.
"€¢ Superb organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
"€¢ Excellent attention to detail and ability to document research activities.
"€¢ Total comfort in Microsoft Windows environments, including ability to troubleshoot simple computer problems independently.
"€¢ Excellent writing and communication skills in the English language.
"€¢ Excellent problem-solving skills.
"€¢ Ability to travel multiple times per week within a 3-hour radius of Boston and stay overnight once or twice a week at a hotel near the participant"€™s residence if necessary.
"€¢ Safeguards the privacy of information and keeps appropriate information confidential.
"€¢ Ease interacting with and taking direction from multiple levels including physicians, scientists, and engineers via frequent teleconferences and/or videoconferences.
"€¢ Comfort working with Apple OS and in Matlab environments is advantageous.
"€¢ Multiple locations including inpatient care settings, assisted care facilities, research laboratories, and private homes.
"€¢ May work in clinical facilities with exposure to biological contamination, e.g., blood. Occasional lifting of heavy objects, typically not exceeding 75 pounds/person may be requested.
"€¢ Travel within a 3 hour radius of Boston is required two to four times weekly, which may include overnight stays near participant residence.
