Research Fellow

Research Fellow

GENERAL SUMMARY

The McCance Center for Brain Health in the Department of Neurology at Mass General Hospital is looking for a highly motivated individual with a background in social and behavioral sciences and/or public health to perform cutting-edge research utilizing quantitative and qualitative data to revolutionize how people care for their brain. Our mission is to reduce the rates of stroke, dementia, and depression for all our patients, and we recognize traditional strategies for prevention leave many of our patients behind. Our team is developing novel interventions to promote health equity and utilize patient perspectives in research, which are crucial to improving neurological outcomes, recovering from brain injury, and promoting brain health. This position is for a Research Fellow who will report directly to Dr. Nirupama Yechoor MD, MSc, and will be supported by a world-class team of neurologists, public health experts, and implementation scientists. The Research Fellow will work in the fields of neurosciences and public health to execute mixed-methods and epidemiological studies, and eventually help run pragmatic clinical trials. Analytical approaches will include but are not limited to; qualitative interviews and focus group research, individual structured patient interviews, narrative and discourse analysis, survey development, and quantitative analysis of surveys, questionnaires, clinical assessments, and clinical data. Our lab will soon be launching a pragmatic clinical trials platform, with the help of implementation scientists, to bring our research directly to patients. The Research Fellow will assist in managing our Community Advisory Board platform, including project management, data curation, and assist with patient and community engagement. We require a 2-year minimum commitment. The Research Fellow will have opportunities to supervise and lead a team, develop independent projects, and write and apply for independent grant funding. This position is ideal for someone with ambition to launch an independent research career in the fields of qualitative research, intervention development, or in implementation science.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Research Fellow will be the primary project leader for execution of all qualitative analyses for several grant-funded projects involving patients, caregivers, and communities who comprise our Community Advisory Board platform. The Research Fellow will also be responsible for digital curation of existing and future datasets and analyses, project management, the preparation of presentation materials, manuscripts and grant applications, mentoring of technologists and coordinators, and presentations at local, national and international conferences.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Time Management: Exceptional organizational skills and ability to organize time and priorities effectively, asking for direction when appropriate. Flexibility to handle multiple tasks and deadline pressures.

• Scientific writing: Advanced skills in scientific writing and communication required for manuscripts, grants, and poster and abstract presentation.

• Experience with conducting patient interviews using various qualitative interviewing methods, including cognitive interviewing, narrative and discourse analysis, grounded theory, and case studies.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to conceptualize and conduct complex analysis of quantitative research data and processing and analysis of qualitative data, included but not limited to generating codes and code books, data processing and management, and data analysis.

• Capacity for independent work: The Research Fellow will have weekly one-on-one meetings with the PI, Dr. Yechoor, and regular communication. The fellow will also be expected to work independently to meet deadlines, seek resources, and present updates on project progress during weekly mentored sessions.

• Critical Thinking/Decision Making: Ability to appropriately evaluate all aspects of a situation and to independently make appropriate and timely decisions.

• Interpersonal/communication: Excellent interpersonal/communications skills and a good command of English language, including medical and scientific terminology.

• Information Systems/Technology Skills: Exceptional computer skills (including operating systems, word processing, database, electronic mail, Internet, and spreadsheets).

• Experience with statistical and qualitative programing software (R, Nvivo, Dedoose, SAS, Stata), preferred.

EDUCATION:

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Scientific background, with proven experience in multi-tasking various assigned scientific/research projects

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Indicate financial “scope” information, e.g. size of budget, volume, revenue, etc.

Not Applicable

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Lab setting, office setting, and clinical setting.