Research Assistant I Psychiatry

Research Assistant I Psychiatry

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
The Mood and Psychosis Research Program led by Dr. Katherine Burdick is looking for a research assistant who is interested in learning about cognition in major psychiatric disorders.

Our current work is focused on identifying persistent cognitive deficits in major psychiatric disorders, understanding their etiologies, and directly targeting them with treatment. Primary ongoing studies in patients with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder focus on neurocognition and social cognition and their relationship with everyday functioning. We incorporate a wide range of potential predictors of outcome including sleep quality, childhood trauma, inflammatory markers, and genetics in an effort to characterize the heterogeneity in cognitive and functional outcome that is seen in these disorders. We are also actively pursuing potential treatments focused on improving cognition in patients with serious mental illness. There will be opportunities to work on a range of ongoing projects.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Successful candidates will have direct patient contact and will be trained to administer standardized neurocognitive tests; clinical symptoms ratings, and potentially diagnostic interviews. Data entry and management are also important components of the position. There will be opportunities to work with the collected data and present at scientific conference settings, as well as contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals. The position will be based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston.

A Bachelor’s degree in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or related fields. We are particularly interested in individuals with clinical experience with patients with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder who are looking to gain experience in a research setting, or vice versa.

To apply, please send 1) your resume, 2) a 1-page statement of your scientific interests and career goals, and 3) letters or contact information for three references. A two-year commitment is expected.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism and respect for study participant confidentiality and for diverse collaborators’ interests and needs.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve technical or research problems and issues and to interpret the acceptability of data results.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize a variety of tasks.
• Careful attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required for working with the study teams.
• Knowledge of data management programs.
• High degree of computer literacy.

HOSPITAL WIDE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Works within legal, regulatory, accreditation and ethical practice standards relevant to the position and as established by BWH/Partners; follows safe practices required for the position; complies with appropriate BWH and MGB policies and procedures; fulfills any training required by BWH and/or MGB, as appropriate; brings potential matters of non-compliance to the attention of the supervisor or other appropriate hospital staff.