Postdoctoral Research Fellow for NIH BRAIN Neuroethics Project at Harvard Center for Bioethics

Postdoctoral Research Fellow for NIH funded project: Improving Recruitment, Engagement, and Access for Community Health Equity for BRAIN Next-Generation Human Neuroimaging Research and Beyond (REACH for BRAIN)

Title of Postdoc position:  Research Fellow in Bioethics

School: Harvard Medical School

Department: HMS Center for Bioethics

Location: Boston, MA

Duration: One year with the possibility of extension

Salary: Consistent with NIH guidelines

Primary Supervisor:  Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD

Opening: A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is open within the NIH funded project: Improving Recruitment, Engagement, and Access for Community Health Equity for BRAIN Next-Generation Human Neuroimaging Research and Beyond (REACH for BRAIN). REACH for BRAIN will utilize community engagement with Black and Latinx stakeholder networks, to co-create evidence-based solutions and ethical guidance to expand the inclusiveness of participation in NIH BRAIN research and human neuroimaging studies more broadly. We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral fellow for a sustained commitment (1 year with strong preference for a second year renewal). The fellow will support the project’s use of a stakeholder network, Outcome Map, and Theory of Change (ToC) to co-develop and implement a targeted, community-led and participant-centered deliverables to increase the participation of underrepresented and minoritized (URM) groups in neuroimaging research. Using Community Engagement Studios, REACH for BRAIN will facilitate bi-directional learning between community members and the research teams, providing local value for the community and creating a foundation for neuroimaging researchers to implement the framework, and engage and recruit motivated participants from URM communities.

Supervision: The Fellow will be jointly supervised by PIs at (1) the Community Access, Recruitment and Engagement (CARE) Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in the Division of Neurology; (2) the Shen Lab at Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics & Harvard Law School; and (3) the Translational Neuro MR Imaging and Connectomics project at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at MGH. About CARE: Our mission is to ensure that advances in medicine work for everyone. CARE is focused on creating a clear, testable science of research engagement, recruitment, and retention. This framework is based upon community-led partnerships as the foundation for health equity. We are committed to ensuring that these principles and practices are rooted in diverse and inclusive research design. About Shen Lab: The Lab explores the intersection of neuroscience, AI, ethics, and law, and is directed by Dr. Francis Shen, JD, PhD, a faculty member at the Harvard Medical School Center for Bioethics, MGH Department of Psychology, and Harvard University Affiliated Professor at Harvard Law School. About Martinos Center: The Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at Massachusetts General Hospital is one of the world’s premier research centers devoted to development and application of advanced biomedical imaging technologies. The Center is part of the Department of Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital and affiliated with both Harvard Medical School and MIT. Our faculty are developing first-of-a-kind tools and applying them to solve challenges in neuroscience, oncology, cardiology and other clinical domains.

The PIs value open communication, innovation, and collaboration. Individualized mentorship will be provided by PIs Jackson, Huang and Shen, with focused attention on career development and growth. Other training for Research Fellows includes: Participation in regular lab meetings and journal clubs, opportunities to present work at scientific conferences/meetings, protected time for community outreach, guidance for establishing independent grant funding, and preparation and submission of scientific manuscripts for publication.

The specific responsibilities of the position may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work with the PIs to engage community stakeholder network and co-develop and implement a targeted, community-led and participant-centered deliverables to increase the participation of underrepresented and minoritized (URM) groups in neuroimaging research Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis related to the research objectives of the project Work collaboratively on manuscript writing and development Take leading role on manuscript development in line with career development goals

Basic Qualifications:

• Advanced graduate degree (e.g. PhD, MD, JD) in relevant fields such as neuroscience, public health, and so forth.

Additional Qualifications:

• Candidates should have a robust background or potential for research including strong community engagement skills, experience with scientific writing, and a passion for and commitment to health equity. Applicants should be highly motivated with an ability to work independently and collaboratively. A background in neuroscience and neuroimaging is preferred but not a requirement. Due to the in-person community engagement activities associated with this position, the fellow will be required to live in the Greater Boston area and to work in-person regularly on the Harvard / MGH campuses.

Application Procedures:

• To apply, complete this google form: https://forms.gle/8SdtFfgKML3ya73u7 Note that you will need to login with a Google account in order to complete the form because you will be asked to upload your cover letter and resume/CV. The deadline for applications is October 15, 2023. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. 

Harvard University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applications from women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged.

Questions?

• If you have questions about this position, please contact Dr. Shen at francis_shen@hms.harvard.edu