Junior Biostatistician (MS Level) in Psychiatric Omics, Neuroimaging, and Neuroimmune Disorders

Site: The Brigham and Womens Hospital Inc.

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals including doctors nurses business people tech experts researchers and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit we support patient care research teaching and community service striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

Summary
Responsible for designing statistical models that support clinical research efforts. Designs and develops research projects and manages data and statistical analysis interpretation. May assist a clinical researcher with preparation of reports and documents.

Does this position require Patient Care
No

Essential Functions
-Draw conclusions or make predictions based on data summaries or statistical analyses.

-Analyze clinical or survey data using statistical approaches such as longitudinal analysis mixed-effect modeling logistic regression analyses and model-building techniques.

-Write detailed analysis plans and descriptions of analyses and findings for research protocols or reports.

-Calculate sample size requirements for clinical studies.

-Read current literature attend meetings or conferences and talk with colleagues to keep abreast of methodological or conceptual developments in fields such as biostatistics pharmacology life sciences and social sciences.

-Design research studies in collaboration with physicians life scientists or other professionals.

Please make sure to discuss qualifications in your cover letter and provide relevant examples in your sample code/GitHub.

• Masters degree in Biostatistics Statistics Computational Neuroscience Bioinformatics or related fields.
• Proficiency with statistical software (e.g. R is required; Python SAS Stata) and machine learning platforms and techniques.
• Familiarity or strong interest in proteomics data analysis is highly desirable.
• Experience or interest in neuroimaging data analysis and familiarity with imaging data structure (BIDS).
• Strong quantitative skills and experience applying statistical methods to biological and clinical data.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities within multidisciplinary teams.
• Independent and highly organized capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines.

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree
No

Licenses and Credentials


Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- High degree of computer literacy.
- Sound analytical and organizational skills.
- Requires excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Must be able to logically and effectively structure tasks and set priorities.
- Ability to identify problems and troubleshoot solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data statistically and to logically present it.

The Peripheral Brain Interaction Neuropsychiatric Center (PINC) at MGB/HMS seeks a highly motivated and talented Junior Biostatistician interested in neuroscience neuroimmunology psychiatry and bioinformatics. This position uniquely integrates psychiatric proteomics neuroimaging and clinical research offering comprehensive training and mentorship ideal for individuals planning to pursue MD PhD or MD/PhD pathways. Eligible candidates will join PINC under the direction of Dr. Lauren Breithaupt PhD. PINC is part of the broader Multidisciplinary Eating Disorders Research Collaborative (MEDRC) which will offer mentorship and collaborations with an interdisciplinary research team comprised of psychiatrists psychologists neuroscientists cognitive scientists endocrinologists and radiologists that focus on understanding the biology and neurobiology of eating behavior. The objective is to improve detection and treatments for those with eating and weight-related disorders. Experience with eating disorders is not a requirement and successful candidates will have the opportunity to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders. Additionally experience with structural neuroimaging data and machine learning models is expected although these two experiences can be independent.

The junior biostatistician will become an integral member of their role they will use state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques and targeted proteomics to explore the role of restrictive eating disorders on structural brain changes across the children adolescents and young adults. The individual will spend their research time working within the multidisciplinary team of the Psychiatric Neuroimaging Laboratory (PNL) at Brigham and Womens Hospital and MEDRC.

This office is located at Assembly Row in Somerville Massachusetts.

This is an ideal position for those wanting to take apply their computational skills to clinically meaningful research as individuals prepare for doctoral programs such as clinical psychology or medical school. Our team has a strong track record of mentoring junior colleagues who have gone on to pursue medical school or doctoral programs in clinical psychology cognitive neuroscience neuroscience public health and bioinformatics.

Fostering diversity in the scientific research workforce is a key goal of the MEDRC. Thus additional funding support and mentorship is available for individuals from a diverse background including those from groups demonstrated to be underrepresented in the biomedical behavioral clinical and social sciences.

The successful candidate will engage with two complementary research areas:

Psychiatric omics and neuroimaging to explore brain changes associated with restrictive eating disorders such as Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (AT-AN). The candidate may be involved in assisting with two on-going studies:HEART: Investigates amygdala-related neural mechanisms underlying restrictive eating behavior. Involves neuroimaging biosample collection and clinical assessments in individuals with and without AN. Tasks may include:

Pre-processing and organizing raw neuroimaging data from MRI scans.

Assisting in the refinement and maintenance of pipelines for analyzing structural and functional MRI data.

Cleaning and preparing imaging and clinical datasets for statistical and thematic analyses.

REACT: Aims to determine whether estrogen replacement therapy improves cognitive flexibility and reward responsiveness in adolescents and young women with restrictive eating or excessive exercise. Tasks may include:

Cleaning curating and standardizing the longitudinal study dataset

Supporting the implementation of statistical models to assess treatment effects over time

Neuroimmune disorders specifically PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) using targeted proteomics and machine learning to identify disease-specific biomarkers.

Neuroimmune disorders including PANDAS and PANS are proposed diagnoses illustrating a clinical picture of acute onset obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or restrictive eating with underlying immune dysregulation driving symptom onset. No biomarkers have been identified for PANS/PANDAS leaving families and clinicians relying on symptom presentations that overlap with traditional OCD and restrictive eating disorders which are more commonly diagnosed and may overshadow an underlying PANS/PANDAS diagnosis. As a result novel treatments designed to target the potential behavioral symptom pathogenesis. (e.g. inflammation and/or infection) have not been explored or developed. As part of this project the individual will work with the study team members to continue building on models that identify potential disease specific biomarkers for PANS/PANDAS using the largest and most comprehensive dataset of patients of PANS/PANDAS symptoms.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Flare and Remission Phases in PANS and PANDAS. This expands on preliminary findings suggesting unique protein expression patterns for PANDAS distinct from other disorders with overlapping symptoms. The candidate will participate in a follow-up study analyzing protein expression patterns in various states (flare vs. remission and control groups) using targeted proteomics and machine learning. Tasks will include:

Conducting comprehensive data normalization batch effect corrections and differential expression analyses.

Integrating and contextualizing results across flare remission and control datasets.

Main Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design and statistical analysis of studies exploring inflammation-associated proteins in OCD and PANS/PANDAS.
• Perform targeted proteomics analysis and manage proteomic data creating reproducible visualizations and summary statistics.
• Apply advanced machine learning techniques to identify biomarkers and differentiate symptom states (i.e. flare vs. remission).
• Analyze structural neuroimaging data (e.g. MRI) using established pipelines (Freesurfer FSL SPM) and BIDS imaging structure.
• Prepare and manage datasets for publication contribute to scientific manuscripts collaborate on presentations at scientific conferences and assist in the submission of future grant proposals and R01 applications.
• Develop models for person-specific inflammation protein expression levels and contribute to diagnostic tool development.
• Maintain and regularly update GitHub repositories ensuring transparency and reproducibility.
• Participate in coordination research activities including securing IRB submissions finalizing study logistics and coordinating with proteomic analysis providers.
• Train and mentor incoming team members in statistical and proteomic analyses.

Optional Training and Clinical Opportunities (Based on Interest):

• Administer structured clinical interviews and diagnostic assessments enriching your clinical experience.
• Gain hands-on experience operating 7T MRI scanners while becoming certified.
• Receive training in research phlebotomy and assist with biological sample collection including blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
• Engage in direct patient interaction during study and clinical visits.
• Deepen your understanding of eating disorders and neuropsychiatric conditions through mentorship from leading clinical psychologists and endocrine specialists.

What we Offer:

• Guaranteed 1-year employment funded by a secure foundation.
• Robust mentorship and career development opportunities geared towards successful progression into doctoral and medical programs.
• Collaborative and interdisciplinary environment actively fostering diversity equity and inclusion.
• Meaningful contribution to cutting-edge clinical research with significant real-world impact.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit the following materials

• Cover Letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• Contact information for two professional references
• Code sample from a project you developed independently accompanied by a brief description of the projects purpose and functionality. Submissions in any programming language are welcome though R or Python is preferred.

We look forward to welcoming individuals dedicated to making impactful scientific contributions through innovative research.

Onsite

Work Location

399 Revolution Drive

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

Pay Range

$73798.40 - $107400.80/Annual

Grade

6

At Mass General Brigham we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization. Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive and any offer extended will take into account your skills relevant experience if applicable education certifications and other essential factors. The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation addition to competitive base pay we offer comprehensive benefits career advancement opportunities differentials premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth. We invite you to apply and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.

EEO Statement:

The Brigham and Womens Hospital Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religious creed national origin sex age gender identity disability sexual orientation military service genetic information and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process to perform essential job functions and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974 and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at .

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At Mass General Brigham our competency framework defines what effective leadership looks like by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance make hiring decisions identify development needs mobilize employees across our system and establish a strong talent pipeline.