Research Assistant

About the Opportunity

The Computational Clinical Psychology Lab at Northeastern University is seeking a highly-skilled and motivated candidate for a full-time Research Assistant position. The focus of the lab is using innovative statistical strategies to improve the treatment and classification of emotional disorders (i.e., anxiety and depression disorders). Specifically, the principal objective of lab’s research is to improve diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of emotional disorders by embracing a precision medicine framework that uses computational modelling to capture the idiographic, dynamic, and multidimensional nature of emotional disorders.

Many of the statistical techniques emphasized in the lab span disciplines such as network theory, dynamical systems, and machine learning, among others. Accordingly, the objectives of the lab include 1) characterizing the temporal dynamics of symptoms and affect using self-reported ecological momentary assessments and passive sensor data, 2) understanding the network structure of emotional disorders (e.g., how are symptoms related, etc.), 3) leveraging computational and statistical advances in time-series data and machine learning to improve our ability to predict meaningful clinical outcomes in emotional disorders (e.g., response to therapy, changes in symptom severity, etc.), 4) developing personalized treatments for individual patients that are tailored using predictive models trained on idiographic symptom data, and 5) characterizing emotion regulation deficits underlying emotional disorders using innovative statistical procedures.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team and contribute to various technical and administrative tasks related to computational research on emotional disorders such as, data analysis, study administration, subject recruitment, and support. This is an excellent position to prepare a candidate who wants to develop further statistical and research skills to be competitive for a doctorate in clinical psychology. Although having an explicit background in statistics and data analysis is certainly not necessary, it would behoove potential candidates to have a genuine interest in learning more about data analysis, given the nature of the lab’s research. There will be hands-on learning opportunities provided for learning data analysis in R and general statistical skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with database management and processing of digital health data

• Perform administrative duties, such as scheduling participants, project management of ecological momentary assessment research, administering participant questionnaires, and preparing documents for IRBs and grant funding agencies.

• Engage in opportunities to develop original research ideas

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Statistics, or a related discipline.

• Relevant coursework or prior research experience.

• Basic computer skills are necessary, and advanced computer skills are preferred for statistical programming, clinical purposes, and administrative tasks.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with lab colleagues and study participants.

• Strong oral and written communication skills. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

• Attentive to detail and capable of maintaining accuracy in work.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• An interest in learning statistical programming in R, Python, or a comparable language.

• College-level coursework in statistics, computer science, applied mathematics, and/or data visualization.

• Any interest or experience in working with clinical populations of anxiety and depression.

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.