We (waingerlab.org) are a young and vibrant group applying biological, physiological and computational tools to understand and identify new treatments for motor and sensory neuron diseases. The laboratory is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic clinical research assistant to support clinical studies in pain.
The clinical research assistant will contribute to all aspects of two NIH-funded studies: the first study, which is being conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, uses outcomes of nerve excitability, microneurography, and PET imaging to understand mechanisms of spinal cord stimulation to treat refractory pain; the second study, which is being performed at Massachusetts General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, employs neurophysiology measures of muscle excitability, muscle impedance, and ultrasound to develop biomarkers for myofascial pain. A third study focuses on predicting patient outcomes from pain studies using baseline characteristics, which should ultimately improve patient selection for chronic pain interventions.
The clinical research assistant will develop strong experience in many aspects of clinical research, including trial design, subject recruitment, interactions with subjects during visits, and study physiological procedures. In addition, there will opportunities to engage in sample processing as well as exposure to preclinical lab-based activities in the group. The clinical research assistant will interact with a large number of clinical and pre-clinical investigators and gain broad experience in clinical research.
Two year commitment strongly preferred. Start date of late spring/early summer 2026.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Management of clinical research studies
- Subject recruitment
- Conduct study visits
- Sample processing and analysis
- Grant applications & IRB protocols
- May assist with training other personnel
- Potential to assist with drafting or contributing to the preparation of research papers, manuscripts or other documents for publication and/or presentation.
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
- Must be an enthusiastic, diligent and professional team player with excellent time management skills.
- Meticulous detail about protocols and documentation are required.
- The ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
EDUCATION:
- BA/BS in neurobiology, molecular biology, or related field
EXPERIENCE:
- One year of previous relevant laboratory or clinical work experience strongly desired.
PLEASE CONTACT AND INCLUDE COVER LETTER, CV, AND TRANSCRIPT:
Brian Wainger: brian.wainger@mgh.harvard.edu
Susan St. Pierre: sestpierre@mgb.org