Post-Doc, REACH for BRAIN - Military Veterans

A post-doctoral / legal 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 is utilizing community engagement with Black and Latinx stakeholder networks in the Greater Boston area, 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 individual for a sustained commitment (1 year with strong preference for a second year renewal). The position 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.

There is a particular need for a Fellow with methodological expertise in community engaged research (CEnR), particularly with methods and innovations beyond typical community-based participatory research (CBPR) implementations. Strong applicants will have multidisciplinary interest and expertise in some or all of the following: participatory, interactional, and restorative justice; community entrenchment and community-building; Applicants with expertise in human neuroimaging are especially welcome to apply, but neuroscience expertise is not required for this role. Applicants with expertise in equitable methods in epidemiology, public health, environmental science, law, or related disciplines are also encouraged to apply.

Supervision: This position will be primarily supervised by Dr. Francis X. Shen, JD, PhD. Dr. Shen is a Professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, a member of the Faculty in the UMN Graduate Program in Neuroscience, and Co-Chair of the UMN Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment & the Life Sciences. The position will also receive co-mentoring from senior personnel in the project, including Dr. Jonathan Jackson, CRESCENT Advising, LLC, and Dr. Susie Huang, of the Translational Neuro MR Imaging and Connectomics project at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging at MGH. About Shen Lab: The Lab explores the intersection of neuroscience, AI, ethics, and law. 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. CRESCENT Advising, LLC helps clinical trials meet recruitment, engagement, and retention goals with solutions-based results.

The PIs value open communication, innovation, and collaboration. Individualized mentorship will be provided by PIs Shen, Jackson and Huang, with focused attention on career development and growth. Other training 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
• Develop expertise in constructing, executing, and evaluating human neuroimaging research protocols
• Present to a wide-range of stakeholders, including lay community audiences, neuroimaging scientists, bioethicists, NIH BRAIN personnel, and others

Duration : One year with the possibility of extension
Preferred Start: July 1, 2025 (flexible)
Commitment : This position may be part-time or full-time. Ideally, we're looking for someone to work 40 hours a week, but are open to two candidates at 20 hours/week each.
Location: The work for this position is primarily based in Boston, MA

Required Qualifications

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

Preferred 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.
• It is preferred, though not required, for candidates to have training in parametric and nonparametric statistical theory, bioinformatics, and/or qualitative research methods.