Research Scientist

Site: The Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation

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
Drives research projects scientifically and determines the course of research as evidenced by leadership, obtaining funding, writing, or other recognition. May not necessarily receive independent resources; however, their contribution is essential to the conceptual/scientific success of the project.

Essential Functions
Trains/mentors study staff.

Mentor a team of data analysts in statistical analysis, study design, and coding.

Overseeing progress across multiple research and evaluation projects.

Identifies, assimilates, and synthesizes data needed for computer models and manages databases relating to statistical and related software.

Work closely with cross-functional teams (analytical chemistry, sensory, applications & flavor creation) to achieve desired results.

Lead internal encapsulation science research program as well as external research collaborations.

Design, execute and interpret research experiments.

Analyze and present data at internal and external meetings.

Required for All Jobs
Performs other duties as assigned

Complies with all policies and standards

Does this position require Patient Care (indirect/direct)? No

Qualifications

Overview

The Spaulding Neurorehabilitation Laboratory (SNL), under the direction of Dr. Joseph T. Giacino, is seeking a Research Scientist to lead and support research advancing care for individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). The successful candidate will serve as an investigator and member of the Outcomes Core of TRACK-TBI (Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in TBI) a 18-site, federally funded study aimed at improving diagnosis, classification, and treatment of TBI through the integration of clinical, neuroimaging, and biomarker data. TRACK-TBI represents the most comprehensive prospective TBI research initiative in the United States, supported by the Department of Defense (DoD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), the NFL, and private sector partners. In this leadership role, the Research Scientist will coordinate clinical trial activities, conduct and oversee outcome assessments, and participate in the development of data-driven approaches to TBI diagnosis, prognostication and management.

In addition to TRACK-TBI, the Research Scientist will contribute to the Spaulding-Harvard Traumatic Brain Injury Model System (SH-TBIMS) one of 16 nationally designated centers funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). SH-TBIMS is a cornerstone of longitudinal TBI research in the U.S., housing over 70,000 follow-up visits from more than 18,000 participants. The Research Scientist will support ongoing database contributions and lead site-specific research initiatives as part of this national consortium.

This is an opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team committed to evidence-based care, scientific innovation, and the long-term recovery of individuals with brain injury.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the research scientist for TRACK-TBI, contributing to and overseeing core activities including protocol design, outcomes research, data analysis, multi-site coordination, and dissemination of findings.
• Provide scientific oversight for SH-TBIMS, including longitudinal data management, database contributions, and development of new research directions.
• Lead and collaborate on manuscripts, conference presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Design and implement original studies focused on recovery trajectories and treatment outcomes in acquired brain injury.
• Contribute to research grant preparation and submission.
• Mentor trainees and junior staff; supervise students and postdoctoral fellows as appropriate.
• Collaborate with national and international partners to promote evidence-based care and innovation in brain injury rehabilitation.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, psychology, rehabilitation science, public health, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience, ideally involving traumatic or acquired brain injury.

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership in study design, data acquisition, analysis, and scientific writing.
• Strong publication record and experience with longitudinal or multicenter clinical research studies.
• Capacity to manipulate and analyze large datasets using statistical and programming software (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, SAS); familiarity with neuroimaging tools (e.g., FSL, AFNI, SPM) is a plus.
• Outstanding writing, presentation, and organizational skills for manuscripts, abstracts, and grant submissions.
• Proficiency with standard office applications (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn new software platforms as needed.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Intellectual independence, initiative, and strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience supervising research assistants and coordinating collaborative project teams.
• Familiarity with NIH, NIDILRR, and other federal or foundation regulatory guidelines, including human subjects research compliance and data reporting requirements.

Additional Job Details (if applicable)

Physical Requirements

Standing Frequently (34-66%)
Walking Frequently (34-66%)
Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
Talking Constantly (67-100%)
Hearing Constantly (67-100%)

Remote Type

Hybrid

Work Location

300 First Avenue

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Employee Type

Regular

Work Shift

Day (United States of America)

EEO Statement:

The Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation 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 .... Mass General Brigham Competency Framework

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.