Programmer/Analyst, Sr (894)

Under the general supervision of the Director, Program Director, and Principal Investigators of the Center for Addiction Medicine, the Lead Programmer is an interdisciplinary role at the MGH Center for Addiction Medicine that requires strong software engineering skills. Working independently and with minimal supervision, he or she will be responsible for fulfilling the computational and data integrity needs of the center and leading the rest of the programming team. The candidate will be expected to possess intermediate knowledge of and to abide by modern information security standards. The candidate will also be expected to have experience with clinical research and to uphold human subjects research federal regulations.

The Center for Addiction Medicine is a team composed of psychiatrists, neuroscientists, psychologists, other interdisciplinary scientists, research assistants, computer programmers, and interns. Cutting edge clinical research with human subjects seeks to contribute knowledge regarding addiction and substance use behaviors, interventions, and treatments. Though the successful candidate will possess the job title of programmer, they may be expected to perform a variety of tasks in their role at the center in addition to their computing related responsibilities.

An ideal candidate will have a willingness to learn, will act professionally, and will communicate effectively. The position requires excellent organizational skill and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks with fluctuating deadlines. It is also important that candidates possess an interest in the work of the Center for Addiction Medicine and an interest in working with human subjects on a diverse team of scientists and support staff.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Manage REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) databases, ensuring data collection integrity and compliance.
• Oversee integration of front-end data collection with back-end data processing and analysis.
• Prepare ad hoc reports, figures, tables and reviews on various topics for several different projects.
• Collaborate with biostatisticians to prepare large datasets for analysis.
• Serve as technical support to research staff. Offer technical input regarding the improvement of ongoing studies and design of new studies.

• Assist with data analysis and preparation of research data for presentations and written publications.
• Maintain documentation for the Institutional Review Board and perform or delegate related administrative tasks.
• Review and uphold Data Management and Sharing plans in accordance with NIH policy.
• Develop applications to expedite and fortify the integrity of common research-related data processing tasks.
• Monitor inventories, purchase new supplies as needed, and maintain computer systems.
• Develop and maintain data management and programming knowledgebase.
• Train and supervise other programmers at the Center for Addiction Medicine on best practices in data management.

The position requires excellent organizational skills, good interpersonal skills, strong quantitative and technical skills, a willingness and ability to learn, attention to detail, the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and handle fluctuating priorities and deadlines, good communication skills, the ability to work independently as well as with others. An interest in the work of the Center for Addiction Medicine is important as well as in working with human research participants and a diverse research team including psychiatrists, psychologists, neuroscientists, imaging scientists, a team of research assistants/coordinators, and support staff. Strong computer and programming skills with scripting language experience (e.g. R, Python, MATLAB) are required. Familiarity with a wide variety of software tools for data collection and analysis such as (in order of importance): R, shell scripting, git/GitHub/GitLab, MATLAB, Python, PsychoPy, FSL, FreeSurfer, and HTML/CSS/web design is beneficial.

Education:

Bachelor's degree required. Master's or doctoral degree in biostatistics, cognitive science, neuroscience, bioinformatics, data science, or related science preferred.

Experience:

Required: Minimum of 3-5 years of related experience, supervisory experience required. Experience in clinical research, preferably addiction/mental health. Strong computer and programming skills with scripting language experience (e.g. R, Python, MATLAB) are required, R preferred.

Preferred: Knowledge of a wide variety of software tools for data collection and analysis such as shell scripting, git/GitHub/GitLab, PsychoPy, FSL, FreeSurfer, and HTML/CSS/web design is preferred.

Massachusetts
General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we
choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with
disabilities are strongly encouraged.