Research Assistant

Job Description:

About Brown:

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more. To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page for further information.

About the Opportunity:

The Robert J. & Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science is committed to supporting research and facilitating collaborations in brain science across the Brown University community and beyond. Our mission is to promote discovery and innovation in brain science by supporting a diverse community of experimentalists, theorists, engineers, and clinical scientists. We do this by recruiting and retaining world-class faculty, creating an outstanding collaborative training environment, seeding innovative projects, supporting collaborative teams, and raising the visibility and reputation of Carney researchers.

Responsibilities:

The Research Assistant will assist with computational simulations and technical development of an open source Python package called HSSM, which allows researchers to fit a wide range of computational models to cognitive neuroscience data. This will involve reading the literature, formulating models described therein, training neural networks for likelihood-free inference, performing parameter recovery, checking for convergence, and hierarchical Bayesian parameter estimation.

The Research Assistant will have the ability to perform these duties independently but with regular guidance from the principal investigator and laboratory members. This is a fixed term position with a current end date of 10/01/2027 which may be extended based upon available funding.

Job Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, or Neuroscience
• 1-2 years of related research experience
• Knowledge and experience with Bayesian inference, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, neural networks
• Programming knowledge of Python, PyTorch

Job Competencies

• Strong organizational skills
• Proactive and motivated to learn
• Programming expertise
• Ability to diagnose bugs and challenges related to Bayesian inference and Markov Chain Monte Carlo convergence

Additional Information:

Applicants are asked to include a resume.

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Must follow all safety protocols for equipment in experimental studies (e.g., MRI, EEG, tDCS, eye-tracking)

Must follow all safety protocols for pharmacological experiment(s) and with elderly and Parkinson’s disease participants

First Aid/CPR/AED certification

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-09-28

Job Posting Title:

Research Assistant

Department:

Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science

Grade:

Grade 8

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid

Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.

About Us

Welcome!

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island. Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community.

Additional Information:

Salaries for new hires at Brown usually fall between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for the position grade. More information about our salary ranges can be found here.