What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Support Associate 1 position at Massachusetts Institute of Technology?
Posting Description
RESEARCH SUPPORT ASSOCIATE 1
, Picower Institute for Learning & Memory , (up to 10 hours/week) to support the development, assembly, testing, programming, and maintenance of custom research devices used in neuroscience and clinical research studies. This role involves hands-on work assembling small electronic devices, including speakers and units that deliver patterned light and sound stimulation. Responsibilities include soldering components of varying sizes, ranging from larger speaker assemblies to precise soldering of small pins and components used in research devices. This position includes electronics assembly, device programming, hardware and software troubleshooting, quality control, and technical documentation.
The full job description is available here: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:2032a07b-2388-458d-9f72-6baa49bb6033
Job Requirements
REQUIRED : High school education or equivalent; strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills; basic knowledge of general laboratory practices and procedures; and ability to independently learn new procedures and technical skills from written documentation and SOPs. PREFERRED : Bachelor of Science in an engineering field; experience with hardware and software development or troubleshooting; demonstrated initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision; strong critical thinking skills and a proactive approach to identifying and solving problems; excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; experience maintaining accurate technical documentation and records; ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team; and experience interpreting technical schematics, wiring diagrams, or engineering drawings.
Work hours are limited to a maximum of 10 hours per week.
10/16/2026