Research Assistant – Music Technology and Biomedical Sensing (Temporary, Grant-Funded)

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Humanities & Arts - JM

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) seeks a temporary Research Assistant to support the Music-induced Analgesia Genome Study (IMAGS), an interdisciplinary research project investigating the use of music and physiological sensing technologies to support chronic pain management.
IMAGS explores how music can reduce chronic pain by examining the relationship between listeners' musical experiences and physiological indicators of stress. The project combines music technology, biofeedback sensing, software development, and human-centered design to create tools that support researchers, clinicians, and music therapists.

The Research Assistant will work closely with faculty investigators and student researchers to refine, prototype, test, and document wearable sensing technologies used in the IMAGS research platform. This position is funded through a summer research grant and is expected to support an intensive development sprint focused on advancing both existing and next-generation sensor designs.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

• Assist in the refinement, testing, and assembly of wearable galvanic skin response (GSR) sensing devices.
• Support the development of ruggedized sensor hardware suitable for research and field deployment.
• Design, prototype, and evaluate enclosures and wearable form factors for physiological sensing technologies.
• Participate in the exploration and development of novel wearable sensing approaches, including glove-based sensor systems.
• Conduct hardware testing, troubleshooting, and quality assurance procedures.
• Document design decisions, build procedures, and testing results.
• Assist with software configuration, data collection workflows, and system integration as needed.
• Collaborate with faculty investigators and other research assistants to meet project milestones.
• Participate in project meetings and provide progress updates.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or current enrollment in a degree program in Music Technology, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Experience with prototyping, electronics assembly, fabrication, or wearable technology development.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with soldering, PCB assembly, or embedded electronics.
• Experience with 3D modeling, CAD software, or enclosure design.
• Familiarity with physiological sensing technologies, wearable devices, or biomedical instrumentation.
• Experience with software development, data visualization, or human-computer interaction projects.
• Interest in music technology, digital health, assistive technology, or interdisciplinary research.

About the IMAGS Project:

The Music-induced Analgesia Genome Study (IMAGS) investigates how music can be used to help individuals manage chronic pain. The project employs custom physiological sensing hardware and software to measure changes in stress levels while participants listen to music. These data are analyzed and visualized to help researchers and music therapists better understand the characteristics of music that contribute to pain relief. IMAGS seeks to develop safe, accessible, and personalized alternatives that may complement traditional approaches to chronic pain management.

Compensation:

Hourly rate $21.00 per hour based on experience.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.