Research Trainee – Prospective Clinical Study; Male Infertility

These positions are based in the Shafiee Lab at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA.

AI & Software Development, Biomedical Engineering, Microsystems, Image Analysis, Wet-Lab Research

We are seeking two highly motivated research trainees to join an ongoing prospective clinical research study focused on advancing technology for the treatment of severe male infertility. This interdisciplinary project integrates microscale device engineering, imaging, AI‑assisted analysis, and clinical workflows, with direct relevance to real‑world patient care.

The positions are:

The trainee will work with an established AI and software pipeline, with responsibilities including running, validating, and maintaining inference codes used in the study. The role also involves developing and refining a user‑facing software application intended for use by embryologists in an IVF lab. The trainee will contribute to iterative software development, incorporating feedback from clinical end users and collaborators, and supporting revisions of the application as needed.

Close collaboration with external technical partners (e.g., imaging and automation teams) will be required to ensure a unified and consistent software workflow.

The trainee will support the experimental components of an ongoing prospective clinical study focused on male infertility. Responsibilities include device fabrication and preparation, sample handling, and automated microscopy‑based imaging workflows used in the study. The role also involves assisting with experimental validation and coordinating with engineers and clinical collaborators to generate data for manuscript preparation and clinical study activities. This position is well suited for candidates interested in hands‑on translational research, microscale devices, and laboratory workflows in a clinical research environment.

Candidates should have:

• A strong interest in translational and clinically relevant research
• Prior experience in a laboratory or research environment
• Self‑motivation, reliability, and eagerness to learn
• Ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary team

For the AI & Software role:

• Background in software development, data analysis, image analysis, or machine learning
• Interest in deploying AI tools in real‑world clinical workflows

For the Wet‑Lab role:

• Background in biology, bioengineering, or a related discipline
• Experience with wet‑bench work and digital microscopy is a plus

This is a unique opportunity to be involved in a prospective clinical study with direct translational impact. Trainees will gain hands‑on experience at the interface of engineering, data science, and clinical research, contributing to work with meaningful potential to improve patient outcomes.

• We welcome students available for 12‑month commitments
• Applicants must maintain student status throughout the duration of the role
• Project work may be used toward undergraduate or postgraduate thesis requirements
• Depending on contribution, trainees may be considered for authorship on high‑impact publications

Interested candidates should send their CVs to: abigdelivard.edu

Please use “Research Trainee – Sperm Project” in the subject line.