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Jr. Specialist - Saez Lab

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Position description

The Junior Specialist will work in a Neuroscience research program devoted to understanding the biological basis of human cognition studying brain activity from neurosurgical patients. Successful candidates will administer cognitive tasks to patients in a clinical environment while recording brain (electrophysiological) activity. Candidates are expected to interact with research and clinical staff, as well as with patients and families; therefore, strong interpersonal skills are essential. Familiarity with different computer environments (Windows, Mac OSX) is essential; coding skills (Matlab, R, python) and previous experience with electrophysiological recordings are a plus. The incumbent will be expected to contribute to academic publications published in peer-reviewed journals, participate in lab meetings and attend relevant talks by faculty, both on and off campus throughout the year. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and decision-making skills, a strong interest in Neuroscience and clinical research and must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.

The incumbent will be expected to help design tasks adequate to the research question under examination and analyze the resulting datasets to answer the experimental hypotheses put forward. In addition, s/he will be expected to produce contributions of a high academic caliber that will result in authorship on scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals (e.g. Nature Neuroscience, Current Biology, Journal of Neuroscience). S/he will be engaged in designing new experiments based on the published results. S/he will participate in bi-weekly meetings in the Saez Lab and will be required to attend basic science meetings at the Center for Neuroscience and the Department of Neurological Surgery, as well as other talks given by faculty, both on and off campus throughout the year, which will discuss current and ongoing research projects.

The Junior Specialist will be expected to provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants that rotate through the lab.

The incumbent must have a bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. In addition to a strong background in neurobiology and science, the incumbent will be expected to have experience working in a research laboratory, demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions and communication of ideas as well as the ability to work full-time.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Ignacio Saez in the Department of Neurological Surgery.

This is a full-time position. This position is funded at 100% time and is contracted for a year. There is the possibility of a year extension depending on work performance. This contract cannot be extended beyond two years. This job is geared for someone planning to take a year or two off before going to medical or professional school.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical
Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Strong background in neurobiology and science.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, show critical thinking, and be able to communicate ideas effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1-2 years’ experience in a laboratory setting, familiarity with different computer environments (Windows, Mac OSX) is essential; coding skills (Matlab, R, python) and previous experience with electrophysiological recordings are a plus

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: 1-2 years based on need at 100% appointment. The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Ignacio Saez in the Department of Neurological Surgery.

TO APPLY: To apply, please go to the following link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF02768. To receive the fullest consideration, applications must be received by June 1, 2019. However, the position will remain open until filled through June 30, 2019. Applicants should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae as PDF files. Applicants must also provide 2-4 letters of recommendation. All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law.

QUESTIONS: Please direct questions to Elisa Valenton at emvalenton@ucdavis.edu

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see:
http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCD positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

UC Davis is a smoke & tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).
If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Cover Letter

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit https://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/faculty-equity-and-inclusion for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2-4 letters of reference required
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Davis,CA