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Assistant Project Scientist - Sutter Lab

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Position description

NATURE AND PURPOSE

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in her/his academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency. Appointees with Project (e.g., Scientist) titles may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, Specialist in Cooperative Extension, etc.), he/she is not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. He/she will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal Investigator status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

Research Activity

This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research areas of microelectrode physiology and sensory processing in the nervous system. The candidate will determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. She/he will design and spearhead specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. The candidate will supervise technicians and mentor graduate students regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results, planning followup experiments, and publication strategies.

More specifically, the applicant will contribute, collaborate and/or lead research involving the role of auditory cortex, thalamus, and brain stem in perception and action, with particular emphasis on behaviorally training animals, and recording single units and field potentials using individual electrodes and recording arrays. The applicant will help with the implementation of a new array recording system. The applicant also will serve as a research coordinator for projects related to single unit and field potential recording while animals discriminate sound and/or other sensory stimuli. The applicant will need to work with MATLAB and should have experience performing microelectrode recording of the brain, preferably while animals perform sensory or sensorimotor tasks. Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills and a strong work ethic are expected.

Publication

The candidate will publish research results in peer-reviewed journals, books, and other outlets in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition

The applicant may attempt to gain research funding to collaborate on projects of joint interest and will apply for grants in conjunction with the PI.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)

The applicant will need to report the lab’s findings at conferences. For the applicant’s career development Professional Service is important. Such service may include reviewing articles, reviewing grants, organizing meetings, attending meetings, serving on University committees, and attending career development workshops.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Candidates must possess a PhD in an area related to the research (for example, Neuroscience, Psychology, Engineering).

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

Experience with microelectrode recording is preferred

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter - (up to 2 pages)

  • Statement of Research - (up to 2 pages)

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion 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 statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04851

Help contact: mlsutter@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. 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 UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

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As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

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Job location

Davis, CA