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The position of Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Normally, Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status but may obtain permission by exception and/or collaborate with a PI in preparing research proposals for extramural funding. The Specialist is evaluated for merit and promotion using three basic criteria outlined below.

We are recruiting a Specialist who will carry out research in the Comparative and Translational Affective Science Laboratory, overseen by Dr. Eliza Bliss-Moreau. Our laboratory studies the biological mechanism that generate healthy and disordered socioaffective processes across the lifespan, using both behavioral and neuroscientific techniques in multiple species. We are recruiting a Specialist (at the Assistant or Associate level, commensurate with experience) to play a key role in our work relating brain structure and function to behavior including, but not exclusive to, execution and analysis of neuroimaging studies (MRI modality) and histological studies to identify neural structures/neural networks/cell types that are responsible for socioaffective processing. and carrying out experiments and their subsequent data analyses associated with presently funded grants.

Additionally, the Specialist will carry out data processing procedures and analyses and assist in writing and publishing manuscripts and conference presentations. This position therefore requires considerable knowledge of neuroanatomy, nonhuman primate behavior and associated methods, substantial laboratory technical expertise, a high level of detail orientation, and the ability to stay current in this fast-moving field.

Major Responsibilities
I. Research in specialized areas (90%)

Neuroanatomical Experiments
The primary focus of this individual’s role in the laboratory will be carrying out studies on brain structure and function using both neuroimaging and histological data. This will include learning and working with: MRI processing pipelines, NHP neuroanatomy, histological protocols including immunohistochemistry and the quantification of brain regions and cell types. Since the goal of the laboratory is to relate behavior to brain structure and function, the person in this role will also gain expertise in behavioral methods and data, in order to carry out analyses relating brain to behavior.

Development of New Experiments
The individual will work with the PI and other laboratory personnel on the design of new experiments and lines of research. This role therefore requires staying abreast of both research methods and the scientific literature in our area of research.

Writing/Publishing Papers, Protocols and Conference Presentations
This individual will play a key role in the published research from our laboratory. In some cases, this will be noted in the acknowledgments section of a paper (e.g., when the contribution was mainly in supervising data collection). In other cases, the individual will play a significant role in writing the paper and will serve as a co-author. The individual will be encouraged to present work at national and international conferences.

Preparation of Grants and Grants Management
This individual will support the efforts of the laboratory to secure future funding via the activities outlined above, in addition to specific preparation of experimental documents and figures for grants. The individual will assist with preparing grant documents and will provide fiscal oversight and management for the laboratory. Consistent with this role, the individual will complete all required trainings (e.g., animal care and use, responsible conduct of research) as well as occupational health clearances.

II. Professional competence and activity (5%)
The individual will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. The individual will also coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings, and educational functions.

III. University and public service (5%)
The individual will engage in public outreach activities that include presenting scientific research results to the general public and disciplinary specific service such as reviewing manuscripts. The individual will engage in University service activities such committee service as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS
Basic qualifications (required at time of application):
The basic qualification for this position is a Master’s degree in neuroscience and behavior or equivalent graduate degree, or five years of experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
The ideal candidate will show strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills while, promoting teamwork in a diverse multidisciplinary environment and supporting the research activities of the PI and research team. The Appointee will be supervised directly by PI and will be communicating and interacting with the team of investigators and scientists of the center. Self-guidance in details of assigned tasks is expected.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Document requirements
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)
• 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.

Reference requirements
3-5 required (contact information only)

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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

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