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Assistant Specialist-Toprani Lab

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable range estimate for this position is $61,300-$68,300 (non-exempt $29.47/hr -$32.83/hr)

Application Window

Open date: August 30, 2024

Next review date: Monday, Sep 16, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Jun 30, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

The Department of Neurology at the University of California, Davis, invites applications for an Assistant Specialist position under the guidance of Dr. Sheela Toprani. This role focuses on advancing research in neurophysiology with a specific emphasis on epilepsy.

Nature and Purpose
The Assistant Specialist is integral to our research team, providing technical expertise in the planning and execution of research projects. The role involves analyzing complex biological data to advance our understanding of neurological conditions, specifically epilepsy. This position encourages collaboration with principal investigators to contribute to research proposals and secure funding.

The Assistant Specialist will be responsible for lab data and codebase organization, management, and pipeline development. This position will also provide hands-on support in analysis for iEEG projects, which will include data pre-processing, event extraction, time-frequency analysis, event related potential analysis, phase-locking analysis and network coherence analysis. Familiarity with various computer environments (Windows, Mac OSX), coding skills (Matlab, R, Python), and codebase repositories (GitHub) is essential. Previous work with electrophysiological data is a plus.

The selected candidate will be expected to contribute to academic publications published in peer-reviewed journals, participate in lab meetings and attend relevant talks/meetings. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and decision-making skills, have a strong interest in neuroscience, and must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Major Responsibilities and Areas of Expertise
Research and Analysis (80% Effort)
● Conduct comprehensive data analysis, focusing on EEG and neuroimaging data, to investigate brain function and network dynamics in epilepsy.
● Utilize advanced statistical and computational models, applying programming skills in Python, MATLAB, and R.
● Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, ensuring meaningful contributions to the field.
● Disseminate research outcomes through presentations at national and international conferences, workshops, and symposia.
● Develop and maintain a codebase that highlights new analytical capabilities introduced during the research.
● Work independently, taking initiative and engaging in critical problem-solving with enthusiasm for advancing neurophysiological research.

Professional Competence and Activity (15% Effort)
● Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
● Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to the area of expertise.

University and Public Service (5% Effort)
● Participate in committee activities within the department, college, campus, and other university entities, as appropriate.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

● A Master's degree in Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or a Bachelor's degree with 1 to 3 years of research experience.
● Extensive experience in data analysis and computational modeling related to biological or neurological research.
● Familiarity with EEG data analysis is preferred.
● Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, R, including related data analysis toolboxes such as FieldTrip, and codebase management using GitHub.
● Experience organizing and managing data processing pipelines.
● Experience with large data signal processing.
● Great communication and interpersonal skills.
● Ability to work independently, take initiative, critical problem-solving, and enthusiasm.
● Knowledgeable about issues with computer software and hardware, and experience troubleshooting.

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

● 1-2 years' experience in a lab or industry setting
● Experience with web design and social media
● Prior work with electrophysiological datasets
● Familiarity with command line scripting and Linux and Windows operating systems.
● General programming or software development experience.
● Understanding of Electroencephalography (EEG) and/or intracranial EEG (iEEG) research.
● Possess skill set with patient MRIs including an understanding of MRI neuroanatomy.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Cover Letter

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

  • 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)
Apply link: https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06694

Help contact: margodfrey@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.

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, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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.

The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.

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