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The Neuroprosthetics Lab at UC Davis works on developing brain-computer interface technologies to restore lost motor function in patients with neurological impairments.

This Jr. Specialist position will contribute to a highly interdisciplinary project developing and validating new neural recording devices (human-optimized Neuropixels probes) in large animal models (sheep) and humans (recordings done intraoperatively and epilepsy monitoring unit). This work is highly translational, offering pre-clinical testing of a new device with the opportunity to participate in early testing of the same device in humans. The lab provides a collaborative and dynamic research environment with exposure to world class facilities and research team. For more information about the lab please visit the website.

This full time role is ideal for individuals interested in animal and veterinary work with an emphasis on neuroscience and new technology development, and aiming to pursue a future in biomedical engineering, neuroscience research or veterinary care. In addition to helping with research, the Jr. Specialist will also participate in laboratory meetings, contribute towards academic publications in peer reviewed journals, and attend relevant scientific talks/meetings. This role offers significant learning opportunities, the potential for co-authorship on publications, and the chance to present findings at scientific events.

I. RESEARCH (90% Effort)
A. Assist with animal surgical planning, surgical procedures, and post-operative animal monitoring while considering animal welfare, ethics, and research protocols
B. Assist with electrophysiological neural data recording in a large animal model (sheep) including setup, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of electrophysiological recordings equipment
C. Contribute to electrophysiological data collection during intraoperative procedures involving the human brain.
D. Perform data organization, preprocessing, and statistical analysis of neural data using Python or MATLAB.
E. Assist in the design and prototyping of medical devices using CAD and 3D printing techniques.
F. Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to experimental designs for novel neurotechnology.
G. Collaborate closely with postdoctoral researchers leading the project and other members of the research team to discuss experimental progress, troubleshoot challenges, and implement changes to research protocols and experimental designs
H. Contribute to the preparation of figures, abstracts, posters, and other research material with opportunities for authorship.
I. Participate in scientific presentations (beyond the boundaries of the campus) at scientific events.
J. Be comfortable handling live animals and assisting with procedures involving live tissue, biological specimens, and surgical environments.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5% Effort)
A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% Effort)
A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.
B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

• “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity 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 status under state or federal law.

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.

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in 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.

UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.

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.

The University of California and UC Davis are committed to offering a wide variety of benefits for employees. The University of California Employee benefits and UC Davis New Employee benefits webpages have additional information.

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.