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Early Psychosis Technical Specialist EP 2018

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Position description

Broadly, the Translational Cognitive and Affective (TCAN) Laboratory studies the neural mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction in psychotic illness. This position is to serve as a technically-oriented junior specialist for the Understanding Early Psychosis study at the UC Davis Medical Center.

DEGREE REQUIREMENT Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, psychobiology, neuroscience or a related field .

RESEARCH The incumbent will be responsible for many aspects of data collection and analysis, and consequently will benefit from having experience or interest in neuroimaging and programming as well as strong interpersonal skills. The incumbent will become proficient in operating all MRI and EEG hardware at the Imaging Research Center and will be responsible for collecting, organizing, and analyzing neuroimaging data (including diffusion MRI, fMRI, EEG/ERP, and PET). The incumbent will use programming expertise to generate and maintain computer code used in organizing and analyzing behavioral and neuroimaging data. Finally, the incumbent will manage data collection and organization of behavioral data, including mentoring undergraduate volunteers in the input of data to multiple databases.

Additionally, the laboratory is starting several new pilot projects focused on using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and the incumbent would have the opportunity to provide valuable input to the design and implementation of these studies at this early stage, gain exposure to development of ideas for grant proposals, and collect ongoing data for the projects over the next two years.

Furthermore, the incumbent may have the opportunity to creatively contribute to the research project by proposing alternative analysis strategies, generate novel projects with existing data, and review literature for manuscript preparation.
The incumbent will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities, including reviewing journal articles and engaging in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results with PI and others in the lab.

48% Neuroimaging Data Collection, Organization, and Analysis

  • Operate 1.5T and 3T MRI as well as EEG and tDCS hardware in a manner consistent with all safety protocols.
  • Transfer and organize all neuroimaging data in server databases.
  • Generate, modify, and maintain in-house software used to analyze neuroimaging data, including shell scripts, Matlab scripts, and other widely available neuroimaging software.
  • Analyze multiple forms of neuroimaging data, including diffusion MRI, spectroscopy, PET, and functional MRI.
  • Maintain detailed records of quality control procedures in data analysis pipeline.

42% Behavioral Data Collection and Organization

  • Conduct behavioral assessments with research participants including computerized and paper-and-pencil tests of multiple apects of cognitive functioning.
  • Ensure biological samples (i.e., blood) are collected and stored appropriately. Transfer blood samples to other faculty responsible for processing in a timely manner.
  • Maintain databases of all study data, including demographic, symptom, and cognitive data.
  • Maintain organized records for all participants in locked filing cabinets.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE The incumbent will be expected to actively participate in weekly lab meetings, journal club presentations, presentations from outside speakers, and weekly workshops to help candidates develop their career goals. Additionally, the incumbent may also participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and/or review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

The incumbent may have the opportunity to submit data for presentation relevant conferences, such as Society of Biological Psychiatry or Society for Neuroscience (if funding is available).

The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

5 % Professional Development

  • Actively participate in weekly lab meetings, journal club presentations, presentations from outside speakers, and weekly workshops
  • Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and/or review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

UNIVERSITY SERVICE The incumbent will mentor undergraduate student assistants in the lab.

5% Service

  • Provide mentorship to undergraduate volunteers involved in data collection and input.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT One year, with an additional year available based on performance and needs of the research project. Appointments may be made up to 100%.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter

  • Letters of Reference

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)
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Job location

Davis, CA