Skip to main content

Junior Specialist - Psychosis Study Coordinator

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

The Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist (JPF02192) to serve as the study coordinator for the Defining the Neural Circuitry of Agency Deficits in Psychotic Disorders study at UC Davis Medical Center.

Research (90%)
This study is under the direction of Dr. Wilsaan Joiner and in collaboration with Dr. Cameron Carter’s Translational Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (TCAN) Laboratory. The goal of the study is to use tools from cognitive neuroscience to explore how disruptions in a person’s ability to distinguish external versus self-initiated actions may influence visual perception and contribute to positive symptoms of psychosis (e.g., hallucinations and delusions).

The incumbent will be fundamentally involved in the planning and execution of this newly funded research project. The incumbant will work collaboratively with the PI to identify the steps necessary to implement the research project, which includes IRB submission, identification and development of measures for use in the study, and successful implementation of those measures in the study itself. Furthermore, the incumbent will 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. Studies of this magnitude often require thinking creatively to design a protocol that can accommodate the study population, in this case individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The incumbent will be expected to be an active member of the research team in creatively adapting the protocol and documenting changes as appropriate. The incumbent will assist the PI in many aspects of the research study and work independently under supervision of the PI to insure adherence to study protocols, which includes consent procedures, clinical interviewing, and behavioral testing. The incumbent will assist in data management, as it pertains directly to the execution of the research project. The incumbent will contribute to writing and review of relevant manuscripts and will be acknowledged with authorship or in the acknowledgement section, as appropriate based upon the work completed. 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.

Professional Competence (5%)
The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to work independently, and as part of a team. The incumbent may have the opportunity to submit data for presentation at relevant conferences, such as Society for Neuroscience. Authorship order will be determined based on the effort contributed to the presentation. The incumbent is expected to actively participate in weekly lab meetings, journal club presentations, presentations from outside speakers, and weekly workshops to help incumbents develop their career goals. The incumbent will also participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and/or review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

Service (5%)
The incumbent will act as a mentor for undergraduate volunteers in the lab, and provide training in lab procedures.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, psychobiology, neuroscience or a related field
• Experience collecting and organizing data
• Scheduling and/or calendaring experience
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple work demands simultaneously
• Experience working in a team-oriented research environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Previous experience working with adolescents and young adults with psychiatric disorders
• Fluency in Spanish (oral & written)

SALARY RANGE: Step I - $38,112 [100% annual] or Step II - $40,656 [100% annual], commensurate with qualifications and experience.

POSITION AVAILABLE/CLOSING DATE: As openings occur, appointments are made contingent upon availability of funding. The posting will remain open until April 30, 2019 to accommodate department needs. If you would like to continue to be considered after that time you will need to submit a new application when a new position is posted. Please note: The use of a junior specialist pool does not guarantee that an open position exists.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT: Short term, up to two years. Appointments may be made up to 100%.

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 or protected veteran status. 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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

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

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact the recruiting department.

Application Requirements

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

  • Cover Letter - Generic cover letters that do not address the specific qualifications for this position are not acceptable

  • Statement of Contributions to Diversity - Diversity contributions documented in the application file will be used to evaluate applicants. Visit http://academicaffairs.ucdavis.edu/diversity/equity_inclusion/index.html for guidelines about writing a diversity statement and why one is requested.
    (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Diversity 2023 Forbes Award: Best Employers for Women

Job location

Sacramento, CA