Assistant Specialist

University of California; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis, is seeking an Assistant Specialist to provide professional research support for neuroscience studies in non-human primates, focusing on extracellular electrophysiology and data workflows. The role emphasizes technical contributions aligned with the UC Davis Specialist Series.

The position covers wet-lab procedures, data processing, and lab operations, with responsibilities including recording setup, metadata organization, and collaborative interpretation of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience).
• Experience working with non-human primates in a research setting.
• Demonstrated experience in extracellular recording using single electrodes and/or electrode arrays.
• Experience using analysis software programs for research data processing, visualization, and/or statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate research records and follow detailed protocols consistently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team-based research environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wet-lab and research procedures supporting NHP neurophysiology studies, including preparation, setup, and execution of experiments as directed by the PI and in accordance with approved protocols and lab SOPs.
• Perform extracellular electrophysiological recordings using single electrodes and/or electrode arrays, including troubleshooting signal quality, optimizing recording parameters, and maintaining consistent data quality standards.
• Prepare, operate, and maintain electrophysiology hardware/software components, escalating complex issues to the PI or vendor support as appropriate.
• Collect, organize, and document experimental metadata and results using structured lab documentation practices.
• Contribute to interpretation of recording results in collaboration with the PI and lab team; summarize findings for lab meetings and internal progress updates.
• Use relevant analysis software to process electrophysiology data; maintain organized datasets with versioning and documentation.
• Assist in generating figures/tables for internal reports, presentations, abstracts, and/or manuscripts as appropriate.
• Support day-to-day laboratory operations, equipment inventories, supply tracking, and training of students/staff.

Skills

Non-human primate experience

Extracellular electrophysiology

Data analysis software

Lab data/documentation

Team communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in neuroscience/biology/biomedical engineering

Tools

Recording hardware

Analysis software packages

Job description

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the PI, the Assistant Specialist will provide professional research support for ongoing neuroscience research in non-human primates, with a focus on extracellular electrophysiology (single electrodes and/or electrode arrays) and associated data processing/analysis workflows. The role emphasizes specialized technical contributions to research activities consistent with the UC Davis Specialist Series.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Research / Technical Contributions — 70%

• Conduct wet-lab and research procedures supporting NHP neurophysiology studies, including preparation, setup, and execution of experiments as directed by the PI and in accordance with approved protocols and lab SOPs. 1
• Perform extracellular electrophysiological recordings using single electrodes and/or electrode arrays, including troubleshooting signal quality, optimizing recording parameters, and maintaining consistent data quality standards.
• Prepare, operate, and maintain electrophysiology hardware/software components (e.g., recording systems, headstages, manipulators, stimulus presentation interfaces), escalating complex issues to the PI or vendor support as appropriate.
• Collect, organize, and document experimental metadata and results using structured lab documentation practices (e.g., electronic lab notebooks, file naming conventions, run logs).
• Contribute to interpretation of recording results in collaboration with the PI and lab team; summarize findings for lab meetings and internal progress updates.

2) Data Processing and Analysis — 20%

• Use relevant analysis software programs to process electrophysiology data (e.g., spike detection/sorting workflows as applicable; time-series analyses; basic statistics; visualization and quality control).
• Maintain organized datasets and analysis outputs, supporting reproducibility through clear versioning, parameter tracking, and documentation of analysis decisions.
• Assist in generating figures/tables for internal reports, presentations, abstracts, and/or manuscripts as appropriate to the role and project needs.

3) Laboratory/Project Operations, Training, and Service — 10%

• Support day-to-day laboratory operations relevant to the NHP electrophysiology program (e.g., equipment inventories, supply tracking, coordination of shared resources, routine maintenance schedules).
• Provide technical guidance and training to students and/or staff on established electrophysiology procedures, data handling practices, and lab safety expectations, as directed by the PI.
• Participate in lab meetings, contribute to a collaborative work environment, and follow research integrity and safety expectations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general direction of the PI. Receives technical direction on experimental priorities and timelines; expected to exercise judgment within established protocols and elevate issues that could impact data quality, animal welfare, safety, or project timelines.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED (IF APPLICABLE)

May provide task-level guidance or training to students and/or junior staff on established procedures as assigned by the PI.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience).
• Experience working with non-human primates in a research setting.
• Demonstrated experience in extracellular recording using single electrodes and/or electrode arrays.
• Experience using analysis software programs for research data processing, visualization, and/or statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate research records and follow detailed protocols consistently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team-based research environment.