Assistant Specialist

University of California - Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California - Davis is seeking an Assistant Specialist to provide technical support for neuroscience research in non-human primates, focusing on extracellular electrophysiology and data processing. The role involves wet-lab work, data management, and collaboration with the PI and lab team.

The position emphasizes careful documentation, adherence to protocols, and contribution to figures for reports and manuscripts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with non-human primates in a research setting.
• Demonstrated extracellular recording using single electrodes or electrode arrays.
• Experience using software for data processing, visualization, and statistics.
• Ability to maintain accurate research records and follow protocols.
• Strong communication and teamwork in a research environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct wet-lab and research procedures for NHP neurophysiology studies, including setup and execution.
• Perform extracellular recordings with single electrodes and electrode arrays, optimize parameters, maintain data quality.
• Operate and maintain electrophysiology hardware/software; document metadata and results.
• Use analysis software to process data, perform spike detection/sorting, statistics, and visualization.
• Assist in generating figures/tables for reports, abstracts, or manuscripts.
• Support day-to-day lab operations and training for students/staff as directed by the PI.

Skills

NHP neuroscience

extracellular recording

data processing

lab documentation

team collaboration

communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience or related field

Tools

Electrophysiology systems

Data analysis software

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: $65,800-$73,200/annually

Application Window

Open date: September 15, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position 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. 1) Research / Technical Contributions - 70%
2. 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
3. Perform extracellular electrophysiological recordings using single electrodes and/or electrode arrays, including troubleshooting signal quality, optimizing recording parameters, and maintaining consistent data quality standards.
4. 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.
5. Collect, organize, and document experimental metadata and results using structured lab documentation practices (e.g., electronic lab notebooks, file naming conventions, run logs).
6. Contribute to interpretation of recording results in collaboration with the PI and lab team; summarize findings for lab meetings and internal progress updates.
7. 2) Data Processing and Analysis - 20%
8. 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).
9. Maintain organized datasets and analysis outputs, supporting reproducibility through clear versioning, parameter tracking, and documentation of analysis decisions.
10. Assist in generating figures/tables for internal reports, presentations, abstracts, and/or manuscripts as appropriate to the role and project needs.
11. 3) Laboratory/Project Operations, Training, and Service - 10%
12. 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).
13. 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.
14. Participate in lab meetings, contribute to a collaborative work environment, and follow research integrity and safety expectations.

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.

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

Qualifications

Basic 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.

Preferred qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with spike sorting and/or electrophysiology pipeline development/automation.
• Experience with experimental troubleshooting of electrophysiology systems (noise mitigation, grounding/shielding, artifact identification).
• Prior contributions to scientific outputs (posters, abstracts, manuscripts, internal technical documentation).

Application requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research (Optional)
• Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
• Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 2 required (contact information only)

About UC Davis

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: Affuting Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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.

Job location

Davis, CA