Assistant Specialist-Toprani Lab

University of California; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis Department of Neurology is seeking an Assistant Specialist to advance neurophysiological research focused on epilepsy. The role involves planning and executing analyses of EEG and iEEG data, developing pipelines, and collaborating with investigators to support publications and grant proposals.

The ideal candidate will contribute to code development using Python, MATLAB, and R, manage data workflows, and present findings at national and international venues.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in data analysis and computational modeling related to neuroscience.
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, and R, including relevant toolboxes.
• Experience organizing and managing data processing pipelines.
• Experience with large data signal processing tasks.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze EEG and neuroimaging data to study brain function and networks in epilepsy.
• Develop and maintain codebase for advanced analyses.
• Prepare and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at conferences and workshops.
• Collaborate with investigators on proposals and funding applications.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

R

GitHub

Data analysis

iEEG data

Time-frequency analysis

Data pipelines

Neurophysiology

Tools

FieldTrip

GitHub

Windows

Mac OSX

Job description

The Department of Neurology at the University of California, Davis, invites applications for an Assistant Specialist position under the guidance of Dr. Sheela Toprani. This role focuses on advancing research in neurophysiology with a specific emphasis on epilepsy.

The Assistant Specialist is integral to our research team, providing technical expertise in the planning and execution of research projects. The role involves analyzing complex biological data to advance our understanding of neurological conditions, specifically epilepsy. This position encourages collaboration with principal investigators to contribute to research proposals and secure funding. The Assistant Specialist will be responsible for lab data and codebase organization, management, and pipeline development. This position will also provide hands-on support in analysis for iEEG projects, which will include data pre-processing, event extraction, time-frequency analysis, event related potential analysis, phase-locking analysis and network coherence analysis. Familiarity with various computer environments (Windows, Mac OSX), coding skills (Matlab, R, Python), and codebase repositories (GitHub) is essential. Previous work with electrophysiological data is a plus.

The selected candidate will be expected to contribute to academic publications published in peer-reviewed journals, participate in lab meetings and attend relevant talks/meetings. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and decision-making skills, have a strong interest in neuroscience, and must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Major Responsibilities and Areas of Expertise

I. Research and Analysis (80% Effort)

• Conduct comprehensive data analysis, focusing on EEG and neuroimaging data, to investigate brain function and network dynamics in epilepsy
• Utilize advanced statistical and computational models, applying programming skills in Python, MATLAB, and R
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, ensuring meaningful contributions to the field
• Disseminate research outcomes through presentations at national and international conferences, workshops, and symposia
• Develop and maintain a codebase that highlights new analytical capabilities introduced during the research
• Work independently, taking initiative and engaging in critical problem-solving with enthusiasm for advancing neurophysiological research.

II. Professional Competence and Activity (15% Effort)

• Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations
• Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to the area of expertise.

III. University and Public Service (5% Effort)

• Participate in committee activities within the department, college, campus, and other university entities, as appropriate.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications. This position is funded at 100% time and is contracted for a year. There is the possibility of a year extension depending on work performance. The selected assistant specialist will work primarily under the supervision of Dr. Sheela Toprani in the Department of Neurology.

Appointments are contingent upon funding availability. The posting will remain open to accommodate lab needs.

• Extensive experience in data analysis and computational modeling related to biological or neurological research
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, R, including related data analysis toolboxes such as FieldTrip, and codebase management using GitHub
• Experience organizing and managing data processing pipelines
• Experience with large data signal processing
• Great communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, critical problem-solving, and enthusiasm
• Knowledgeable about issues with computer software and hardware, and experience troubleshooting.