Assistant Specialist-Toprani Lab

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

Job summary

University of California, Davis in Sacramento invites applications for an Assistant Specialist to advance neurophysiology research, with emphasis on epilepsy. You'll analyze iEEG data, develop pipelines, and collaborate on proposals to secure funding in a dynamic team.

The role requires programming in Python, MATLAB, and R, plus experience with electrophysiological data. Join a team focused on advancing neurophysiological research through rigorous analysis and publication.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Troubleshooting computer software/hardware issues.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive data analysis focusing on EEG and neuroimaging data to study brain function in epilepsy.
• Use advanced models and programming in Python, MATLAB, and R.
• Prepare and publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present results at conferences and workshops.
• Develop and maintain a data analysis codebase for new capabilities.
• Work independently and collaboratively on iEEG projects.

Skills

Data analysis

Computational modeling

Python

MATLAB

R

GitHub

EEG data

iEEG data

Lab data management

Communication

Education

Master's degree or related field

Tools

FieldTrip

Git

Windows

Mac OSX

Job description

Position overview

Salary range:

Exempt: A reasonable range estimate for this position is $65,800 -$73,200.

Non- Exempt: A reasonable estimate for this position is $31.52-$35.06/hr.

Application Window

Open date: September 9, 2026

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

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position 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 hand‑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

• 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.

Professional competence and activity

• 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.

University and public service

• 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.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• 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.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• A Master's degree in Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or a Bachelor's degree with 3 years of research experience.

Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)

• 1-2 years' experience in a lab or industry setting
• Familiarity with EEG data analysis
• Experience with web design and social media
• Prior work with electrophysiological datasets
• Familiarity with command line scripting and Linux and Windows operating systems
• General programming or software development experience
• Understanding of Electroencephalography (EEG) and/or intracranial EEG (iEEG) research
• Possess skill set with patient MRIs including a understanding of MRI neuroanatomy.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• 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.

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Help contact: [e-mail]

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: ...

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

Sacramento, CA