Junior Specialist-Neuroprosthetics Lab

University of California, Davis; Davis (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis is seeking a Jr. Specialist in the Neuroprosthetics Lab to advance brain–computer interface research. The role involves hands-on work with surgical planning, neural recordings in sheep, and intraoperative studies in humans, with opportunities for co-authorship and presenting results at conferences.

The position emphasizes translational research, collaborative teamwork, and rapid learning in a dynamic environment with access to world-class facilities.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of neuroscience and biomedical engineering.
• Confidence and desire to work with large animal models (sheep).
• Good communication and teamwork skills; collaborate with veterinary and animal care teams.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to document research and surgical activities accurately.
• Ability to adapt to a fast paced, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and prioritize tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with animal surgical planning, procedures, and post-operative monitoring.
• Assist with electrophysiological neural data recording in large animals and humans.
• Contribute to data collection during intraoperative procedures.
• Perform data organization, preprocessing, and statistical analysis using Python or MATLAB.
• Assist in design and prototyping of medical devices using CAD and 3D printing.
• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to experimental designs and publications.

Skills

Neuroscience knowledge

Biomedical engineering

Teamwork

Communication

Attention to detail

Independent work

Job description

The Neuroprosthetics Lab at UC Davis works on developing brain-computer interface technologies to restore lost motor function in patients with neurological impairments.

This Jr. Specialist position will contribute to a highly interdisciplinary project developing and validating new neural recording devices (human-optimized Neuropixels probes) in large animal models (sheep) and humans (recordings done intraoperatively and epilepsy monitoring unit). This work is highly translational, offering pre-clinical testing of a new device with the opportunity to participate in early testing of the same device in humans. The lab provides a collaborative and dynamic research environment with exposure to world class facilities and research team. For more information about the lab please visit the website.

This full time role is ideal for individuals interested in animal and veterinary work with an emphasis on neuroscience and new technology development, and aiming to pursue a future in biomedical engineering, neuroscience research or veterinary care. In addition to helping with research, the Jr. Specialist will also participate in laboratory meetings, contribute towards academic publications in peer reviewed journals, and attend relevant scientific talks/meetings. This role offers significant learning opportunities, the potential for co-authorship on publications, and the chance to present findings at scientific events.

I. RESEARCH (90% Effort)

• A. Assist with animal surgical planning, surgical procedures, and post-operative animal monitoring while considering animal welfare, ethics, and research protocols
• B. Assist with electrophysiological neural data recording in a large animal model (sheep) including setup, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of electrophysiological recordings equipment
• C. Contribute to electrophysiological data collection during intraoperative procedures involving the human brain.
• D. Perform data organization, preprocessing, and statistical analysis of neural data using Python or MATLAB.
• E. Assist in the design and prototyping of medical devices using CAD and 3D printing techniques.
• F. Participate in laboratory meetings and contribute to experimental designs for novel neurotechnology.
• G. Collaborate closely with postdoctoral researchers leading the project and other members of the research team to discuss experimental progress, troubleshoot challenges, and implement changes to research protocols and experimental designs
• H. Contribute to the preparation of figures, abstracts, posters, and other research material with opportunities for authorship.
• I. Participate in scientific presentations (beyond the boundaries of the campus) at scientific events.
• J. Be comfortable handling live animals and assisting with procedures involving live tissue, biological specimens, and surgical environments.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5% Effort)

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

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% Effort)

• A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.
• B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

• Basic knowledge of neuroscience and biomedical engineering.
• Confidence and desire to work with large animal models (sheep).
• Good communication and teamwork skills. Ability to collaborate with veterinary, regulatory, and animal care teams.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to document research and surgical activities accurately.
• Ability to adapt to a fast paced, interdisciplinary research environment.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and prioritize tasks.