Junior Specialist - Silverman Translational Neuroscience Lab

University of California - Davis; California; On-site; USD 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

University of California, Davis invites applications for a Junior Specialist in the Silverman Translational Neuroscience Lab. The role involves working with preclinical models of genetic neurodevelopmental, neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, contributing to translational science through in vivo neurophysiology and preclinical research.

The incumbent will assist with lab procedures, data analysis, and grant-related work while expanding technical skills in a collaborative,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a biological sciences or related field.

Responsibilities

• Understand general lab procedures including sterile techniques and brain tissue dissection.
• Maintain accurate lab records and manage live mutant rodent colonies.
• Assist with genotyping and PCR procedures.
• Perform in vivo EEG data analysis and data management.
• Ensure safety inspections and regulatory compliance, IACUC.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a biological sciences or related field

Job description

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000/year at Step 1 and $60,700/year for Step 2 Jr. Specialist exempt, $27.30 hourly for Step 1 and $29.08 hourly for Step 2 for Jr. Specialist non-exempt.

Application Window

Open date: October 26, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Nov 15, 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 Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist in the Silverman Translational Neuroscience Lab, offering exciting opportunities to work with multiple preclinical models of genetic neurodevelopmental, neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders and contribute to translational science, using preclinical in vivo neurophysiology.

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions towards advancing translation for genetic neurodevelopmental, neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, providing technical support and career growth by active participation and contribution to the research for grants funded by the National Institutes of Health, the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), and Patient Advocacy Groups (PAG) awards, including Jordan's Guardian's Angels. Successful candidates will also participate in career building opportunities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBLITIES The incumbent for this position will be involved in interdisciplinary studies focusing on questions in translational neuroscience focused on in vivo preclinical model systems of genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. The incumbent will also have additional opportunities to work with preclinical cellular and rodent models of genetic neurodevelopmental disorders as well as environmental exposures that impair neurodevelopmental, neurological and neuropsychiatric health. The incumbent will provide technical support, project management and will actively participate in the research for grants funded by the National Institutes of Health, CIRM, and private foundations. The incumbent will contribute to maintaining efficient laboratory workflow, as related to the in vivo neurophysiological projects in the laboratory, ordering, grant aim writing, participate and assist in annual inspections for biological and chemical safety, IACUC and manuscript preparation.

The Silverman Lab conducts in vitro and in vivo preclinical model systems of neurodevelopmental disorders including rodent behavior, neurophysiological and anatomical analyses of preclinical cellular and rodent models of human neurological and neuropsychitric disorders, with a large focus of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) defined by autism spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disability disorders (DD) and pediatric epilepsy.

Tasks that measure functional outcomes of learning and memory, neurological evaluations, sensory, motor, sensorimotor, stress, sleep, seizures, and other abnormalities in vivo will be routinely performed in this position. The position also requires excellent skills in rodent survival stereotaxic surgery and drug administration. Complex data management, data processing, statistical analysis of experimental data, and prior familarization with electroencephalographic (EEG) data are preferred. A suitable level of knowledge of spectral analysis using Python, MATLAB, EEG Analysis and/or Visualization (MNE) opensource EEG analysis software are also preferred but not required.

RNA by rtPCR, protein quantification, genotyping by PCR, and in vitro neuronal imaging and analysis, are additional, potential components of the position. This position is through the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California Davis School of Medicine, in association with the UC Davis MIND Institute.

I. RESEARCH ACTIVITY (75% EFFORT)

• Understanding of general laboratory procedures including sterile techniques, preparation of analytical reagents, small animal work, brain tissue dissection for flash freezing and perfusion fixed outcomes, biological assays, and use of analytical laboratory equipment.
• Ability to independently and proactively gather research information that will allow for forward progress and problem solving in the laboratory.
• Work successfully among a fast paced competitive, interdisciplinary team.
• Be responsible for information critical to maintaining live mutant rodent colonies, and maintaining primary neuronal cultures, with outstanding, organized records.
• Breeding of genetically modified mice, basic rodent husbandry, and tissue dissection.
• Assist and Perform genotyping subjects with a high level of knowledge of DNA extraction and PCR procedures
• Genotyping subjects with a high level of knowledge of DNA extraction and PCR and qPCR procedures as well as troubleshooting.
• Perform sensitive sophisticated in vivo behavioral outcome measures using in vivo genetic mouse models, pre and post therapeutic administration.
• Analyzing behavioral, neurophysiological and biological data.
• Ability to score behavioral videos and observe seizure events for extended period of time.
• Perform invasive survival stereotaxic surgery to implant EEG recording electrodes in the skull
• Analyzing neurophysiological EEG data using standard commercial software and other custom coding algorithms, as well as comfortably, and independently searching and finding open access algorithms for analysis.
• Data management, processing, and statistical analysis of experimental data.
• Flexibility with time and research project focus areas.
• Writing experimental methods, data graphics, and statistical software.
• Comfortable or Knowledgeable with in vivo seizure assessments
• Comfortable or Knowledgeable with EEG data
• Knowledge of spectral analysis using Python, and/or MATLAB
• EEG Analysis and Visualization (MNE) opensource software.
• Familiarity with Github.
• Participate in lab meetings by sharing and discussing data and journal articles.

II. LABORATORY OVERSIGHT (15% EFFORT)

• Work with PI and teammates to track grant budgets.
• Take regular inventory of supplies, prepare orders, and keep track of purchases.
• Keep administration paperwork for laboratory safety and animal care and use records.
• Prepare for laboratory inspections and liaison with inspectors.
• Ensuring adherence to IACUC protocols, and Laboratory and chemical safety Inventories and Inspections.
• Maintaining laboratory cleanliness and organization.
  
• Contribute to designing new testing protocols, maintaining, and repairing equipment, and overseeing that the physical space used by the research program is in good order.
  

III. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

• Participate in lab meetings by sharing and discussing data , journal articles and communicate lab needs and requirements to the team.
• Preparation of text and data as figures for grant applications and for publication.
• Review of research proposals, journal manuscripts, and other publications.
• Present research at local and/or international scientific conferences (at the discretion of the PI).
  
• Represent the laboratory for inspections with a broad variety type of inspections.

IV. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

• Liaison with funding agencies and parent foundations, representing the Silverman lab Team.
• Meet with other external groups on issues related to the lab's area of expertise.
• Perform tours of the laboratory to community members and patient advocacy teams.
• Be actively involved in the scientific components of the research program through contributions to laboratory meetings, MIND Institute meetings, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and interactions with visiting scientists and parents/family members of affected individuals.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

• Bachelor's degree in a biological sciences or related field.
• Proficient