Specialist

University of California San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 201,700; Full time

Job summary

The University of California San Francisco is seeking a Specialist to contribute to the development and validation of high-density neural recording technologies. This role focuses on 512-channel flexible neural probes and involves collaboration with Dr.

Doris Tsao at Astera, with translation toward human applications. Responsibilities include optimizing electroplating for probes, surgical preparation and implantation in rats, data collection and analysis, benchmarking performance, and training

Qualifications

• Experience with rodent surgical procedures for neural implants.
• Experience with data analysis in Python.
• Strong experimental and quantitative problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Development and optimization of electroplating for 512-channel flexible probes.
• Surgical implantation of probes in rats in collaboration with NeuralThread.
• Collection and analysis of electrophysiological data.
• Quantitative evaluation and benchmarking of probe performance.
• Training Astera personnel in implantation techniques and procedures in rats.
• Contribute to refinement of next-generation flexible neural recording technologies.

Skills

Data analysis in Python

Quantitative problem solving

Collaborative environment

Education

Baccalaureate degree or equivalent

Master’s degree

Terminal degree / 10+ years experience

Job description

Specialist

This position is focused on the development and validation of next-generation high-density neural recording technologies. The successful candidate will work on the development, testing, and benchmarking of novel 512-channel flexible neural probes fabricated using advanced electron-beam lithography techniques. The project is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Doris Tsao at Astera, a neuroscience institute in the East Bay. The longer-term objective of this effort is to develop extremely high-density flexible neural recording technology suitable for use across deep and superficial brain structures in rodents and non-human primates. This is also a potential step toward translation to humans.

Responsibilities include:

• Development and optimization of electroplating approaches for 512-channel flexible probes
• Preparation of probes for implantation Surgical implantation of probes in rats (in collaboration with NeuralThread)
• Collection and analysis of electrophysiological data
• Quantitative evaluation and benchmarking of probe performance
• Training Astera personnel in flexible probe implantation techniques and experimental procedures in rats
• Contributing to the refinement and next-generation development of flexible neural recording technologies.

Required Qualifications:

• Junior Specialist - Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience
• Assistant Specialist - Master’s degree or a baccalaureate degree with 3 or more years of research experience
• Associate Specialist - Master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization
• Full Specialist - terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization
• Experience with or willingness to learn rodent surgical procedures for neural implants
• Experience working with rodents or other animal models.
• Experience with data analysis in python
• Strong experimental and quantitative problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with rodent surgery, In vivo electrophysiological data collection, and Neurophysiological data analysis

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000-$201,700.

• Junior Specialist - Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience


• Assistant Specialist - Master’s degree or a baccalaureate degree with 3 or more years of research experience


• Associate Specialist - Master’s degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization


• Full Specialist - terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization


• Experience working with rodents or other animal models.


• Experience with data analysis in python