Feldheim Lab : Project Scientist

Position overview

Position title :

Feldheim Lab : Assistant Project Scientist

Salary range :

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. The posted UCSC Salary Scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the scale titled, Represented Project ___ (E.G., Scientist) Series Fiscal Year . A salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions. A reasonable estimate for this position is $76,700-93,200.

Percent time : Full-time (100%)

Anticipated start :

As soon as possible after initial review of the applications.

Position duration :

Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date : October 29, 2025

Next review date : Monday, Dec 1, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Thursday, Oct 29, 2026 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 Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for a project scientist. Under the direction of Professor David Feldheim, the project scientist will contribute to a research program investigating how the brain computes the source of sounds, using the mouse superior colliculus as a model.

Duties will include performing in vivo, large-scale electrode recordings of neurons in the superior colliculus in response to localized auditory and visual stimuli, as well as performing the data analysis needed to interpret the recordings. The selected candidate will be expected to stay current with the scientific literature in the field and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, and grant proposals. This position will require excellent organizational skills and the ability to successfully work as a member of an inclusive, interdisciplinary research team.

The preferred candidate will have strong computational, software and data analysis skills; experience using mice as a model; a background of visual or auditory neuroscience; and / or a track record of successful publications.

Applicants with expertise in neuropixel recordings are particularly valued and are strongly encouraged to apply.

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.

Molecular, Cell & Developmental (MCD) Biology : https : / / mcd.ucsc.edu /

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at the time the application is submitted)

• Ph.D. (or equivalent foreign degree) in neuroscience, physics, biophysics, bioengineering, computer science, computational neuroscience, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of two years' experience with in vivo electrophysiology. Experience while in graduate school is acceptable.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V., which must include a list of publications (please include DOI links or the URLs of PDFs).

Cover Letter - Letter of application that briefly summarizes your qualifications and interest in the position.

Reference requirements

Applications must include confidential letters of recommendation

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucsc.edu / JPF02005

Help contact : mkistler@ucsc.edu

About UC Santa Cruz

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.

APM - 035 : Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at jobaccommodations@ucsc.edu or (831) 459-4602.

Notice of Availability : In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), UCSC publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report . This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. A paper copy of the ASFSR is available upon request by contacting the UCSC Police Department at 114 Carriage House Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95064, or by calling 831-459-2231 Ext. 1.

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 UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check . The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530 .

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UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work / life balance.

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.

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Job location

Santa Cruz, CA