Junior Specialist in Neuroscience

Position overview

Salary range :

Exempt : A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.

Non- Exempt : A reasonable estimate for this position is $26.35 / hr at Step 1 or $28.07 / hr at Step 2.

Application Window

Open date : September 16, 2025

Most recent review date : Thursday, Oct 2, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date : Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 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 Neurological Surgery at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a full Junior Specialist in Neuroscience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The Junior Specialist has the general duties of working closely with each of the Principal Investigators (PIs) in the planning and execution of a research project. The junior specialist may assist in data collection, entry and quality control, study design and implementation, literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and figure generation) for diverse projects. Projects in the lab include the study of the neurocircuitry regulating sleep-wake cycle and the study of the beneficial role of sleep related to physiology (e.g. cognition) and diseases (e.g. epilepsy and traumatic brain injury).

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Drs. Christelle Anaclet and Gene Gurkoff and the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment.

I. RESEARCH (90% Effort)

A. The incumbent will collaborate with other research personnel affiliated with research activities involving the study of the sleep-wake cycle and of the cognitive function. The junior specialist will perform technical / routine lab activities required to accomplish the research projects, including analysis of neural signals (local fields and EEG) as they pertain to cognition, sleep and seizures as well as the potential to assist in rodent neurosurgery (primarily rat) as well as behavioral testing. The junior specialist will also be responsible for managing large data sets.

1) Effectively plan and execute research projects.

2) Assist with grant preparation.

3) Actively contribute to publishable research by collecting and interpreting data.

4) Review journal manuscripts and / or other related to the sleep, epilepsy and traumatic brain injury

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5% Effort)

The appointee will be expected to actively participate in the dissemination of information, participate and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs and other activities, as applicable.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% Effort)

The Junior Specialist may be expected to provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants that rotate through the lab. They will be expected to participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings, committee service, and other activities, as applicable.

For the full position description and to apply, visit https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07320.

QUALIFICATIONS (Basic qualifications are required at time of application.

• Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent degree) with a major in biology or a related field
• This is an entry level position reserved for graduates with Bachelor's degree and less than 2-3 years experience
• Research experience in Neuroscience
• Experience in handling rodents
• Experience in rodent colony management and genotyping
• Experience in data analysis and coding is a plus
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make critical decisions
• Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIREMENTS

Qualified applicants should upload a cover letter detailing their qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae or resume and contact information for 3 professional references online.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

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

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter

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

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07320

Help contact : jvaladez@ucdavis.edu

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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 (http : / / breathefree.ucdavis.edu / ).

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 for 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. More information is available at : http : / / www.uscis.gov / e-verify

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 also is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). 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.

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

Davis, CA