Junior Specialist- Oyegbile-Chidi Lab
Position overview
Non- Exempt: A reasonable estimate for this position is $24.57/hr at Step 1 or $26.15/hr at Step 2.
Application Window
Open date: February 14, 2024
Most recent review date: Friday, Mar 1, 2024 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: Sunday, Jun 30, 2024 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 Neurology at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for a part-time or full-time Junior Specialist(s) in the area of clinical and translational neuroscience.
We are seeking a motivated and responsible individual with an interest in sleep, epilepsy and cognition to join a Principal Investigator (PI) and interested in the planning and execution of a research project involving young adults. Within this UC Davis Neurology Research Lab (https://oyegbilechidi.faculty.ucdavis.edu), the junior specialist may assist in data collection and entry, 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, generating tables and figures) for several projects. The goal of our research is to investigate cognitive functions including memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive function in individuals with epilepsy and determine how neurocircuitry (fMRI connectivity and EEG connectivity) translates to different cognitive impairment patterns. In addition, we are investigating how sleep plays a role in cognitive problems in these individuals. Finally, we are investigating how sleep stimulation techniques can improve sleep, seizures and cognition in these individuals with epilepsy.
The successful candidate will be at the front lines of cutting-edge research, will work under the supervision of Dr. Oyegbile-Chidi, and the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse team will be key.
Candidates will be invited to participate in laboratory meetings, assist with experimental designs, contribute towards academic publications published in peer-reviewed journals, and attend relevant talks/meetings.
The candidate will be communicating with clinical trial participants and control participants as well as the research team regularly. As such, strong interpersonal skills are essential. Formal training in computer science is not required; however, the successful candidate will have extensive software development experience and technical competency with using mainstream operating systems (Windows, MacOS).
HOURS: 8hours/week, with the option to increase after 6 months if requested.
RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)
A. Perform technical lab activities including analysis of neural signals (EEG and fMRI) – including Matlab, SPSS, R, SAS, Python.
B. Implement research projects – communicating with clinical trial participants, helping troubleshoot at-home equipment over the phone, assist with remote and in-person cognitive testing.
C. Collaborate as author on publications.
D. Scientific contributions to published research
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (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.
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.
Qualifications
• Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree, but no specific degree is required. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent is encouraged. Background in neurobiology and quantitative methods are encouraged, but are not required.
• Experience designing, implementing, and testing high-reliability software
• Research experience in Neuroscience
• Outstanding communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Strong technical competency with computer and electronic equipment (e.g., using microphones, video cameras, etc.), computer software.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, critical problem-solving, prioritize tasks, and enthusiasm.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative program and comfort navigating a clinical environment.
• Ability to coordinate activities with colleagues at multiple clinical trial sites.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to document research activities.
• Attention to data and respecting confidentiality where appropriate.
• Ease interacting with and taking direction from multiple levels including physicians, scientists, and engineers, in-person and via teleconferences and/or videoconferences.
• Experience with Matlab, SPSS, R, SAS, Python
• Experience building software that interacts with APIs of consumer applications (e.g., Microsoft Office) and operating systems (MacOS, Windows).
• Database management
• Distributed computing experience.
• Experience with operating system interfacing with user input hardware (mouse, keyboard).
Application Requirements
Cover Letter (Optional)
Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
- 3-5 required (contact information only)
Help contact: margodfrey@ucdavis.edu
About UC Davis
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We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct
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