Junior Specialist-Neuroprosthetics Lab

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.

Open date:
April 3, 2026

Next review date:
Sunday, Apr 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date:
Tuesday, Jun 30, 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.

The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist in the area of clinical neurotechnology to develop and test the safety of a brain computer interface (BCI) in people living with neurological disabilities.

We are seeking a motivated and responsible individual with an interest in neurotechnology and medicine to join a multidisciplinary team of physicians and scientists with the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab. The goal of our research is to develop and test the safety of a brain-implantable neural interface system. We are developing this BCI system to allow people with physical disabilities (e.g., unable to speak due to ALS or stroke) to speak simply by attempting to do so, by decoding their speech-related brain activity in real time.

The successful candidate will be at the front lines of cutting‑edge research, working with clinical trial participants in their homes, and performing duties in concordance with FDA regulations and the investigational plan. In addition to collecting the data, the Clinical Neurotechnology Research Assistant (CNRA) will work closely with the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab to develop the next generation of brain computer interface technology.

Candidates will be invited to participate in laboratory meetings, assist with experimental designs for novel BCI technology, contribute towards academic publications published in peer‑reviewed journals, and attend relevant talks/meetings.

The CNRA position will be communicating with clinical trial participants and their caregivers, as well as research staff on a regular basis. As such, strong interpersonal skills are essential. The successful candidate will also champion the safety and well‑being of the participants and adherence to proper study conduct and participate in clinical‑trial related data collection.

The CNRA will travel to the home of the participants and coordinate the research session plan, including operating the BCI system and collecting data under the guidance/instruction of the researchers. Formal training in computer science and programming is not required; however, the successful candidate will have technical competency with using modern computer equipment (e.g. microphones, video cameras, etc.) software and operating systems (e.g. Windows, Mac OSx, Linux, etc.)

and will be able to work with professional researchers and programmers to learn to use specialized software systems. The CNRA's detailed notes about each research session, and their feedback and insights from the field, are immensely helpful for improving the performance and user experience of the neuroprosthesis.

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving neurotechnology and medicine. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following: