Junior Specialist - Neuroprosthetics Lab

The Jr. Specialist with a background in neurotechnology and medicine participates with a multidisciplinary team of physicians and scientists with the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab. Our research develops and tests the safety of a brain-implantable neural interface system, Brain Gate
2. 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 Jr. Specialist is at the front lines of cutting‑edge research, working on integrating our speech BCI software to standard consumer operating systems and software (e.g. clinical trial participants can use a brain‑to‑text attempted speech decoder to write emails and documents, send messages, and how the technology can apply to their day‑to‑day life). Other aspects of the project include: automating and streamlining various parts of the BCI process to enable at‑home use without the research team present;

quantifying performance and automatically detecting problems; and making the system robust to changing neural and environmental context. The Jr. Specialist participates in laboratory meetings, assists with experimental designs for novel BCI technology, contributes towards academic publications published in peer‑reviewed journals, and attends relevant talks/meetings.

The neurotechnology software developer communicates with clinical trial participants and their caregivers, as well as the research team (including the UC Davis team and our collaborators at the other Brain Gate sites), on a regular basis.

• Collaborate with other research personnel affiliated with research activities involving software development, neurotechnology, and medicine.
• Integrate our speech BCI software to standard consumer operating systems and software; automating and streamlining various parts of the BCI process to enable at‑home use without the research team present.
• Quantify performance and automatically detect problems; make the system robust to changing neural and environmental context.
• Communicate with clinical trial participants and their caregivers, as well as the research team (including the UC Davis team and our collaborators at the other Brain Gate sites), on a regular basis.
• Collaborate as author on publications.
• Scientific contributions to published research.
• Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of campus) through published software and presentations.

• Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
• Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

• 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.
• Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University entities, as appropriate.

• 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 video conferences.