Auditory Processing Lab_Jr Specialist_Sutter Lab

Position Overview

Salary range: $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.

Application Window
Open date:
October 31, 2025
Final date:
Monday, Aug 31, 2026 (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date. Applications received after the review date (Monday, Jun 8, 2026 at 11:59pm) will be considered only if the position has not already been filled.

Auditory Processing Lab Junior Specialist – UC Davis Junior Specialist Recruitment.

Apply via: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
07386. For full consideration, apply by 15 days after posting.

DESCRIPTION: The Sutter lab studies the neural basis of sound processing, and how attention, decisions, and learning modify this processing. We also study how visual stimuli influence neural activity in auditory cortex.

RESEARCH: The incumbent will help set up and use a new system to record from single neurons in auditory cortex, conduct data collection, data analysis, and publication of the results. The data collection system is a multi-contact probe capable of recording from several hundred neurons at a time.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Initially focus on data collection (90% time), monitoring non‑human subject behavior and neuronal activity, spike sorting, analyzing the effect of auditory and visual stimuli, logging fluid and food intake, assisting in surgeries, maintaining animal protocols, mentoring undergraduate volunteers, and supporting lab management with administrative tasks.

• Complete required training to work in the lab.
• Collect and analyze data related to non‑human subjects performing a behavioral task.
• Record from 4 to several hundred simultaneously recorded neurons while subjects perform the task.
• Spike sort to separate individual neurons based on action potential waveform.
• Analyze data to assess how single neurons and neuronal populations respond to and encode auditory and visual stimuli as a function of attention condition.
• Log fluid intake, food intake, and other health‑related metrics of non‑human subjects.
• Assist in surgeries for non‑human subjects.
• Coordinate research collaborations with faculty at UC Davis; training will occur in the Sutter Lab in conjunction with other labs.
• Maintain databases of all study data.
• Mentor undergraduate research assistants.
• Maintain organized records.

• May have the opportunity to submit data for presentation at relevant conferences, such as Society for Neuroscience, if funding is available.
• Actively participate in weekly lab meetings, journal club presentations, presentations from outside speakers, and weekly workshops to help incumbents develop their career goals.

• Mentor undergraduate student assistants in the lab.
• Participate in public outreach activities.

• Basic qualifications (required at time of application): BS/BA in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, Psychology, or a related field.
• Additional qualifications (required at start): Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision‑making skills; ability to work well independently and as part of a team; experience with animal handling; strong time‑management skills; excellent attention to detail and record keeping; superior problem‑solving, deductive reasoning, and decision‑making skills; ability to commit to lengthy, complex projects.
• Preferred qualifications: Previous lab experience (with references) preferred.

Document requirements:

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter.
• Authorization to Release Information Form – required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments; download, complete, sign, and upload the form.

Reference requirements: 2‑3 required (contact information only).

Apply link: /JPF
07386

Help contact: jaenoch

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 or federal law.

Davis, CA