Assistant Specialist

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the PI, the Assistant Specialist will provide professional research support for ongoing neuroscience research in non-human primates, with a focus on extracellular electrophysiology (single electrodes and/or electrode arrays) and associated data processing/analysis workflows. The role emphasizes specialized technical contributions to research activities consistent with the UC Davis Specialist Series.

• Conduct wet-lab and research procedures supporting NHP neurophysiology studies, including preparation, setup, and execution of experiments as directed by the PI and in accordance with approved protocols and lab SOPs. 1
• Perform extracellular electrophysiological recordings using single electrodes and/or electrode arrays, including troubleshooting signal quality, optimizing recording parameters, and maintaining consistent data quality standards.
• Prepare, operate, and maintain electrophysiology hardware/software components (e.g., recording systems, head stages, manipulators, stimulus presentation interfaces), escalating complex issues to the PI or vendor support as appropriate.
• Collect, organize, and document experimental metadata and results using structured lab documentation practices (e.g., electronic lab notebooks, file naming conventions, run logs).
• Contribute to interpretation of recording results in collaboration with the PI and lab team; summarize findings for lab meetings and internal progress updates.

• Use relevant analysis software programs to process electrophysiology data (e.g., spike detection/sorting workflows as applicable; time-series analyses; basic statistics; visualization and quality control).
• Maintain organized datasets and analysis outputs, supporting reproducibility through clear versioning, parameter tracking, and documentation of analysis decisions.
• Assist in generating figures/tables for internal reports, presentations, abstracts, and/or manuscripts as appropriate to the role and project needs.

• Support day-to-day laboratory operations relevant to the NHP electrophysiology program (e.g., equipment inventories, supply tracking, coordination of shared resources, routine maintenance schedules).
• Provide technical guidance and training to students and/or staff on established electrophysiology procedures, data handling practices, and lab safety expectations, as directed by the PI.
• Participate in lab meetings, contribute to a collaborative work environment, and follow research integrity and safety expectations.

Works under the general direction of the PI. Receives technical direction on experimental priorities and timelines; expected to exercise judgment within established protocols and elevate issues that could impact data quality, animal welfare, safety, or project timelines.

May provide task-level guidance or training to students and/or junior staff on established procedures as assigned by the PI.

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience).
• Experience working with non-human primates in a research setting.
• Demonstrated experience in extracellular recording using single electrodes and/or electrode arrays.
• Experience using analysis software programs for research data processing, visualization, and/or statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate research records and follow detailed protocols consistently.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team-based research environment.