Assistant Specialist Job Davis area,California USA,Research/Development

Position overview

Salary range: $65,800-$73,200/annually

Application Window

Open date: September 15, 2026

Next review date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

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.

Major duties and responsibilities

1) Research / Technical Contributions - 70%

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.

2) Data Processing and Analysis - 20%

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.

3) Laboratory/Project Operations, Training, and Service - 10%

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.

Qualifications Basic qualifications

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…