Junior​/Assistant Specialist; Reference Frames - Chrastil Lab

Position Overview

Salary range: $55,000 - $70,700. See Specialist Series – Represented Fiscal Year, Exempt and Specialist Series - Represented Fiscal Year, Non-Exempt.

Open date:
May 12, 2026. Next review date:
Friday, Jun 12, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Final date:
Friday, Jul 31, 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.

Dr. Liz Chrastil, PI of the Spatial Neuroscience Laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at UC Irvine, is seeking a Junior or Assistant Specialist.

This role will enable research as part of a team and, depending on experience level, may also conduct some independent research projects. The Spatial Neuroscience Lab uses dynamic and interdisciplinary research methods to answer questions about how the brain processes information to keep us oriented as we navigate through a complicated world. Primary techniques are fully immersive virtual reality (VR) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Responsibilities include:

• Project management, conducting human subject research in immersive virtual environments, data collection and processing for behavioral and neuroimaging data, and data analysis.
• Lab manager duties: training and supervising undergraduate research assistants, tracking study progress, managing IRB protocols, and overseeing lab operations.
• Additional responsibilities assigned based on skills and interests.

Previous functional neuroimaging experience is strongly preferred.

Basic qualifications (required at time of application):
Applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in a BA or BS program in psychology, neuroscience, or a related field.

Required documents:

• Curriculum Vitae – most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements: 3-5 references (contact information only).

Apply link: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
10136

For questions about the position, contact Dr. Liz Chrastil at chrastil.

Lab: /spatialneuro

The University of California, Irvine 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 categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

“Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy; UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties;

APM-035: affirmative action and nondiscrimination in employment.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Irvine, CA