Junior​/Assistant Specialist; Meno - Chrastil Lab

Application Window:
Open date May 12, 2026. Review date Friday, Jun 12, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Final date Friday, Jul 31, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

Dr. Liz Chrastil, Principal Investigator of the Spatial Neuroscience Laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at the University of California, Irvine, is seeking a Junior or Assistant Specialist. The role will support project management, conduct human subject research in immersive virtual environments, and process data for a large‑scale project investigating how ovarian hormones shape cognition and brain structure and function across the lifespan.

The candidate will work in a multi‑disciplinary team of faculty and trainees from neuroscience, cognitive science, and statistics.

• Project management and coordination of study logistics.
• Conduct human subject research in fully immersive virtual reality environments.
• Collect and process behavioral and neuroimaging (fMRI) data.
• Analyze data and contribute to manuscript preparation.
• Lab Manager duties: train and supervise undergraduate research assistants, track study progress, manage IRB protocols, oversee day‑to‑day lab operations.
• Additional tasks assigned based on skills and interests.

Two‑year commitment is strongly preferred.

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

• Curriculum Vitae (most recent).
• Cover Letter.
• Contact information for 3–5 references.
• Submit materials via the online recruitment portal: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./JPF
  10137.

Irvine, CA

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 any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed 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.

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