Junior Specialist, Spatial Navigation, Sex hormones, Aging Brain, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences

Junior Specialist, Spatial Navigation, Sex Hormones, and the Aging Brain, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences

Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% is $56,300 to $72,500 annually.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start:
April 1, 2026 or later

Position duration:
This will be a one-year position with a comprehensive benefits package with the possibility of renewal. Continuation beyond one year will be based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date:
March 3, 2026

Most recent review date:
Tuesday, Mar 31, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.

Final date:
Thursday, Dec 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.

Position description:
The Junior Specialist provides support for project management, conducting human subject research in immersive virtual environments, and data processing. They will play a central role in a large-scale project that seeks to understand how ovarian hormones shape cognition and brain structure and function across the lifespan. Within these projects, the applicant will work in a team environment with a multi-disciplinary group of faculty and trainees from psychology, neuroscience, and statistics.

Primary responsibilities include management, data collection, processing, and analysis of behavioral data. Additional responsibilities will be assigned based on the successful candidate's skills and interests.

Qualifications

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 at the time of application.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start):
Applicants must have their bachelor's degree conferred by the start date of the position. One to two years experience with human subjects research, including conducting in-person studies with human subjects.

Preferred qualifications:

Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to working with community based participants. Program and data analysis skills are strongly preferred, including Python, linux/bash, and R. Experience with virtual environment technology and neuroimaging tools (SPM, AFNI, FSL) are also strongly preferred.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Applicants that are chosen for an interview will have their references contacted after the interview.

About UC Santa Barbara

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

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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.