Assistant Specialist-Toprani Lab

The Department of Neurology at the University of California, Davis, invites applications for an Assistant Specialist position under the guidance of Dr. Sheela Toprani. This role focuses on advancing research in neurophysiology with a specific emphasis on epilepsy.

The Assistant Specialist is integral to our research team, providing technical expertise in the planning and execution of research projects. The role involves analyzing complex biological data to advance our understanding of neurological conditions, specifically epilepsy. This position encourages collaboration with principal investigators to contribute to research proposals and secure funding. The Assistant Specialist will be responsible for lab data and codebase organization, management, and pipeline development. This position will also provide hands-on support in analysis for iEEG projects, which will include data pre-processing, event extraction, time-frequency analysis, event related potential analysis, phase-locking analysis and network coherence analysis. Familiarity with various computer environments (Windows, Mac OSX), coding skills (Matlab, R, Python), and codebase repositories (GitHub) is essential. Previous work with electrophysiological data is a plus.

The selected candidate will be expected to contribute to academic publications published in peer-reviewed journals, participate in lab meetings and attend relevant talks/meetings. The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and decision-making skills, have a strong interest in neuroscience, and must be able to work well independently and as part of a team.

Major Responsibilities and Areas of Expertise

I. Research and Analysis (80% Effort)

* Conduct comprehensive data analysis, focusing on EEG and neuroimaging data, to investigate brain function and network dynamics in epilepsy.

* Utilize advanced statistical and computational models, applying programming skills in Python, MATLAB, and R.

* Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, ensuring meaningful contributions to the field.

* Disseminate research outcomes through presentations at national and international conferences, workshops, and symposia.

* Develop and maintain a codebase that highlights new analytical capabilities introduced during the research.

* Work independently, taking initiative and engaging in critical problem-solving with enthusiasm for advancing neurophysiological research.

II. Professional Competence and Activity (15% Effort)

* Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.

* Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to the area of expertise.

III. University and Public Service (5% Effort)

* Participate in committee activities within the department, college, campus, and other university entities, as appropriate.

This recruitment is conducted at the assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the assistant rank, regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications. This position is funded at 100% time and is contracted for a year. There is the possibility of a year extension depending on work performance. The selected assistant specialist will work primarily under the supervision of Dr. Sheela Toprani in the Department of Neurology.

Appointments are contingent upon funding availability. The posting will remain open to accommodate lab needs.

* A Master's degree in Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, or a Bachelor's degree with 1 to 3 years of research experience.

* Extensive experience in data analysis and computational modeling related to biological or neurological research.

* Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, R, including related data analysis toolboxes such as FieldTrip, and codebase management using GitHub.

* Experience organizing and managing data processing pipelines.

* Experience with large data signal processing.

* Great communication and interpersonal skills.

* Ability to work independently, take initiative, critical problem-solving, and enthusiasm.

* Knowledgeable about issues with computer software and hardware, and experience troubleshooting.

* 1-2 years' experience in a lab or industry setting

* Familiarity with EEG data analysis

* Experience with web design and social media

* Prior work with electrophysiological datasets

* Familiarity with command line scripting and Linux and Windows operating systems.

* General programming or software development experience.

* Understanding of Electroencephalography (EEG) and/or intracranial EEG (iEEG) research.

* Possess skill set with patient MRIs including an understanding of MRI neuroanatomy.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

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 for federal law.

Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UC Davis positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify

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