Junior Specialist in Neuroscience Research Institute (Louis lab)

Santa Barbara, CA           ·            Full time

Job #JPF02551

• Neuroscience Research Institute / Office of Research / UC Santa Barbara

Position Overview

Position title: Junior Specialist

Salary range: The posted UC system-wide salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment. See Table 24B for the salary range at UCSB. A reasonable estimated full-time rate for this position at 100% time is $50,300 -$53,600 annually. “Off-scale salaries” and other components of pay, i.e., a salary that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 60%

Anticipated start: July 2023

Position duration: Initial appointment is for one year, 60% time with benefits. Continuation beyond one year will be base on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: June 23, 2023

Most recent review date: Friday, Aug 11, 2023 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: Monday, Aug 14, 2023 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 laboratory of Dr. Matthieu Louis in the Neuroscience Research Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara invites applications for a part-time (60%) Junior Specialist position. The Junior Specialist will work on research projects and tasks under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior lab members. This position involves contributing to research projects related to systems neuroscience through an interdisciplinary approach combining experimental techniques (behavioral analysis, immuno-histochemistry, microscopy) with computational quantitative analysis. The candidate is expected to quickly gain independence, to be motivated to pursue interdisciplinary research challenges, to synergize with ongoing efforts of the team.

Primary responsibilities:

• Conduct experiment-related tasks that will include (i) behavioral testing with closed-loop tracking and optogenetics, (ii) functional imaging (2-photon microscopy), (iii) electrophysiology, (iv) basic immunohistochemistry
• Maintenance of lab equipments
• Analysis of time-series, images, and anatomical connectivity data
• Analysis of time-series with methods of physics and/or engineering
• Development of computational models related to the activity of single neurons and neural circuit computations
• Attend and participate in group meetings

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching and service as appropriate to the position.

Department: https://www.nri.ucsb.edu/

Lab: https://louis.mcdb.ucsb.edu/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Bachelor’s Degree in Bioengineering, Physics or Biophysics

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Programming skills in Python (demonstrated through coursework and/or research projects)
• Prior experience (min. 1 year) with Computational Neuroscience (demonstrated through coursework and/or research projects)

Preferred qualifications

• Prior experience with behavioral analysis in Drosophila (conducting experiments and analyzing results)
• Prior experience with the handling and rearing of Drosophila (maintaining fly stock, setting up genetic crosses)
• Prior experience with instrumentation (3d printing; machine shop)
• Prior experience with Matlab

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Research

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and complete contact information for 3 references. The department will conduct a reference check for the finalist before extending an offer.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF02551

Help contact: cushing@lifesci.ucsb.edu

Campus Information

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a condition of employment, 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.

Job Location: Santa Barbara, CA

Please click here to apply.