Junior Specialist-Neuroprosthetics Lab

The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of California, Davis invites applications for a qualified Junior Specialist in the area of clinical neurotechnology to develop and test the safety of a brain computer interface (BCI) in people living with neurological disabilities.

We are seeking a motivated and responsible individual with an interest in neurotechnology and medicine to join a multidisciplinary team of physicians and scientists with the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab. The goal of our research is to develop and test the safety of a brain-implantable neural interface system. We are developing this BCI system to allow people with physical disabilities (e.g., unable to speak due to ALS or stroke) to speak simply by attempting to do so, by decoding their speech-related brain activity in real-time.

The successful candidate will be at the front lines of cutting-edge research, working with clinical trial participants in their homes, and performing duties in concordance with FDA regulations and the investigational plan. In addition to collecting the data, the Clinical Neurotechnology Research Assistant (CNRA) will work closely with the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab to develop the next generation of brain computer interface technology. Candidates will be invited to participate in laboratory meetings, assist with experimental designs for novel BCI technology, contribute towards academic publications published in peer-reviewed journals, and attend relevant talks/meetings.

The CNRA position will be communicating with clinical trial participants and their caregivers, as well as research staff on a regular basis. As such, strong interpersonal skills are essential. The successful candidate will also champion the safety and well-being of the participants and adherence to proper study conduct and participate in clinical-trial related data collection.

The CNRA will travel to the home of the participants and coordinate the research session plan, including operating the BCI system and collecting data under the guidance/instruction of the researchers. Formal training in computer science and programming is not required; however, the successful candidate will have technical competency with using modern computer equipment (e.g. microphones, video cameras, etc.) software and operating systems (e.g. Windows, Mac OSx, Linux, etc.) and will be able to work with professional researchers and programmers to learn to use specialized software systems. The CNRA’s detailed notes about each research session, and their feedback and insights from the field, are immensely helpful for improving the performance and user experience of the neuroprosthesis.

RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (90% EFFORT)

A. Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving neurotechnology and medicine. Evaluation of performance in research activities or in outreach activities as deemed applicable to the individual project in specialized areas, as documented by any of the following:
1) Publications that acknowledge the Specialist’s significant and meaningful contribution to the work.
2) Publications on which the Specialist is an author.
3) Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the specialist contributed to publishable research.
4) Active dissemination of information (beyond the boundaries of the campus) through informal instruction, presentations, or other means stemming from the specialist’s research accomplishments.
5) Other evidence of recognized expertise may include formal documentation of intellectual effort and participation in publishable research activities, first authorship on publications/patents, presentation of research at regional/national meetings, invitations to review grant proposals and/or journal articles, invitations to participate in research projects, and/or service on advisory panels.
B. Serve as a research coordinator for clinical neurotechnology projects conducted by PIs in the department, as resources permit. Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication between individual laboratories, data management and preparation of reports tailored to meet the needs of the requesting individual(s).

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (5% EFFORT)

A. Participate in appropriate professional/technical societies or groups and other educational and research organizations.
B. Review research proposals, journal manuscripts, and publications related to area of expertise.

UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% EFFORT)

A. May maintain liaison and respond to the needs of various industry organizations, state and federal
agencies, and other external groups on issues related to area of expertise.
B. Participate in activities of committees within the department, college, campus and other University
entities, as appropriate.

-Bachelor’s degree in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, Neuroscience, -Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
-Strong background in neurobiology and quantitative methods are encouraged, but are not required.
-Ability to travel up to 3 hours from Sacramento between 1-4 times per week for data collection at a research participant’s home.
-A valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle are necessary (mileage will be reimbursed).
-Outstanding communication (both verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
-Technical competency with computer equipment (e.g. using microphones, video cameras, etc.), computer software, and being able to use custom-made software with appropriate training
-Ability to work independently, take initiative, critical problem-solving, prioritize tasks, and enthusiasm
-Ability to thrive in a collaborative program and comfort navigating a clinical environment.
-Ability to coordinate activities with colleagues at multiple clinical trial sites.
-Superb organizational skills.
-Excellent attention to detail and ability to document research activities.
-Attention to data and respecting confidentiality where appropriate
-Ease interacting with and taking direction from multiple levels including physicians, scientists, and engineers via teleconferences and/or videoconferences.

Experience with patients in a formal clinical setting, or caring for people living with paralysis in a care-taking role.
Programming experience (Matlab, R, python).
Electrophysiology research experience .
Previous photography/videography experience (for documenting research sessions)

• 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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