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Junior Specialist- Frank Lab

Application Window

Open date: March 19, 2024

Most recent review date: Wednesday, Apr 3, 2024 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: Friday, Sep 19, 2025 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 Frank Lab at the University of California, San Francisco is looking for a Junior Specialist (Technician) to begin work in the Summer (preferred) or Fall of 2024. This is a full-time paid position, two-year minimum commitment required, during which the technician will work directly with a graduate student or a post-doctoral mentor performing in vivo electrophysiology recordings in rats during complex behaviors. The lab focuses on the neural underpinnings of learning and memory. The projects take advantage of recently developed technology that enables us to record from hundreds of electrodes distributed across multiple brain regions in freely behaving rats. There is also an opportunity to be part of related experiments that will use real-time detection of specific brain events to trigger targeted optogenetic inhibition. The scientific goal of the projects is to develop an understanding of neural activity patterns that support memory formation, retrieval, and flexible decision-making.

Responsibilities include:

  • Handling and behavioral training of rats, construction/preparation of microelectrode arrays, participation in rat implant surgeries, development of behavioral analyses, collection of large-scale electrophysiological and behavioral datasets.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree) in neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field or at least four years of research experience by the start date.

Preferred:

  • Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, bioengineering, or a related field
  • Experience with animal handling and behavior
  • Programming experience (Python, MATLAB)
  • Scientific research experience

Appointees in the Specialist series will be expected to engage in specialized research, professional activities and do not have teaching responsibilities. Specialists are expected to use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions and may participate in University and Public Service. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue as needed throughout the recruitment period. Salary and rank will be commensurate with the applicants experience and training.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $51,300-$54,600.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).

  • Cover Letter

  • Misc / Additional (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

UC San Francisco seeks candidates whose experience, teaching, research, or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence. 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, age or protected veteran status.

Job location

San Francisco, CA