University of California - Davis
Auditory Processing Lab_Jr Specialist_Sutter Lab
University of California - Davis, Davis, California, us, 95617
Auditory Processing Lab Junior Specialist
UC Davis Junior Specialist Recruitment.
Position Overview Salary range: $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.
Application Window Open date: October 31, 2025.
Next review date: Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Applications will continue to be accepted until this date; those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description The Sutter lab studies the neural basis of sound processing, attention, decision making, learning, and how visual stimuli influence neural activity in auditory cortex. The research involves recording from many individual neurons simultaneously to understand each neuron’s role in processing and how populations of many neurons are involved in processing.
We are seeking a bright, motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and resourceful individual to join our research team. Responsibilities focus on research (90% time), including coordinating with the lab manager for administrative requirements.
Some knowledge of Neuroscience, Psychology, Engineering, and/or MATLAB programming is helpful; programming can be learned later.
Initially we focus on setting up a new array-based recording system and recording from neurons, which requires a lot of attention to detail and simultaneous monitoring of task performance by a non‑human subject and potentially hundreds of neurons.
Ideally the candidate will have one year of research experience, strong organizational skills, and self‑motivation. Previous research assistants from our lab have continued on to top neuroscience, medical, psychology, and primatology PhD, MD, and MD/PhD programs.
DEGREE REQUIREMENT
– Bachelor's Degree in neuroscience, bioengineering, psychology, or a related field.
RESEARCH 90%
– The incumbent will help set up and use a new system to record from single neurons in auditory cortex. Responsibilities include data collection, data analysis, publication of results, record keeping, and mentoring undergraduate volunteers. The incumbent may contribute to alternative analysis strategies, novel projects, and manuscript preparation.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Complete required training to work in the lab.
Collect and analyze data related to non‑human subjects performing a behavioral task.
Record from 4 to several hundred simultaneously recorded neurons while subjects perform the behavioral task.
Spike sort to separate individual neurons from the electrode recording based on their action potential waveform.
Analyze data related to behavior and how single neurons and populations respond to auditory and visual stimuli as a function of attention condition.
Log fluid intake, food intake, and other health‑related metrics of non‑human subjects.
Assist in surgeries for non‑human subjects.
Coordinate research collaborations with faculty at UC Davis (Main Center for Neuroscience); training will occur in the Sutter Lab in conjunction with other labs.
Maintain databases of all study data.
Mentor undergraduate research assistants.
Maintain organized records.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE 5%
Opportunity to submit data for presentation at relevant conferences, such as Society for Neuroscience (if funding is available).
Actively participate in weekly lab meetings, journal club presentations, presentations from outside speakers, and weekly workshops to help incumbents develop their career goals.
UNIVERSITY SERVICE 5%
Mentor undergraduate student assistants in the lab.
Participate in public outreach activities.
Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
BS/BA in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, psychology, or a related field.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision‑making skills.
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Experience with animal handling.
Strong time management skills.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
Superior problem‑solving, deductive reasoning, and decision‑making skills.
Ability to commit to lengthy, complex projects.
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
Previous lab experience (with references) preferred.
Application Requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Authorization to Release Information Form – required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
Reference requirements
2–3 required (contact information only).
Apply link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07386
Help contact:
jaenoch@ucdavis.edu
About UC Davis 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‑contract require the selected candidate to pass an E‑Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e‑verify
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.
UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.
UC Davis is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.
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.
Job location Davis, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Position Overview Salary range: $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.
Application Window Open date: October 31, 2025.
Next review date: Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Saturday, Jan 31, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Applications will continue to be accepted until this date; those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position Description The Sutter lab studies the neural basis of sound processing, attention, decision making, learning, and how visual stimuli influence neural activity in auditory cortex. The research involves recording from many individual neurons simultaneously to understand each neuron’s role in processing and how populations of many neurons are involved in processing.
We are seeking a bright, motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and resourceful individual to join our research team. Responsibilities focus on research (90% time), including coordinating with the lab manager for administrative requirements.
Some knowledge of Neuroscience, Psychology, Engineering, and/or MATLAB programming is helpful; programming can be learned later.
Initially we focus on setting up a new array-based recording system and recording from neurons, which requires a lot of attention to detail and simultaneous monitoring of task performance by a non‑human subject and potentially hundreds of neurons.
Ideally the candidate will have one year of research experience, strong organizational skills, and self‑motivation. Previous research assistants from our lab have continued on to top neuroscience, medical, psychology, and primatology PhD, MD, and MD/PhD programs.
DEGREE REQUIREMENT
– Bachelor's Degree in neuroscience, bioengineering, psychology, or a related field.
RESEARCH 90%
– The incumbent will help set up and use a new system to record from single neurons in auditory cortex. Responsibilities include data collection, data analysis, publication of results, record keeping, and mentoring undergraduate volunteers. The incumbent may contribute to alternative analysis strategies, novel projects, and manuscript preparation.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Complete required training to work in the lab.
Collect and analyze data related to non‑human subjects performing a behavioral task.
Record from 4 to several hundred simultaneously recorded neurons while subjects perform the behavioral task.
Spike sort to separate individual neurons from the electrode recording based on their action potential waveform.
Analyze data related to behavior and how single neurons and populations respond to auditory and visual stimuli as a function of attention condition.
Log fluid intake, food intake, and other health‑related metrics of non‑human subjects.
Assist in surgeries for non‑human subjects.
Coordinate research collaborations with faculty at UC Davis (Main Center for Neuroscience); training will occur in the Sutter Lab in conjunction with other labs.
Maintain databases of all study data.
Mentor undergraduate research assistants.
Maintain organized records.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE 5%
Opportunity to submit data for presentation at relevant conferences, such as Society for Neuroscience (if funding is available).
Actively participate in weekly lab meetings, journal club presentations, presentations from outside speakers, and weekly workshops to help incumbents develop their career goals.
UNIVERSITY SERVICE 5%
Mentor undergraduate student assistants in the lab.
Participate in public outreach activities.
Qualifications Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
BS/BA in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, psychology, or a related field.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
Strong interpersonal, communication, and decision‑making skills.
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Experience with animal handling.
Strong time management skills.
Excellent attention to detail and ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
Superior problem‑solving, deductive reasoning, and decision‑making skills.
Ability to commit to lengthy, complex projects.
Preferred qualifications (other preferred, but not required, qualifications for the position)
Previous lab experience (with references) preferred.
Application Requirements Document requirements
Curriculum Vitae – Your most recently updated C.V.
Cover Letter
Authorization to Release Information Form – required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form.
Reference requirements
2–3 required (contact information only).
Apply link:
https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07386
Help contact:
jaenoch@ucdavis.edu
About UC Davis 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‑contract require the selected candidate to pass an E‑Verify check. More information is available at: http://www.uscis.gov/e‑verify
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and students. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service are embodied by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values. A variety of resources and programs are available to academics, staff, and students that reflect the core values reflected in our strategic plan: “To Boldly Go,” our Principles of Community, the Office of Academic Affairs’ Mission Statement, and the UC Board of Regents Policy 4400.
UC Davis is also a national leader in inclusive practice. There are numerous links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our administration, campus rankings, locations, campus safety, sustainability, visiting UC Davis and UC Davis Health.
UC Davis is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the world for campus sustainability practices by the UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UC Davis is focused on achieving net‑zero greenhouse gas emissions and repeatedly shown its commitment to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment for generations to come.
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.
Job location Davis, CA
#J-18808-Ljbffr