Auditory Processing Lab_Jr Specialist_Sutter Lab

Auditory Processing Lab Junior Specialist

UC Davis Junior Specialist Recruitment

Apply via : https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF07386

For full consideration, apply by 15 days after posting

DESCRIPTION - The Sutter lab studies the neural basis of sound processing, and how attention and decisions and learning modify this processing. We also study how visual stimuli influence neural activity in auditory cortex.

Our research involves recording from many individual neurons simultaneously to understand each neuron's role in the processing and how populations of many neurons are involved in the processing.

We are seeking a bright, motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and resourceful individual to join our research team. Responsibilities will focus on research (e.g., initially mainly data collection, and progressing to analysis; 90% time), including coordinating with the lab manager for administration requirements of the research (the lab manager will primarily conduct these activities which include handling the non-human subjects, providing enrichment to them, logging amounts of fluid and food they receive, etc,).

Some knowledge of Neuroscience, Psychology, Engineering, and/or Matlab programming is helpful. Since the analyses will be performed later the programming can be learned. We initially will be focusing on setting up a new array-based recording system and recording from neurons which requires a lot of attention to detail, and simultaneously monitoring the activity of task performance by a non-human subject, as well as 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 focus on helping set up and using a new system to record from single neurons in auditory cortex. The incumbent will be involved in data collection (main contribution at first), data analysis, and publication of the results. Much of the planned research will build on prior work in the lab. The data collection system is a multi-contact probed capable of recording from several hundreds of neurons at a time. The incumbent will also be responsible for keeping records related to the experiments, and training and mentoring undergraduate volunteers. The incumbent may have the opportunity to creatively contribute to the research by proposing alternative analysis strategies, generate novel projects with existing data and review literature for manuscript preparation. The incumbent will be actively and significantly involved in publishable research activities, including reading journal articles and engaging in discussions on research and the interpretation of research results with PI and others in the lab. The incumbent will spend a marginal amount of time assisting the current lab manager with administrative tasks, including the maintenance of animals protocols, logging essential data related to the health and well being of the non-human subjects

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 subject are performing the behavioral task.

* Spike sort to separate individual neurons from the electrode recording based on their action potential waveform

* Analyze the data related to behavior and how single neurons and populations of neurons respond to and encode 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 (Mainly 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%

The incumbent may have the 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%

* The incumbent will mentor undergraduate student assistants in the lab.

* The incumbent will participate in public outreach activities

* BS/BA in Neuroscience, Bioengineering, psychology or a related field.

* The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills

* The 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

* Previous lab experience (with references) preferred.

• 2-3 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.
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