Assistant Project Scientist in Neurology

Application Window

The Department of Neurology at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting for part-time or full-time Project Scientist at the Assistant rank in Neurology specializing in cognitive electrophysiology and EEG.

The Project Scientist makes significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project in his/her academic discipline. The appointee possesses the subject matter expertise and the creative energy necessary to function at a high level of competence. The appointee will participate in activities to increase, improve, or upgrade competency in cognitive electrophysiology and EEG research. Appointees with Project Scientist series may engage in University and public service. They do not have teaching responsibilities. Although the Project Scientist is expected to work independently under the general guidance of an academic member with an independent research program (i.e., Professor, Professional Researcher, etc.), they are not required to develop an independent research program or reputation. The Project Scientist will carry out research or creative programs with supervision by an individual in an academic title that carries with it automatic Principal status. The Project Scientist does not usually serve as a Principal Investigator but may do so by exception.

The incumbent will work under the supervision of Dr. Olichney and the ability to work cooperatively and collegially in a diverse environment

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Scientist (PS) primary duties will be to collect and analyze electrophysiological (ERP) and EEG data in the Cognitive Electrophysiology and Neuroimaging (CEaN) Lab directed by Dr. John Olichney in the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain. Various analytic techniques and software (e.g. EEGLab, MatLab, ERPLab, SPSS, FieldTrip, BESA, and locally-developed software programs) are applied to analyze ERP and EEG data, and prior experience with most of the above techniques is required. Dr. Olichney and other CMB investigators are currently collecting ERP/EEG experiments of attention, language and memory processes at the UC Davis Center for Mind and Brain in elderly persons and patients with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Longitudinal projects (currently funded by the Alzheimer’s Disease Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and other sources) will examine the relative sensitivity of various Cognitive ERP/EEG measures to AD and their ability to track disease progression and treatment response. This knowledge will be instrumental for developing disease-modifying therapies which aim to slow down or reverse AD pathophysiology. The project also involves collection of state-of the art structural MRI studies at the UC Davis Medical Center’s (UCDMC) Imaging Research Center, using 3 Tesla MRI, and amyloid PET studies, also conducted at UCDMC. In addition, opportunities may arise to conduct tau PET study using the state-of-art high resolution EXPLORER total-body PET scanner at the UCDMC. The PS should also be able to administer standardized and experimental neuropsychological tests and conduct analyses using different operating systems such as Linux, DOS, and Windows. The PS will interact with neurological patients, their caregivers and other members of the laboratory. He or she will also oversee training and support for other junior lab members (e.g. rotating students). In addition, he or she will be expected to help in the preparation of grant proposals and scientific publications related to the above work and assist in preparing materials for IRB review. This two-year position (renewable after 1 year) also includes intensive training in both ERP and EEG methodology and allows opportunities to develop innovative methodologies for Event-related potentials (ERP) analyses, Event-related oscillations (ERO) and spectral EEG analyses. Basic skills in analyzing structural MRI and PET data can also be obtained, along with their applications for Multi-modal imaging.

1) RESEARCH (84% Effort)

Research activity (84%)
This position requires creative contributions to and collaborative development of an active research program investigating topics relevant to the research area of Cognitive Electrophysiology methods and applications. Topics include electrophysiology of memory disorders, language and attention, tracking, optimization of data acquisition and processing, data handling and analysis, and consulting with physician scientists on applications of EEG and ERP research to neurological patient populations.

The appointee will help to determine research goals in consultation with the Principal Investigator. The Project Scientist will design specific projects, including the selection of appropriate methods and techniques. In some cases, the appointee may supervise students or technicians regarding the technical aspects of the research, including methods development, trouble-shooting problems, interpreting results and planning follow-up experiments. The appointee collaborates with scientific colleagues in multi-disciplinary projects that include components falling within the appointee’s area of expertise.

Most of the appointee’s effort will be for Data analysis (55%), with some additional effort for data collection (5%) and administrative support (4%), publication (10%) and grant acquisition (10%). These responsibilities will include:

Data Analysis- 55%
• Conduct analyses of electrophysiological (ERP) and electroencephalogram (EEG) data. These data will be collected from neurological patients with cognitive disorders (mostly Alzheimer’s or amnestic MCI) and cognitively normal controls, using paradigms which elicit automatic and controlled attention, language and memory processes.
• Analyze behavioral data (e.g., standardized and experimental neuropsychological tests) collected from neurological patients with cognitive disorders and cognitively normal controls.
• Conduct data analyses using different operating systems and software. Prior experience with Matlab, EEG Lab, ERPLab, or ERPSS, and SPSS is highly recommended. Prior experience with AFNI, SPM or other MRI software is preferred.
.
Data Collection- 5%
• Collect and analyze electrophysiological (ERP) data. Assist in the collection and transmission of structural MRI data. These data will be collected from neurological patients with cognitive disorders and cognitively normal controls.
• Administer standardized and experimental neuropsychological tests to neurological patients with cognitive disorders and cognitively normal controls.
• Research support for Dr. Olichney’s Cognitive Electrophysiology and Neuroimaging Lab (Center for Mind and Brain, 202 Cousteau Place, near UC Davis Campus)
• Organize and backup a large amount of data stored locally and on servers.

• Interact sensitively with neurological patients, their caregivers and to other members in the laboratory.

Administrative Support- 4%
• Maintain organized lab files regarding all research data and IRB Human Subjects Documents
• Be able to maintain and organize confidential health records in accordance to HIPPA regulations
• Provide administrative support to Dr. Olichney which may include assistance with writing grant proposals, publications, presentations and other miscellaneous tasks.

Publication (10%)
The appointee will publish research in peer-reviewed journals either independently or in collaboration with the PI or other members of the research team.

Grant Acquisition (10%)
The appointee will assist in writing proposals for funding from federal and state agencies and other funding organizations. The appointee will prepare and assist in the preparation of reports as required by granting agencies and prepare modifications of budgets and other grant components as needed.

2) PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (14% Effort)
The candidate will participate in professional societies and conferences appropriate to his/her specific field of cognitive electrophysiology and EEG instrumentation and applications and will serve as a reviewer of research proposals and scientific publications as appropriate. The candidate will attend seminars to present research results and may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at seminars, laboratory meetings or educational functions.

3) UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (2% Effort)
The candidate may give oral presentations to public and professional interest groups. When appropriate, the candidate may coordinate and/or give presentations at community educational events, research seminars, laboratory meetings or other educational functions. Occasional lectures at UC Davis classes related to cognitive electrophysiology also encouraged.

For the full position description and to apply, visit https://recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF04960

This recruitment is conducted at the Assistant rank. The resulting hire will be at the Assistant rank regardless of the proposed appointee's qualifications.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Psychology or Neuroscience.
• At least 2 years of working experience in either an ERP, EEG, or MEG lab post terminal degree.
• Previous experience collecting ERP or EEG data (1 year minimum) is required.
• Previous experience working with ERP, EEG or MEG in a clinical population (1 year minimum) is required.
• Highly proficient in computer skills across multiple operating systems. Familiarity with Linux and DOS is required.
• Excellent scientific writing skills, and a track record of peer-reviewed publications in cognitive neuroscience or human electrophysiology are required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Previous publications in the area of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Experience of HIPAA-compliant handling of data for research purposes
• Experience of translational and human subjects research
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus (http://breathefree.ucdavis.edu/).

We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals’ with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct

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

The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is committed to inclusive excellence by advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do. UC Davis celebrates the multi-cultural diversity of its community by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment demonstrated through a variety of resources and programs available to academics, staff, and students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values of UC Davis that are embedded within our Principles of Community and are tied with how to best serve our student population. Our excellence in research, teaching, and service can best be fully realized by members of our academic community who share our commitment to these values, which are included in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Vision, 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: Policy on University of California Diversity Statement. UC Davis is making important progress towards our goal of achieving federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion offers a plethora of resources on their website, and the Office of Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (HEDI) has outlined similar goals in their Anti-Racism and DEI Action Plan.” There are a plethora of links available on the About Us webpage where you can learn more about our Administration, Diversity and Inclusion, Rankings, Locations, Native American Land Acknowledgement, Sustainability, Visiting UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and Campus Safety.

The university 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 condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. New University of California employees should refer to Appendix F, Section II.C. of the policy for applicable deadlines. (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy.) Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.