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.