Auditory Processing Lab_Jr Specialist_Sutter Lab

Auditory Processing Lab Junior Specialist

UC Davis Junior Specialist Recruitment.

Salary range: $55,000 at Step 1 or $58,600 at Step 2.

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.

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.

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

• 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.
• A…