Specialist

Open date: July 23, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Aug 7, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Sunday, Jan 23, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.


Position description

Specialist

This position is focused on the development and validation of next-generation high-density neural recording technologies. The successful candidate will work on the development, testing, and benchmarking of novel 512-channel flexible neural probes fabricated using advanced electron-beam lithography techniques. The project is being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Doris Tsao at Astera, a neuroscience institute in the East Bay. The longer-term objective of this effort is to develop extremely high-density flexible neural recording technology suitable for use across deep and superficial brain structures in rodents and non-human primates. This is also a potential step toward translation to humans.

Responsibilities include:

• Development and optimization of electroplating approaches for 512-channel flexible probes
• Preparation of probes for implantation Surgical implantation of probes in rats (in collaboration with NeuralThread)
• Collection and analysis of electrophysiological data
• Quantitative evaluation and benchmarking of probe performance
• Training Astera personnel in flexible probe implantation techniques and experimental procedures in rats
• Contributing to the refinement and next-generation development of flexible neural recording technologies.

Required Qualifications:

• Junior Specialist - Baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) or at least four years of research experience
• Assistant Specialist - Master's degree or a baccalaureate degree with 3 or more years of research experience
• Associate Specialist - Master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of experience in the relevant specialization
• Full Specialist - terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of experience in the relevant specialization
• Experience with or willingness to learn rodent surgical procedures for neural implants
• Experience working with rodents or other animal models.
• Experience with data analysis in python
• Strong experimental and quantitative problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with rodent surgery, In vivo electrophysiological data collection, and Neurophysiological data analysis

Please apply online in AP Recruit.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $57,000-$201,700.

• Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).

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.

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 or federal law.

UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.

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.
• "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, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment


Job location


San Francisco, CA