Junior Specialist-Chang Lab

The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of California Davis, School of Medicine is recruiting a full-time Junior Specialist in Dr. Stephano Chang's lab. The Chang lab studies novel diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in a large animal model of peripheral nerve injury to translate findings to the clinical setting.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

The Junior Specialist has the general duties of working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) in the planning and execution of a research project. The junior specialist will become proficient at animal surgeries, including nerve repair, large animal experimentation, clinical translation, data collection, literature reviews and data analysis for preparation of manuscripts or conference presentations, and writing conference abstracts and manuscripts (e.g., methods and results sections, table, and figure generation) for a particular project.

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

I. RESEARCH (90% Effort)

A. The Junior Specialist will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other research personnel to investigate two broad research questions within peripheral nerve injury in a large animal model: 1) How can advanced imaging modalities help us make clinical decisions after a closed nerve injury; and 2) Can device-based and neuromodulation-based therapies enhance nerve regeneration and functional recovery after injury? Scientific and surgical training will be provided in the laboratory.

Specific duties will include:

1) Literature review and experiment planning

2) Large animal surgeries to repair nerves after injury

3) Animal experiments involving electrophysiology, behavioral studies, and histology

4) Actively contribute to publishable research by collecting and interpreting data.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE (5% Effort)

The Junior Specialist will be expected to actively participate in the dissemination of information at professional meetings, participate and contribute to departmental and other seminars, journal clubs and other activities.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (5% Effort)

The Junior Specialist may be expected to provide mentorship to undergraduate research assistants that rotate through the lab. They will be expected to participate and contribute to laboratory and group meetings, committee service, and other activities, as applicable.

* Bachelor's Degree in biology, neuroscience, or bioengineering.

* Strong interpersonal, communication and decision-making skills.

* The ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

Candidates who seek advanced degrees in the neurosciences or related fields. A general interest in neurosurgery is recommended, as the PI is a neurosurgeon-scientist. The candidate ideally has at least 1 year of experience working with animal surgeries and electrophysiology techniques in the neurosciences. This may include laboratory experience during undergraduate studies.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

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