Assistant/Associate Project Scientist - Computational Neuroethology - Theunissen Lab - Department of Neuroscience

Position overview

Position title: Assistant Project Scientist or Associate Project Scientist
Salary range: The UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See the following table(s) for the current salary scale(s) for this position: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/2024-25/july-2024-scales/t37-b.pdf. The current base salary range for this position is $78,000 to $111,400. "Off-scale" salaries, which yield compensation that is higher than the published system-wide salary at the designated rank and step, are offered when necessary to meet competitive conditions.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: Fall/Winter 2024

Position duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window
Open date: October 7, 2024

Next review date: Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date.

Position description

The Department of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley seeks applications for an Assistant/Associate Project Scientist in the Theunissen Lab, in the area of computational neuroethology. The goal of our research is to elucidate the computations performed by high-level auditory system for the discrimination and classification of vocal signals used in communication. We perform bioacoustical analyses, behavioral assessments, neurophysiological recordings and computational modeling. We study communication in in songbirds and in humans.

Our research in neural mechanisms of vocal communication is highly collaborative. We have an ongoing collaboration with the MaxPlanck Institute for Biological Intelligence in Germany and with other laboratories at UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco.

The incumbent will be a key player in our work on the neural mechanisms for call-recognition ins songbirds. The incumbent will study auditory discrimination and classification in birds using both operant conditioning and more naturalistic assessments. The incumbent will also perform neurophysiological experiments and be expected to participate in the development of novel recording techniques (e.g. wireless recordings in freely behaving birds). The incumbent will also be involved in data analysis, figure and manuscript preparation. In prior work, we have described the acoustic code used by our model system, the zebra finch, in its vocal repertoire composed of multiple call-types used in different behavioral contexts. We have also described how the auditory system processes natural sounds including all of the call-types of the zebra finch vocal repertoire. The incumbent will investigate how the neural representation of these call-types can be related to the meaning of the communication signal and ultimately elicit the appropriate behavior. For this purpose, neural responses will be acquired while the birds are either actively involved in communication or performing auditory discrimination tasks based on the meaning of the call-types.

The incumbent will be supported by the Principal Investigator who has also been directly involved in the development of the novel recording techniques. The incumbent will also assist the PI in the training and mentoring of graduate students and undergraduate research apprentices. General lab maintenance (ordering supplies, organizing, cleaning) is performed by the entire research team. Thus, the incumbent will also be expected to be involved in the day-to-day management of the lab.

The duties of the position include:

• Customized husbandry for a songbird colony. Husbandry is performed by the Office of Laboratory and Animal Care (OLAC) but the laboratory assists the OLAC staff to optimize the well-being of our animals.
• Training songbirds in operant conditioning tasks and acquiring behavioral data.
• Quantitative analyses of behavioral responses.
• Performing surgical procedures for the implantation of neural recording devices.
• Acquiring neurophysiological responses while birds are performing various auditory and vocal tasks.
• Analyzing and modeling neural responses using encoding and decoding models.
• Performing bioacoustical analyses of vocalizations.
• Developing novel neural recording techniques.
• Pursuing publication of research in peer-reviewed journals;
• Attending and actively supporting scientific seminars, workshops, team meetings and other venues for presentations of results.
• Developing and maintaining collaborative research relationships;
• Pursuing additional funding opportunities consistent with existing and future research programs and goals.
• Developing and troubleshooting new related research directions.
• Assisting the PI in the training and mentoring of lab members.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position provides full benefits.

Contract: https://uaw5810.org/ar-contract-2022/

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
PhD (or equivalent international degree)

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
At least 3 years of postdoctoral experience in relevant field.

Preferred qualifications

• 3 years of postdoctoral experience in behavioral neuroscience or related field.
• Experience in bioacoustical analyses of animal communication signals or human speech signals.
• Experience in neurophysiological recordings in vertebrates.
• Scientific programing experience including familiarly with database management, signal processing, machine learning, statistical analyses and visualization.
• Track record of excellence in mentored research program including publication record in behavioral neuroscience.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, participate in efficient and open collaboration, and enjoy engaging with a diverse group of researchers.
• Self-motivated, interactive, and meticulous approach to tasks and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Innovative and able to synergize various ideas and approaches, while exercising sound judgment to evaluate and take acceptable risks.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter
• List of Publications

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Apply link: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04596

Help contact: theunissen@berkeley.edu

About UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The excellence of the institution requires an environment in which the diverse community of faculty, students, and staff are welcome and included. Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge and skill related to ensuring equity and inclusion in the activities of their academic position (e.g., teaching, research, and service, as applicable).

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

Please refer to the University of California's Affirmative Action Policy and the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In searches when letters of reference are required all letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality prior to submitting their letter.

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.

Job location
LKS, Rm 285, Theunissen Bench, Berkeley, CA


To apply, visit https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/JPF04596