Assistant Specialist - Risbud Lab

Position overview

Salary range :

A reasonable estimate for this position is $63,500-$70,700.

Application Window

Open date : September 29, 2025

Next review date : Tuesday, Oct 14, 2025 at 11 : 59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date : Friday, Oct 31, 2025 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

The Risbud Lab within the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is seeking an interdisciplinary Assistant Specialist at 50% time to support innovative cutting- edge research at the intersection of psychology and materials science. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the literature on materials that have user-centered technologies for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to provide instruction and enhance writing skills of students in science neurosciences and engineering. Specific focus is how to perceive high-value materials through tactile and visual modalities. A Bachelor and Masters degree in Psychology is required with some experience in Cognitive Psychology and care of disabled children with ADHD, Autism or other mental disorder symptoms.

The position of Specialist has a specific focus requiring specialized expertise in emerging issues at the frontier of materials and psychology of ASD and the Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork, and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and research staff, and to help write and develop the research proposals and new Freshman Seminar type educational programs. The Specialist's contributions will be evaluated using three basic criteria : (1) research and creative activity that leads to new ideas on tactile and vision sensitive materials and their psychological effects , (2) professional writing competence and activity, and (3) university and public service.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS - 80% EFFORT

A. Research Collaboration and Contribution

Collaborate with other research and extension personnel affiliated with research activities involving (Assistive Technologies and Materials for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Tactile and Visual Perception of Materials). 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 contributions at the Psychology-Materials Science interface.

2) Publications on which the Specialist is an author or co-author.

3) Other evidence (e.g., letters from collaborators or principal investigators) that work done by the Specialist contributed new ideas 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 in Cognitive Science and Psychology as it relates to new or currently used materials.

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. Research Coordination

The Specialist will serve as a research coordinator on projects conducted by Principal Investigator Subhash Risbud in the MSE department, particularly those involving new interdisciplinary activities created by connecting Psychology and tactile and visual materials. Duties will include maintaining clear and consistent communication between several groups in MSE and faculty in the MIND Institute or IPN. Writing reports, managing and gathering data, and assisting with reporting requirements. The Specialist will attend weekly supervisory meetings and incorporate feedback into project development and documentation.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY - 10% 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.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE - 10% EFFORT

A. Assisting the Professor in activities related to Student Disability Support Services.

B. Responding to requests from industry organizations, educational institutions, or public agencies related to assistive technology or neurodiverse student needs.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

(required at time of application)

• A Master's degree in Psychology, or possession of a Bachelor's degree in Psychology plus three (3) or more years of research experience.
• Experience in Cognitive Psychology and care of disabled children with ADHD, Autism, or other mental disorder symptoms

Application Requirements

Document requirements

Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

Cover Letter (Optional)

Statement of Research (Optional)

Authorization to Release Information Form - This form is required for all applicants applying to academic recruitments. Please see the Employment Disclosure Requirements webpage for more information. Download, complete, sign, and upload the form .

Reference requirements

Apply link :

https : / / recruit.ucdavis.edu / JPF07283

Help contact : opisano@ucdavis.edu

About UC Davis

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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

To implement this process, UC Davis requires all applicants for any open search to complete, sign, and upload the form entitled, "Authorization to Release Information" into UC RECRUIT as part of their application. If an applicant does not include the signed authorization with the application materials, the application will be considered incomplete, and as with any incomplete application, will not receive further consideration.

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Job location

Davis, CA