Research Engineering/Scientist Associate IV

Job Details

General Notes

Initial assignment will be for one year. Subsequent renewal of employment will be based upon performance review, progress towards research goals, and continuation of funding.

The Elston Lab at the University of Texas at Austin is searching for a dedicated and organized Research Engineering / Scientist Associate to support our research on the neural foundations of cognitive control in non-human primates.

Purpose

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in managing day-to-day lab operations, contributing to the development of novel experimental equipment and brain-computer interfaces, and training lab personnel.

They will also assist with experimental procedures, data collection, and preliminary data analysis. We are searching for a meticulous and proactive individual who is committed to contributing to a multidisciplinary research program in awake, behaving non-human primates.

This position promises a vibrant and cooperative atmosphere within the broad neuroscience community at the University of Texa at Austin.

The Elston Lab is committed to career development .

Responsibilities

Assist with the design and implementation of experimental protocols : collaborate with the research team to develop and refine tasks for cognitive neuroscience studies in non-human primates.

Maintain and troubleshoot lab equipment : ensure the smooth functioning of neurophysiological recording systems, behavioral apparatuses, and computational infrastructure;

proactively address technical issues as they arise.

Support data collection and management : help with the collection of neural, behavioral, and physiological data, ensuring accuracy and consistency in data handling and storage.

Develop custom experimental hardware and software : Contribute to the design and fabrication of novel equipment, including brain-computer interfaces and stimulation devices, as well as code development for task automation and data processing.

Train lab staff on experimental procedures and equipment : guide graduate students, postdocs, and other lab members in using specialized equipment, following protocols, and ensuring the integrity of data collection.

Coordinate with collaborators and vendors : liaise with external collaborators and suppliers to facilitate smooth operation and delivery of lab equipment and services.

Required Qualifications

Doctoral degree in a quantitative field and two years of related experience with relevant education and experience substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with non-human primates and / or neurophysiology is preferable.

Ability to use and design specialized research equipment as required by the project.

Salary

$61,000

Working Conditions

May work around chemical fumes.

May work around standard office conditions.

May work around biohazards.

May work around chemicals.

Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Required Materials

Resume / CV

3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers : You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications.

Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section;

you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.

Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers : As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs.

If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply.

This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume.

In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.

that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility :

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers.

Staff who are promotion / transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility :

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks :

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.