Junior Specialist - Szumlinski Laboratory, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate that the University expects to pay for this position at 100% is $58,300 to $72,500 annually.

Percent time: 100%

Anticipated start: September 2026 or later

Position duration: This will be a one-year position with a comprehensive benefits package with the possibility of renewal. Continuation beyond one year will be based on performance and availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: August 31, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Sep 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

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

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 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 Junior Specialist will participate fully in neuroscience and behavior research focused on the biobehavioral consequences of repeated stimulant and alcohol exposure. The position involves assisting with study design and performing rat and mouse behavioral studies of drug self-administration, cognition, and anxiety. Will also perform immunoblotting and immunohistochemical procedures to include image analysis. Assisting with training undergraduate student RAs, data management, statistical analysis, assisting the PI and research team with presentations at lab meetings and at psychology and neuroscience conferences, and authorship on academic research articles. Additional duties will include: managing IACUC protocols and reviews and maintaining/ordering lab supplies to ensure all research projects are executed properly. The Junior Specialist will also engage in specialized research, professional activity, and University and/or public service. Specialists use their professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions to the research enterprise of the University and to achieve recognition in the professional and scientific community.

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience or a related field at the time of application.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Applicants currently enrolled in a BA or BS program, must have a bachelor's degree conferred by the start date of the position
• At least 12 months of experience working in a research setting with rats and/or mice as research subjects.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in standard laboratory techniques, including immunoblotting and/or immunohistochemistry.
• Candidates must be able to work both independently and in collaboration with others, have strong multi-tasking, problem-solving, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

• Cover Letter

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Applicants that are chosen for an interview will have their references contacted after the interview.

Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03142

Help contact: pamelawilks@ucsb.edu

About UC Santa Barbara

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 for Employees, students and third parties
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health 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.

Job location

Santa Barbara, CA