Junior/Assistant Specialist (Meno) - Chrastil Lab

Position overview

Salary range: A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000 - $70,700. See Specialist Series - Represented Fiscal Year, Exempt and Specialist Series - Represented Fiscal Year, Non-Exempt.

Application Window

Open date: May 12, 2026

Next review date: Friday, Jun 12, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Jul 31, 2026 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

Dr. Liz Chrastil, PI of the Spatial Neuroscience Laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at the University of California, Irvine, is seeking a Junior or Assistant Specialist.

This applicant will enable research as part of a team and, depending on experience level, may also conduct some independent research projects. The Spatial Neuroscience Lab uses dynamic and interdisciplinary research methods to answer questions about how the brain processes information to keep us oriented as we navigate through a complicated world. Our primary techniques are fully immersive virtual reality (VR) and human brain imaging using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

The Junior Specialist/Assistant Specialist provides support for project management, conducting human subject research in immersive virtual environments, and data processing. They will play a central role in a large-scale project that seeks to understand how ovarian hormones shape cognition and brain structure and function across the lifespan. Within these projects, the applicant will work in a team environment with a multi-disciplinary group of faculty and trainees from neuroscience, cognitive science, and statistics.

Primary responsibilities include management, data collection and processing for both behavioral and neuroimaging data, and data analysis. Lab Manager responsibilities include training and supervising undergraduate research assistants, tracking study progress, and some administrative duties (e.g. IRB protocol management and overseeing lab operations). Additional responsibilities will be assigned based on the successful candidate's skills and interests. Two-year commitment is strongly preferred.

Qualified candidates should send curriculum vitae and cover letter, along with the names and addresses of three references to the following on-line recruitment URL to submit the material requested:

AP Recruit Link: JPF10137

For questions about the position, contact Dr. Liz Chrastil at chrastil@uci.edu.

Lab: https://faculty.sites.uci.edu/spatialneuro/

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Applicants must have completed or be currently enrolled in a BA or BS program in psychology, neuroscience or a related field at the time of application.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

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

Reference requirements

• 3-5 required (contact information only)