Josephson Lab Junior Specialist


Position overview
Position title: Josephson Lab Junior Specialist
Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. A reasonable estimate for this position is $53,100 to $56,600.

Percent time: Full-time (100%)

Anticipated start: As soon as possible after the initial review of applications.

Position duration: Initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of reappointment. Should the hiring unit propose reappointment; a review to assess performance will be conducted. Reappointment is also contingent upon the availability of funding.

Application Window

Open date: April 18, 2025

Next review date: Monday, May 19, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Friday, Apr 17, 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


Assistant Professor Colleen Josephson of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department invites applications for a junior specialist, which will perform and assist in research related to field robotics, applied computer vision, and applied low-power deep learning. Working under the supervision of Professor Josephson, the junior specialist will contribute to two different projects.

The first project is USDA-NIFA funded and involves a custom visual-inertial drone system which acquires rapid aerial-imaged datasets for bettering agricultural practices. The project will require the specialist to calibrate custom visual and visual-inertial sensors, integrate sensor software into a resource-constrained runtime environment, and develop a tool-kit of software (validation, simulation, visualization) aimed at automatically relating world GPS points to pixels in aerial imagery. The project will also require the specialist to create custom simulation and testing frameworks to statistically quantify the accuracy/certainty of the system.

The second project that the junior specialist will contribute to is related to in-field, 100% soil-powered sensor networks. Specifically, developing artificial intelligence to forecast the available energy income which the system can then use to schedule operations so as to not exceed the extremely small power budget. This task involves experience creating, training, and testing neural networks, and learning new deep learning APIs. There will be great challenges with embedded systems integration which is required to port the simulation-level network to the deployment-level network which both have different software/hardware foundations.

The junior specialist will also make scholarly contributions to the research program through reading primary literature, preparing and/or editing scientific manuscripts, and/or presenting at lab meetings. The position will require the junior specialist to learn new techniques and implement protocols; demonstrate strong attention to detail; exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills; exercise good time management and problem-solving skills; and work effectively in a team environment. This application-oriented research is inherently cross-disciplinary. As a result, the candidate will need to demonstrate the experience or the capability to both adapt and work with new scientific fields.

The specialist may also be called upon to assist with general laboratory management tasks to ensuring continued research progress. Example duties include, but are not limited to making orders to re-stock common supplies, coordinating team meetings, and overseeing the maintenance and repair of key research equipment.

Applicants with any of the following areas of expertise or experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

• At least one year hands-on field robotics experience with quadruped robots and UAVs in field contexts, sensor calibration, SLAM, computer vision, embedded systems, and deep learning.
• Working knowledge of microbial fuel cells.
• Authorship or co-authorship on related academic projects.
• Experience working with experts from a wide range of scientific fields.

As the nations premier public research university, the University of California is dedicated to the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of the state of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.

UC Santa Cruz has expressed these goals in its strategic plan, Leading the Change. Leading the Change is a shared vision that aligns with the university's overarching goals, including enhancing student success, expanding research impact, fostering inclusivity, and improving operational efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.

The hiring unit will not sponsor employment-eligible immigration statuses for this position.



UCSC Baskin Engineering: https://engineering.ucsc.edu/

Electrical and Computer Engineering: https://engineering.ucsc.edu/departments/electrical-and-computer-engineering/


Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at the time the application is submitted)

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent foreign degree) in electrical engineering, or a related field such as electronics engineering, communications engineering, or laser and optical engineering.
• At least one year of experience with low-power energy harvesting research.
• At least one year of experience with soil microbial fuel cell research.
• At least one year of experience with embedded systems engineering.
• Demonstrated experience to work in a cross-disciplinary field.

Application Requirements


Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  
• Cover Letter - Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UC Santa Cruzs strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your qualifications for the position.
  
• Statement of Research (Optional)
  

Apply link: https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01878

Help contact: ece-dept@ucsc.edu

About UC Santa Cruz


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 applicants previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact Disability Management Services at roberts@ucsc.edu (831) 459-4602.

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Under Federal law, the University of California may employ only individuals who are legally able to work in the United States as established by providing documents as specified in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Certain UCSC positions funded by federal contracts or sub-contracts require the selected candidate to pass an E-Verify check. The university sponsors employment-based visas for nonresidents who are offered academic appointments at UC Santa Cruz, as outlined in campus policy CAPM 102.530.

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UCSC is committed to addressing the spousal and partner employment needs of our candidates and employees. As part of this commitment, our institution is a member of the Northern California Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (NorCal HERC). Visit the NorCal HERC website to search for open positions within a commutable distance of our institution.

The University of California offers a competitive benefits package and a number of programs to support employee work/life balance.

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.

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Job location

Santa Cruz, CA


To apply, visit https://recruit.ucsc.edu/JPF01878







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