Phd Neuroscience Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Open date: July 1, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Aug 23, 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.

The Department of Neurology at the University of California, Irvine anticipates openings for Junior, Assistant, Associate, and full Specialists to join the research laboratory of Dr. Yama Akbari, which investigates the mechanisms and neurobiological basis of coma, stroke, and brain-heart-lung interactions. Dr. Akbari is a physician scientist who focuses on neuro-intensive care using basic science, translational, and clinical approaches. The laboratory is built like an animal intensive care unit and uses a multidisciplinary approach to investigate coma in animals, including principles of cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) along with multimodal monitoring of the brain, heart, and lungs (electrophysiology, neurophysiology, optical, etc.). Optimization of outcome is investigated in-vivo using a variety of electrophysiologic, pharmacologic, behavioral, and molecular/cellular approaches. The goals of this lab include developing translational research to help humans suffering from coma and acute brain injury. The lab was built in 2013 and has had extramural funding from a variety of sources (NIH, Foundations, Industry, and philanthropy).

Responsibilities:
Ability to handle and work with rodents, knowledge of neuroscience and animal physiology, and (preferred) microsurgical techniques. Knowledge of the basics of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems would be advantageous but not necessary. Good organizational skills and communication skills including managing/supervising a team of lab personnel, planning experiments, and designing/writing experimental protocols, though the training can be provided for writing experimental protocols. Overall training will be provided on many of the tasks listed to highly motivated individuals with research experience or a at least a background and interest in medicinal science. Though not required, additional interests in molecular biology, bioengineering, coding/programming, and/or an understanding of MATLAB, are favorable but necessary.

The laboratory is located in the Gillespie Neurosciences Research Facility, the premier neuroscience building at UC Irvine, allowing for an exciting and collaborative environment. Salary and rank are commensurate with experience.

Applicants should complete an online application profile and upload the following application materials electronically to be considered for the position:

Follow the hyperlink to apply

For more information about the Akbari Lab, see the Lab homepage

For more information about the Department of Neurology, see the Department of Neurology homepage

Department: https://www.neurology.uci.edu/

Requirements:
Candidates must possess either a BS, MS, PhD, or an MD. Opportunity to publish as an author or co-author on manuscripts will be provided.

Applications are being sought for candidates with strong laboratory research backgrounds and specialized training.

Appointees to the Junior Specialist rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent research experience)

Appointees to the Assistant Specialist rank should possess a master's degree or equivalent (or five years research experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization)

Appointees to the Associate Specialist rank should possess a master's degree or equivalent (or five to ten years research experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization). Associate Specialists are normally expected to have a record of academic accomplishments, including contributions to published or in-press research in the field and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.

Appointees to the Specialist rank should possess a terminal degree (or ten or more years of research experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization). Specialists at full rank are normally expected to have a significant record of academic accomplishments, including contributions to published or in-press research in the field, professional recognition in the field, and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.

This is on-going recruitment. Positions are dependent upon extramural funding. Rank will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Statement of Research (Optional)

• 3 required (contact information only)

The University of California, Irvine 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.
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.

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.