Postdoctoral Scientist-Sarvestani Lab

HHMI; Town of Dryden (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Mentorship with PI

Conference participation

Retreats and publications

Job summary

The Sarvestani Lab at Cornell University’s Department of Neurobiology and Behavior in Ithaca, NY, seeks a Postdoctoral Scientist to explore systems neuroscience with focus on visual and motor integration across species.

We use multiphoton microscopy, electrophysiology in freely moving animals, and advanced behavioral quantification to understand embodied perception and its relevance to AI. HHMI provides a competitive package and mentorship with Dr. Sarvestani.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, bioengineering, or related field.
• Advanced experience in coding and analysis of large brain and behavior datasets.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong research integrity and motivation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement experiments related to visuomotor systems.
• Analyze neural and behavioral data.
• Collaborate with lab members and communicate findings.
• Mentor junior colleagues and participate in manuscript reviews.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Electrophysiology

Behavioral testing

Lab animal husbandry

Histology

Engineering (CAD)

Microstimulation

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience or related field

Tools

CAD

3D printing

Microcontrollers

Software for imaging

Job description

Primary Work Address: 518 Clark Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14853

The Sarvestani Lab at Cornell University’s Department of Neurobiology and Behavior seeking an energetic, curious, and driven Postdoctoral Scientist interested in systems neuroscience to join our research team. The Sarvestani lab focuses on identifying fundamental mechanism by which visual and motor systems across the brain and body underlie perceptual abilities optimized to the specialized behavioral demands of different animals. Our work is deeply engaged with theories of embodied cognition that consider the body as an inseparable component to perception, and a necessary component of intelligence. We aim to experimentally test such fundamental relationships between the brain, body, and behavior, using cross-species comparisons in tree shrews and rats.

We place particular emphasis on advanced technical approaches, including multiphoton microscopy, electrophysiology in freely moving animals, behavioral quantification using large-array motion capture cameras, and wireless embedded sensors, to record neuronal activity and bodily movements in behaving animals with high spatiotemporal precision. By understanding how moving bodies and perception are integrated, we can develop more effective clinical interventions and inspire the next revolution in AI - one that reflects how biological brains learn through embodied experience. For more information, visit https://sarvestanilab.com/

As a Postdoctoral Scientist in the Sarvestani Lab, you will have the chance to bring your enthusiasm, ideas, and expertise to various ongoing and new projects. Some of the research areas we are exploring include:

• The role of motor experience in plasticity and error correction in the adult visual system

• The role of early motor experience in development of visual circuits in infant animals

• The role of proprioception in neural dynamics of visual perception

• The role of self-motion induced sensory statistics in visual perception using a video-audio sensory substitution device

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• One on one mentorship with Dr. Sarvestani, targeted for academic or industry career paths.

• Opportunity to work in both traditional (rodent) and exotic (tree shrew) models of visuomotor behavior.

• Exposure to cutting-edge scientific research and opportunities for professional development.

• Authorship on independent and collaborative scientific publications.

• Opportunities to attend domestic conferences in addition to departmental and HHMI retreats to present scientific findings.

• Being part of the vibrant community at the Cornell Department of Neurobiology & Behavior.

What you’ll do:

To be considered for a postdoctoral associate position, ideal candidates will have experience and prior training in some of the following areas:

• Programming in Python and/or Matlab.

• Electrophysiology, calcium imaging, microstimulation.

• Behavioral testing or quantification in animals.

• Lab animal husbandry and surgical approaches (cranial implants, intracranial injections).

• Histology and fluorescence imaging (vibratome, cryostat, microtome, antibody staining)

• Engineering (CAD/3d printing, microcontrollers, signal processing)

What you bring:

• A Ph.D. in neuroscience, bioengineering, or related field of science.

• Advanced experience in coding and analysis of large brain and behavior datasets.

• Ability to learn quickly and to work both independently and as part of a team.

• High level of research integrity and motivation.

• Positive attitude with a problem-solving, resilient approach.

• Resourcefulness in overcoming challenges, and the ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Willingness to fully participate in lab and departmental activities, to positively engage with other team members and promote their success (e.g., by reviewing manuscripts, participating in practice talks), mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to an inclusive and productive research climate.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

Hiring Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $82,250.00

Pay Type:

Annual

The posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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