Postdoctoral Scientist-Sarvestani Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); Town of Dryden (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship with PI

Conference attendance

Professional development

Competitive benefits

Job summary

The Sarvestani Lab at Cornell University’s Department of Neurobiology and Behavior seeks a postdoctoral scientist to advance systems neuroscience, exploring how visual and motor systems integrate to support perceptual behavior across species. Work utilizes multiphoton imaging, electrophysiology in freely moving animals, and quantitative behavior analysis.

Join HHMI-supported research with mentorship from Dr.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, bioengineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Programming in Python and/or Matlab.
• Electrophysiology, calcium imaging, microstimulation.
• Behavioral testing or quantification in animals.
• Lab animal husbandry and surgical approaches.
• Histology and fluorescence imaging.
• Engineering (CAD/3d printing, microcontrollers, signal processing).

Skills

Python

Matlab

Electrophysiology

Calcium imaging

Behavioral testing

Lab animal husbandry

Surgical approaches

Histology

CAD/3D printing

Microcontrollers

Education

PhD in neuroscience or related field

Tools

Vibratome

Cryostat

Microtome

Antibody staining

CAD/3D printing

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/

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.

Compensation and Benefits

Hiring Pay Range $70,000.00 - $80,500.00 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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is an independent, ever‑evolving philanthropy that supports basic biomedical scientists and educators with the potential for transformative impact. We make long‑term investments in people, not just projects, because we believe in the power of individuals to make breakthroughs over time.

Why HHMI

To move science forward we need a diverse collection of talents, expertise, and backgrounds in scientific research and science education, as well as communications, finance, human resources, information technology, investments, law, and operations. At HHMI, we encourage collaborative and results‑driven working styles and offer an adaptable environment where employees can do their best work. What makes us strong is the diversity of our perspectives. We work to promote a culture of inclusion in our work environments and across the greater scientific community. To find more information about us and the steps we’re taking to make HHMI a more inclusive organization, visit our About Us page.

Application Process

Applications are accepted via a personal email or the HHMI Careers site (apply directly). Contact us at [e-mail] if you require an accommodation related to completing the job application. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Applicants have rights under federal employment laws. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please review these posters: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Know Your Rights, and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).