Postdoctoral Scientist-Sarvestani Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI); Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Comprehensive health benefits

One-on-one mentorship

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is hiring a Postdoctoral Scientist for the Sarvestani Lab at Cornell University. The position focuses on systems neuroscience, investigating how the brain and body integrate for perceptual abilities in different species.

Candidates should possess a Ph.D. in neuroscience or bioengineering and have experience in programming, electrophysiology, and animal behavioral testing. A competitive compensation package and mentorship with Dr. Sarvestani are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in researching visual and motor systems.
• Advanced analysis of brain and behavior datasets.
• Skills in lab animal husbandry and surgical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments integrating brain, body, and behavior.
• Collaborate with the Sarvestani lab on various studies.
• Mentor junior colleagues and assist in research projects.

Skills

Programming in Python

Electrophysiology

Behavioral testing

Histology and fluorescence imaging

Engineering (CAD/3D printing)

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience or bioengineering

Tools

Matlab

Microcontrollers

Job description

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

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

The Sarvestani Lab at Cornell University’s Department of Neurobiology and Behavior is seeking an energetic, curious, and driven Postdoctoral Scientist interested in systems neuroscience to join our research team. The Sarvestani lab focuses on identifying the 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 are exploring

• 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

Application Instructions

Please include the following items in one PDF as part of your application. Cover Letter MUST be included for full consideration.

• A cover letter including a summary of your research experience, your career goals, and why you think you are a good fit for the Sarvestani lab specifically.
• Your curriculum vitae, including a list of publications.
• Names and contact information for at least 2 references.

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

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.

$70,000.00 (minimum) - $80,500.00 (midpoint) - $91,000.00 (maximum)

Pay Type: Annual

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.