Postdoctoral Research Positions
The Department offers a wealth of opportunities for postdoctoral research in the wide range of scientific disciplines represented in the Brain & Cognitive Sciences. The centrality of the department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences among associated programs in Visual Science, Computer Science, Linguistics, and Neuroscience represented in the University makes the department a particularly attractive place for interdisciplinary research. Postdoctoral fellows often work with more than one member of faculty.
Admission and Support
Scientists interested in postdoctoral study should in the first instance contact the faculty member (or members) with whom they might wish to work. Postdoctoral fellows are supported from a variety of sources: some receive support through individual investigator's research grants; some receive stipends from training grants held by members of the Department; some are supported by individual fellowships.
Open Positions
Added 03/06/2023
Post-doctoral positions are available immediately for outstanding candidates in visual systems neuroscience
Two NIH-funded positions available to work on the following projects:
- Developing novel virus-mediated circuit tracing & optogenetic manipulation methods for targeting visual cortico-cortical circuits in NHPs
- Utilizing virus-mediated optogenetic manipulation to study corticothalamic circuits in NHPs
Both projects involve collaborations with labs at the University of Rochester as well as with Drs. Pasupathy & Bair at the University of Washington, providing opportunities for cross-lab/institutional training and experiences. Applicants should have strong practical knowledge of visual system neurophysiology. Candidates with prior experience with optogenetics, virus-mediated circuit tracing, and/or neuroanatomy in NHPs are especially encouraged to apply. Competitive salary and benefits that conform to NIH requirements will be offered, commensurate with experience. Applicants from backgrounds less well represented in neuroscience are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply, send a letter of application, CV, and the names of three references to:
Farran Briggs, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Brain & Cognitive Sciences
Farran_briggs@urmc.rochester.edu
Updated 03/06/2023
Postdoctoral opportunity in Active Vision and EEG at UR Center for Visual Science
A postdoctoral position is available in the Active Perception Laboratory at the University of Rochester to study the perceptual consequences of eye movements and their interplay with attention. We are specifically looking for candidates with experience in electroencephalography interested in studying active vision. The work will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Martina Poletti and Dr. Michele Rucci.
Research in the laboratory focuses on the interaction between vision and behavior. Our work relies on the integration of theoretical and experimental approaches to investigate how visual functions unfold in the presence of normal and abnormal motor activity, how vision guides behavior, and how changes in visual input signals and modulations associated with behavior contribute to perception. The laboratory is equipped with a unique array of tools, many developed in-house, to investigate the synergy between visual, motor, and cognitive processes. Approaches include human psychophysics with precisely controlled retinal stimulation, computational modeling, high-resolution measurements of head and eye movements, and retinal imaging.
The ideal candidate would have a strong background in visual perception as evidenced by the publication record, significant experience with EEG experiments, data analysis, and computer programming (C++ preferred). Candidates with experience in some or all of these areas will be considered. Motivation and independence are important, as well as the ability to work well in a team.
The University of Rochester offers a highly collaborative and stimulating research environment with excellent opportunities for interactions and training in vision science and neuroscience. The laboratory is located within the Center for Visual Science and the department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences. Ongoing collaborations at the University of Rochester include the Flaum Eye Institute the Institute of Optics and the department of Neuroscience.
To apply, please send curriculum vitae, a statement of research interests and accomplishments, and the names of two references to Martina Poletti and Michele Rucci.
Updated 12/05/2022
Postdoctoral positions in systems neuroscience, University of Rochester
Two postdoctoral positions in Systems Neuroscience are available at the University of Rochester, in the laboratory of Dr. Greg DeAngelis. One position is offered as part of a multi-institution BRAIN Initiative U19 project focused on the neural mechanisms of causal inference. The second position is part of a recently funded NIH project on the neural mechanisms of steering control. Both projects involve psychophysics and large-scale electrophysiology in non-human primates, combined with computational approaches. Successful candidates will join a highly dynamic and collaborative group at the Center for Visual Science, with strong theoretical/computational collaborators. Previous work from the laboratory has made fundamental contributions to our understanding of the neural basis of motion perception, depth perception, multisensory integration, and self-motion perception (see published works).
Candidates are expected to have a background in neuroscience, experimental psychology, biomedical engineering, or a related field, and previous research experience in systems neuroscience is highly beneficial. Candidates should submit their CV, a brief statement of research interests, and the names and contact information for three references to gdeangelis@ur.rochester.edu.
Updated 12/05/2022
Postdoctoral Position in the Active Perception Laboratory at the University of Rochester
A postdoctoral position is available in the Active Perception Laboratory at the University of Rochester to study the benefits of eye movements for visual functions.
This position is part of an ongoing collaboration with Dr. Jonathan Victor at Cornell University and Dr. Martina Poletti at the University of Rochester. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual with experience in vision science and data analysis and the ability to work well in a team. A quantitative background and demonstrated interest in applying quantitative methods to neuroscience is preferable. Experience with signal processing, real-time programming, and C++ is a plus.
The APLab is a dynamic multidisciplinary research group focused on understanding vision as an integrated sensorimotor process. Approaches include visual psychophysics under controlled retinal stimulation and perturbation of the visuomotor cycle, computational modeling of the early visual pathways, retinal imaging, and human electrophysiology. The laboratory is equipped with a unique combination of facilities (several developed in-house) for high-resolution recording of head and eye movements, real-time control of the visual flow on the retina during eye movements, adaptive optics and optical coherence tomography imaging of the human retina, virtual reality, and EEG measurements.
Research from the APLab has led to important findings on how humans process visual information and establish spatial representations. It has identified fundamental oculomotor strategies (e.g., Ko et al, Nature Neurosci. 2010), revealed novel contributions from eye movements to spatial vision (e.g., Rucci et al, Nature 2007; Intoy & Rucci, Nature Commun. 2020), shed new light on the perceptual role of extraretinal signals (e.g., Poletti et al, Nature Neurosci. 2017; Intoy et al, PNAS 2021), and raised specific hypotheses on the influences of motor activity in the neural encoding of visual information (e.g., Casile et al, eLife 2019) and in visual development (e.g., Rucci et al, J. Neurosci, 2000). Furthermore, our work has resulted in new tools for eye-tracking and real-time control of retinal stimulation and has led to robots directly controlled by models of neural pathways. A full list of our publications can be found on our website.
The Active Perception Laboratory is part of the Center for Visual Science at the University of Rochester, a center with a long history of fundamental accomplishments in vision science. CVS is composed by more than 35 research laboratories creating a vibrant and highly collaborative scientific community.
To apply, please send curriculum vitae, brief statement of research interests and accomplishments, and names of two references to Michele Rucci (mrucci@ur.rochester.edu) Jonathan Victor (jdvicto@med.cornell.edu) and Martina Poletti (martina_poletti@urmc.rochester.edu)
Visual Science
Please visit the positions available page on the Center for Visual Science website for more information on postdoctoral opportunities in vision science.
Applications from women and members of underrepresented minority groups are especially welcome. The University of Rochester is an Equal Opportunity Employer.