Post-doc researcher to investigate the possibility of using optogenetics in the visual brain to restore a form of vision for blind people.

The Roelfsema lab at the Institut de la Vision (Paris) has an exciting opportunity for a Post-doctoral researcher to investigate the possibility of using optogenetics in the visual brain to restore a form of vision for blind people.

Project description Using optogenetics to restore vision in monkeys

The project will test new optogenetic approaches to stimulate the early visual pathways. We will express optogenetic constructs in the early visual pathways and explore innovative approaches to deliver the light to the neurons. We aim to generate visual perception of simple and more complex shapes with patterned optogenetic stimulation. We will test the quality of the generated percepts with behavioral tasks and the efficacy of stimulation using methods to record brain activity.

We expect from you:

• You are a highly motivated, self-driven candidate.
• You have, or soon expect to obtain, a PhD in a relevant field and should have experience in collecting and analyzing neurophysiological data from awake, behaving animals.
• A high level of written and spoken English and good programming skills are essential.

You should expect from us:

• Mentoring, supervision and training
• Access to state-of-the art infrastructure
• A stimulating international research environment

Environment

The Institute de la Vision (https://www.institut-vision.org) is one of the most important research centers in Europe on eye diseases. It brings together researchers, clinicians and industrial partners in order to discover, test and develop treatments and technological innovations for the benefit of visually impaired patients.

Appointment

We offer an exciting job at a dynamic research institute, in a new group that is established at the Institute de la Vision in Paris and will work at a new platform at the research institute MIRCen. The position is for a period of 4 years in total. The first appointment is for one year with the option for an extension for the remaining period pending on an evaluation.

Starting date

The position is available from June 2022, but the starting date can be later.

To apply

Please send your application to pieter.roelfsema@inserm.fr including:

• A Curriculum Vitae
• An application letter
• Two reference letters

Evaluation of candidates will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. We aim to fill the position in summer of 2022.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, etc.

Any acquisition further to this advertisement will not be appreciated.

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