Postdoctoral Associate | Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics

Science            ·             US-NY-New York              ·            Full time Regular

Organization Overview

The emergence of new optical technologies combined with computational and molecular tools have led to major advances of our understanding of how the circuitry and dynamics of neuronal populations give rise to brain functions and behavior. The Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics at the Rockefeller University is focused on the development and application of advanced optical imaging technologies to advance neuroscience. Over the years, we have developed a portfolio of optical technologies that allow for large-scale and whole-brain optical recording and manipulation of neuroactivity at high spatiotemporal resolution across model systems while our emphasis in the recent years has been on the development of such tools for highly scattering brain tissues. In our most recent imaging technology, we have demonstrated that up to 1 million neurons distributed across different depths of both hemispheres of the mouse cortex can be recorded at single cell resolution. In the coming years, we plan to further expand on these tools and apply them in different biological systems.

Position Summary

The Laboratory of Neurotechnology and Biophysics is looking to recruit a Postdoctoral Associate to join our diverse and welcoming lab to work on an interdisciplinary project at the interface of optics and neuroscience. The lab is an eclectic mix of people from across the globe with backgrounds in (quantum) physics, neuroscience, optical engineering, and more. We run a fully equipped, functioning and productive lab with ample resources and efficient infrastructure at your disposal.

Mentors:

• Alipasha Vaziri, PhD, is Professor and Head of Laboratory. An accomplished neurotechnologist and leader in the field of advanced functional neuroimaging, he will provide high-level guidance and strategic advice to you and the team and will coordinate with our collaborators in recurring team discussions. He is committed to fostering your professional development by giving feedback and tapping into his rich scientific network.
• Tobias Nöbauer, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the lab and will provide you with day-to-day mentorship, training, and guidance. He is committed to removing obstacles from your path, inspiring a meaningful, creative, and flexible work style, and loves sharing his own wide experience in tech, coding, designing, writing, and scientific research.

Additional Information:

• We will tailor your role to your experience level and preferences.
• We respect your work-life balance and are flexible in accommodating life events and practicalities that are important to you.
• The position and project are fully funded through an NIH BRAIN initiative award that runs for a total of four years, with the possibility to extend the position beyond the award duration.
• We encourage you to participate in relevant conferences to communicate your results, immerse yourself in the community, and nurture your network, especially also in exchange with our project partners and tester labs.
• The Rockefeller University offers a wide array of professional development resources, such as trainings, seminars, and networking opportunities, which you are encouraged to participate in.

Position Responsibilities

As part of an experienced team and a multi-lab collaborative environment, you will spearhead design, construction, and testing of a novel type of miniaturized imaging system. The project combines the Vaziri Lab’s expertise in high-speed multiphoton methods with its track record in miniature imaging systems. You will work with senior members of the lab to conceptualize and design optical, mechanical, and computational aspects of the system. You will contribute to assembling and characterizing optical devices, and to recording and analyzing neuronal activity data. Your project will culminate in demonstrating the recording of the activity of thousands of neurons during naturalistic, free behavior and social interactions, in collaboration with our project partners at UCLA and other neurobiological beta-tester labs. Our technologies will be disseminated as open hard- and software, creating widespread visibility and empowering a world-wide user community to get their hands on these technologies.

Position Qualifications

Required:

• A PhD in neuroscience, physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, bioengineering, computer science, or a related field
• Experimental hands-on experience with optics, opto-mechanics, and experiment control
• Software development and data science skills (Python, Matlab, …)
• Experience with optical simulation (Zemax) and mechanical design software (e.g., Illustrator, SolidWorks)
• A sincere willingness to learn whatever this research journey may require, with in-depth training and support from your mentoring team and colleagues
• A commitment to meaningful interdisciplinary communication, and motivation for doing creative science together with us

Preferred:

• Experience with one or more of the following is a plus: multiphoton or fluorescence microscopy (especially, in vivo), animal procedures (craniotomy surgery, virus delivery), optical and laser setups, neuroscience behavior experiments
• Familiarity with controlling experiments using software (e.g., Arduino, NI-DAQ, etc.) is a plus
• Familiarity with common optical and electro-mechanical systems (e.g., galvo scanners, piezos, etc.) and electrical test- and measurement equipment

Rockefeller University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the characteristics listed above. 

Min: USD $70,000.00/Yr.

Max: USD $70,000.00/Yr.

Please click here to apply.