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Postdoctoral Fellow - Optical and Electrical Engineering
Job Description
The Systems Neuroscience of Vision Laboratory, led by James H. Marshel, Ph.D., is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow with interests in optical and electrical engineering approaches applied to systems neuroscience. Our laboratory studies the circuit mechanisms underlying visual perception and sensory association learning. We develop and apply novel multiphoton holographic optogenetic approaches to map and perturb neural circuits during learning and behavior with single-cell precision, and large population multi-region scale. We combine in vivo circuit mapping, optogenetic manipulation, cell type characterization, electrophysiology, and neurodynamical analyses to determine causal relationships between circuit architectures, neural dynamics, and behavior.
Our research is described in more detail at https://burke.weill.cornell.edu/marshel-lab.
Responsibilities
- Development of an independent, self-driven research plan.
- Skill acquisition: multiphoton (2P/3P) imaging and holographic approaches, optogenetic tools, computational approaches, rodent surgery, in vivo and ex vivo imaging, behavioral testing, and systems neuroscience tools for assessing circuit function.
- Science communication: presentations at lab meetings and national/international scientific conferences, grant, and manuscript writing.
- Mentoring of students and trainees in the laboratory.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Neuroscience, Computational Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a related field.
- Strong publication record, including first author work.
- Experience with one or more of the following: multiphoton microscopy, spatial light modulator holography, custom microscope design.
- Fluency with MATLAB or Python.
- Demonstrable expertise in designing and managing complex, high-speed automated systems involving all aspects of software and hardware integration, optimization and deployment, including optical design (Zemax).
- Demonstrable expertise in instrument control software, including low-level seamless hardware control up to flexible user interfaces (graphical) to facilitate an array of diverse experiments.
- Experience building complex optical systems (microscopes), including selecting optical components, building and aligning laser-based optical systems, and familiarity with wave optics.
- Strong productivity and innovation; command of the literature.
- Strong communication, organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team are required.
- The position offers opportunities for scientific training and growth and requires a dedication to mentorship and teaching within the lab.
Benefits
BNI offers a robust Benefit package to full-time employees. Some highlights include:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
- Company paid Life Insurance/AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Buy ups for additional voluntary life insurance for you and your family and short-term disability buy-up.
- Health, Dependent and Commuter FSA programs
- 403b Program with a generous employer contribution after 1 year of service
- Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Generous PTO and Company Holidays
- Monthly on campus Happy Hours and annual company retreat
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative work environment
Compensation
Salary Range: $60,484 to $65,572 salaried exempt position (NIH NRSA scale plus housing supplement); based on years of postdoctoral experience.
How to Apply
To apply, interested candidates should complete the online application, upload a cover letter, a resume/CV, and include three contacts for references.
We appreciate all applications, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in joining our team.
Contact
About the Institute
The Burke Neurological Institute is a nonprofit leading scientific research institute devoted to advancing the study of neurological diseases and injuries. The overarching goal of the Institute, an academic affiliate of Weill Cornell Medicine, is to leverage the most innovative and highest quality neuroscience to restore brain and spinal cord function in those with neurological injury including stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, age related macular degeneration. Twenty faculty funded by federal and private agencies work alongside 100 individuals on a beautiful 60-acre campus in White Plains, New York, 15 miles from the heart of New York City.
Burke Neurological Institute is an equal opportunity employer.