Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Science Center
Position Overview
Organization: Ophthalmology
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Ophthalmology, Vision Science Center
Position Details
Position Description
High-resolution retinal imaging, visual psychophysics and optoretinography
The lab of Ram Sabesan at University of Washington’s Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science Center invites applications for two postdoctoral scholar positions. The successful candidate(s) will utilize adaptive optics retinal imaging tools to a) study neural processing in the early visual system of living humans and animal models and b) translate cellular measures of retinal structure and function to patients with retinal disease.
The lab’s current focus is on the functional mechanisms by which signals from cone photoreceptors and their ensuing retinal pathways are integrated to mediate and constrain visual perception. Two recent technologies facilitate this study of light-driven neural activity in vivo. First, an adaptive optics camera coupled with a high speed retinal tracker enables visual psychophysics upon targeting stimuli on the living retina at the scale of individual and collection of photoreceptors (see here for example). The second technology is optoretinography or ORG, and allows one to monitor the minute biophysical changes (nanometer/millisecond resolution) in photoreceptors accompanying phototransduction and holds promise for other cell types (see here and here for example). Projects benefit from close collaborations in ex vivo retinal physiology and computational modeling. The scope of ongoing projects ranges from optical engineering to applications in basic science inquiry and clinical translation.
Two full-time positions as a Postdoctoral Scholar are available on an annual, 12-month appointment, with support for a minimum period of 1 year and possibility for extension. The candidate will be encouraged to pursue independent interests in addition to participating in ongoing research projects and collaborations. They will become a part of a strong and diverse vision science community at the University of Washington. They will have the opportunity to closely interact with labs studying the visual system at a behavioral, systems and molecular level and with clinician-scientists at the new Roger and Angie Karalis Johnson Retina Center at UW.
Anticipated start date for these positions would be April 1, 2021, or as candidate is available.
https://hr.uw.edu/labor/2019/06/03/agreement-reached-with-uaw-postdoctoral-scholars-on-2019-2021-contract: Postdoctoral scholars are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
Qualifications
Requirements:
- Doctorate in one of the following or related disciplines: neuroscience, psychology, physics or an engineering discipline (computer science, bioengineering, optics, electrical engineering or equivalent), or foreign equivalent.
- Keen interest or background in one of visual neuroscience, psychophysics or optical imaging is highly desirable.
- Programming skills (minimum: MATLAB and/or Python, C++/C# bonus) are a must.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
Instructions
To apply, upload a CV & cover letter outlining prior research, current and future interests in the Interfolio position listing.
Informal inquiries are encouraged. Position is open immediately and will be open until filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
Commitment to Diversity
The University of Washington is committed to building diversity among its faculty, librarian, staff, and student communities, and articulates that commitment in the UW Diversity Blueprint (http://www.washington.edu/diversity/diversity-blueprint/). Additionally, the University’s Faculty Code recognizes faculty efforts in research, teaching and/or service that address diversity and equal opportunity as important contributions to a faculty member’s academic profile and responsibilities (https://www.washington.edu/admin/rules/policies/FCG/FCCH24.html#2432).
COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and Information
Under Washington State Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 21-14.1, University of Washington (UW) workers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof thereof, or receive a UW-approved medical or religious exemption. This requirement will be a condition of any offer associated with this recruitment. For more information, please visit https://www.washington.edu/coronavirus/vaccination-requirement/.