News & Events

3 Postdoctoral positions available at the Center for Visual Science

February 1, 2013

Three postdoctoral positions are available immediately in the ARIA imaging group at the University of Rochester, which includesWilliam Merigan, Jennifer Hunter, David Williams and Mina Chung. A major emphasis of the ARIA laboratory is study of the function of inner and outer retina neurons in mouse and monkey using a variety of methods including calcium imaging with genetically encoded calcium indicators and single and multiphoton imaging of both intrinsic and externally applied fluorophores.

Position 1 - In vivo functional imaging of mouse and monkey retinal neurons.  This position in the laboratory of Dr. William Merigan will use recently developed in vivo optogenetic methods to study retinal circuitry in the living mouse and macaque retina.  It will provide excellent training for students experienced with traditional neurophysiological techniques who want to pursue in vivo optical methods, which provide a novel opportunity to study macaque foveal ganglion cells and to track long-term changes in the response of individual cells over many months.  Experimental approaches used in the laboratory include fluorescence and reflectance adaptive optics imaging in mouse and macaque, optical coherence tomography, genetically encoded indicators and modulators of neural function and viral vectors.  The ideal candidate will have a strong, quantitative background in visual science and retinal physiology, as well as experience with mathematical modeling/programming.  

Position 2 - In vivo imaging of intrinsic fluorescence in mouse and monkey retina.  This position in the laboratory of Dr. Jennifer Hunter will develop and apply novel fluorescence imaging methods for the non-invasive tracking of the role of both inner and outer retinal cells in the visual cycle.  Research directions may include applying adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy to phototoxicity, retinal development, aging or disease in mouse and macaque.  Research in the Hunter laboratory emphasizes the development of single and multi-photon imaging techniques and their application to phototoxicity and retinal function.  The ideal candidate will have a strong background in retinal biochemistry of metabolism and/or the visual cycle, as well as experience in general visual science and retinal physiology.

Position 3 - In vivo super resolution imaging of the retina.  This position in the laboratory of Dr. David Williams will develop a new method for imaging the retina in the living eye at a resolution that surpasses the diffraction limit.  The ideal candidate will have had prior experience with super resolution methods in microscopy, fluorescence imaging, and/or facility with the design and construction of advanced optical instrumentation for biological applications.

The University of Rochester offers a stimulating research environment and excellent opportunities for interactions and training in imaging and visual science including the Center for Visual Science (http://www.cvs.rochester.edu/), the Flaum Eye Institute (http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/eye-institute/) and the Institute of Optics (http://www.optics.rochester.edu/). ARIA, CVS and FEI provide access to a large technical staff including programmers and optical and electrical engineers focused on the development of novel imaging methodologies. Interested applicants should send CV and names/contact information of three references to Debbie Shannon debbie@cvs.rochester.edu. Please include a cover letter detailing your current research activities, expertise and the reasons for your interest in one of these positions.