Post-doctoral researcher

A postdoc position is available in the Vision & Cognition group at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience in Amsterdam. The aim is to understand visual perception and plasticity elicited by electrical stimulation of the visual cortex in mice, with the ultimate aim to create a visual cortical prosthesis to restore a rudimentary form of vision for the blind.

Project description and methods

Electrical stimulation of the visual cortex elicits a “phosphene”, an artificial percept of light. By stimulating multiple electrodes at the same time, it is possible to evoke pattern vision. The aims of this project are to (1) develop new methods for electrical stimulation; (2) to study the patterns of activated neurons using two-photon imaging and (3) to test visual perception of electrical percepts and its plasticity in mice. 

Qualifications:

We will consider highly motivated, self-driven candidates with a degree in neuroscience, (neuro)psychology, biomedical sciences, natural sciences, material science, mathematics, physics, etc. A high level of written and spoken English and good programming skills are required. The ideal candidate will have experience with neurophysiological techniques (electrophysiology and/or two-photon imaging), the analysis of neuronal activity in alert animals, and a background in neuroscience. Interest in the translation of fundamental research into clinical applications and collaboration with high-tech companies is a plus.

Appointment

The position is for a period of three years. Pending on evaluation this may be extended.

For more information, you can e-mail Samantha Wolff (s.wolff@nin.knaw.nl).