Two postdoctoral positions are available in my laboratory (http://www.hhmi.org/research/fellows/reiser.html) at the Janelia Farm Research Campus of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (http://www.hhmi.org/janelia/). The work in the lab draws upon experimental and theoretical approaches to investigate the processing of multisensory information in the flight control system of Drosophila. We use tethered-flight experiments in a variety of virtual-reality flight simulators to quantify motor responses to controlled multisensory stimuli; models of these behaviors are used to constrain the computational properties of the supporting neural architecture.
The postdoctoral researchers will be involved in designing and conducting quantitative behavior experiments. The work will include a significant component of data analysis, which will require a creative application of a variety of techniques. Over the course of the appointment, the project will proceed to an investigation of the neuronal circuits controlling identified multisensory processing using molecular-genetic tools and imaging.
Candidates for the first position should have a strong background in biology, with a focus on Drosophila genetics, electrophysiology, biological imaging, and/or quantitative behavior. The second position will emphasize computational approaches and the design of laboratory instrumentation. Those with a technical background in Engineering/Physics/Mathematics and a keen interest in Neuroscience are especially encouraged to apply. A strong applicant should have some experience in several of the following areas: signal processing, control theory, machine learning, computer vision, embedded system design, laboratory instrumentation, and/or scientific computer programming (especially MATLAB experience).
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience/Biology/Engineering or a related field. Interested applicants should contact me by email. Please include your curriculum vitae and a letter of research interests, and arrange for three letters of reference to be sent to:
Michael Reiser
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Janelia Farm Research Campus
19700 Helix Drive
Ashburn, VA 20147
Email: reiserm at janelia dot hhmi dot org