Postdoctoral position in cognitive neuroscience
Postdoctoral position to study cortical circuitry underlying memory-guided visual decisions is
available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Tatiana Pasternak in the Department of
Neuroscience and Center for Visual Science.
The focus of the research program is on the activity of large populations of simultaneously
recorded neurons across cortical network to identify on a trial-by-trial basis neural codes and
network dynamics that underlie memory and comparison processes during perceptual decisions.
The analysis will emphasize inter-neuronal and inter-areal interactions and synchrony as well as
population decoding algorithms.
Experimental approaches include array recording of spiking and LFP activity from prefrontal and
extrastriate visual cortical regions of non-human primates during memory-guided sensory
comparison tasks. Other approaches include reversible inactivation and microstimulation of
identified cortical sites. An important component of the work is a collaboration with
computational neuroscientists and developing models aimed at mechanisms underlying
maintenance and utilization of visual information in decision-making.
Preference will be given to candidates with strong quantitative background with experience in
the analysis of physiological data and extracellular recordings. Applicants with strong
background in related disciplines of systems neuroscience and/or computer science &
engineering are welcome to apply. Experience with MATLAB/PYTHON programming and
proficient knowledge of the English language are required.
The University of Rochester offers a stimulating research environment and excellent
opportunities for interactions and training in cognitive neuroscience and visual science.
Interested applicants should send CV and names/contact information of three references to Dr.
Pasternak. Please include a cover letter detailing your current research activities, expertise and
the reasons for your interest in this position.
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Tatiana Pasternak, Ph.D.
Professor
Departments of Neuroscience,
Brain & Cognitive Science,
Biomedical Engineering, and
Center for Visual Science
University of Rochester
585 275-8668 (office)