Postdoc position in fMRI of spatial cognition and aging

Postdoc in fMRI of spatial cognition and aging at the Institute of Vision

Job description 

Applications are invited for a 3-year postdoctoral position in the Aging in Vision and Action laboratory at the Institute of Vision (INSERM-CNRS-University Pierre & Marie Curie) Paris, France. The gradual impairment of vision-dependent functions in the elderly is at the core of our research. In this postdoctoral project, we will use brain imaging and advanced brain decoding methods to investigate the neural basis of vision-dependent spatial cognition. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for designing and running fMRI experiments to focus on the impact of visual aging on spatial cognitive functions. The fellow will also be given a great opportunity to pursue collaborative projects.

Requirements

Applicants’ background should be in experimental cognitive neuroscience. Previous experience in visual research and brain imaging (in particular functional magnetic resonance imaging) is mandatory, and should be demonstrable with a relevant and competitive publication record. Good programming skills will be a strong plus. Proficiency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is not mandatory. The successful candidate is expected to work in an interdisciplinary environment with collaborations with biologists, theoreticians and clinicians. She/he will be awarded a 3-year postdoctoral fellowship from the University Pierre and Marie Curie Paris.

Working environment and laboratory

The Institute of Vision is one of the top international centers for integrated research on vision and eye diseases. It is located at the heart of Paris, on the campus of the National Hospital Center for Ophthalmology. The Institute of Vision includes multidisciplinary research groups, which share state-of-the-art platforms for human and animal experimentation. It also harbors a clinical investigation center, which fosters truly translational research activity.  The Institute of Vision and the Essilor Group, world leader in ophthalmic optics, have recently supported the creation of the laboratory of Aging in Vision and Action. This new laboratory aims at evaluating and understanding the functional aspects of the degeneration mechanisms related to visual aging. This research has the potential to produce fundamental knowledge suited for opening to assistive technological developments and rehabilitation solutions. The faculty members of the Aging in Vision and Action laboratory, led by Angelo Arleo, are specialized in visual psychophysics, neurobiology of spatial orientation, neural coding, neurocomputational modeling, and preclinical evaluation. We have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art platforms including brain imaging facilities (3T fMRI Siemens scanner available), eye trackers, motion capture rooms, virtual reality environments, artificial street labs and home labs (http://www.streetlab-vision.com/en/).

How to apply

The position is full-time, for a period of 3 years. The starting date for this position is October 2015. Candidates should send a single pdf file containing a motivation letter, a full CV, and names and contact information of at least two referees, to angelo.arleo@inserm.fr. Short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview (either face-to-face or via videoconference).

For further inquiries, please contact Angelo.Arleo@inserm.fr, phone: +33 (0)1 53 46 26 52.