A research assistant position is available in the laboratory of Professor Max Snodderly at the University of Texas, Austin, to support studies of functions of the early visual pathway of monkeys (LGN, V1, V2) that are important for perception of natural scenes. Both laboratory and field studies are being conducted. Laboratory projects include measurement of receptive field properties, and effects of eye movements on responses to natural images. A collaboration with Prof. Michele Rucci of Boston U incorporates computational modeling to test theoretical predictions. Our lab is part of the Institute for Neuroscience (http://utexas.edu/neuroscience), and the Center for Perceptual Systems (http://www.cps.utexas.edu),encompassing a broad range of outstanding research from multiple departments.
Field studies involve observation of visual behavior of primates in natural habitats such as forests in Ecuador and Brazil. Measurements of light quality and of optical properties of food items and other objects provide data to analyze the ways that primate visual systems are adapted to their environments and lifestyles. We participate in the seminars of the physical anthropology group at UT, where several faculty study evolution of primates, including their sensory capacities.
The successful candidate should have good quantitative and computer skills and will have the following duties: Prepare electrodes for electrophysiological recording. Monitor health of animals and assume responsibility for daily maintenance and enrichment. Participate in behavioral training and physiological experiments. Maintain records for compliance requirements. There may also be opportunities for experience with human perceptual testing or for field studies.
This position would be good preparation for a recent graduate who would like to gain research experience before going to graduate school or professional school.
To apply, email a curriculum vitae, statement of research interests with discussion of how your interests relate to our research, pdf’s of publications, and contact information for three references. Informal inquiries are welcome.
Some recent relevant publications are:
Gur M, Snodderly DM. Physiological differences between neurons in layer 2 and layer 3 of primary visual cortex (V1) of alert macaque monkeys. J Physiol (Lond), 2008; 586: 2293-2306.
Kagan I, Gur M, Snodderly DM. Saccades and drifts differentially modulate neuronal activity in V1: effects of retinal image motion, position, and extraretinal influences. J Vision. 2008; 8(14):19, 1-25. http://journalofvision.org/8/14/19.
Snodderly DM, Kagan I, Gur M. Linearity and selectivity of neuronal responses in awake visual cortex. Importance of the cell sample. eLetter to J. Vision. 2010http://www.journalofvision.org/content/9/9/12.short/reply#jov_el_84