The Behnia Lab, is seeking to hire a Postdoctoral Research Scientist to assist with studies on how our brains see the world around us. The overarching goal of the lab is to define the processing steps that transform light signals in photoreceptors into feature of a visual scene such as color or direction of motion. For a given visual feature, we aim to describe not only the underlying mathematic operations (algorithms) that govern a transformation, but also the neural circuits that implement these. We make extensive use of connectomics data, as well as the abundant genetic tools available in fruit flies, and collaborate extensively with theorist to build biologically constrained models of perception. We are also interested in understanding how different internal/environmental states or other sensory systems influence the visual perception and how multisensory representations are used for higher cognitive functions such as learning and navigation.

We invite to you review our website for more details about our work: http://behnialab.neuroscience.columbia.edu.

Example projects include:
1/ A multidisciplinary collaboration with the laboratory of Ashok Litwin-Kumar at the Center for Theoretical Neuroscience, aimed at defining circuit mechanisms underlying multisensory learning,
2/ Investigating the role of neuromodulatory systems in color processing. Please contact Rudy Behnia directly at rb3161@columbia.edu for more details.

The Behnia lab is part of the Columbia University’s Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute (the Zuckerman Institute) brings together world-class researchers from varied scientific disciplines to explore aspects of mind and brain, through the exchange of ideas and active collaboration. The Zuckerman Institute’s home, the Jerome L. Greene Science Center is a state-of-the-art facility on Columbia’s Manhattanville campus. Situated in the heart of Manhattan in New York City, the Zuckerman Institute houses over 50 laboratories employing a broad range of interdisciplinary approaches to transform our understanding of the mind and brain. In this highly collaborative environment, experimental, computational, and theoretical labs work together to gain critical insights into how the brain develops, performs, endures and recovers.

The Zuckerman Institute provides multiple levels of support for postdoctoral researchers (https://zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu/postdocs). The Postdoc Program provides postdocs with an enriched research environment to advance their scientific training and support their professional growth. This includes frameworks to build a professional network of mentors and peers, through the personal board of advisors, as well as leadership opportunities, workshops and opportunities for public engagement.
The Behnia lab strives to provide a supportive environment where creativity, independence, work/life balance are valued. We are strong advocates of diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging. We encourage application from applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Prior experience in quantitative analysis of neuronal recordings and/or behavior and related programming skills (Python, version control, databases) are required. Prior expertise with in vivo imaging, electrophysiological recordings or behavioral studies, as well as superior motivation, drive and demonstrated aptitude for carrying out independent research are highly desirable qualifications. In addition, the ideal candidate would seek to work in a highly diverse and collaborative environment.

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