Two Staff Scientist Positions in David Williams’ Laboratory at the University of Rochester
Added 05/06/2024
David Williams is recruiting two research scientists to help lead a research program focused on understanding the diversity of the computations the retina performs on the retinal image before transmission to the brain. The specific contributions made by each of the 20+ classes of ganglion cells to vision are largely unknown because many are rare and difficult to record from repeatedly, especially in the fovea, and it has not been possible to control individual classes of RGC to establish their role in vision in the awake behaving monkey. Our laboratory has developed a suite of novel tools to overcome these challenges. Using the calcium responses of single RGCs to visual stimuli imaged with a unique fluorescence adaptive optics ophthalmoscope, our group can simultaneously characterize hundreds of individual RGCs in the living primate fovea, and return to these same cells over months or even years. We can also drive these same cells optogenetically, offering the exciting possibility to conduct psychophysical experiments on single cells or groups of cells with known physiology, revealing the visual role of each RGC class. Primate species available include macaques as well as marmosets. Our research plan has implications not only for the basic neuroscience of vision but also for restoring vision in the blind.
Eligible candidates will have completed a PhD, with prior postdoctoral experience preferred but not required. We are especially interested in candidates with experience either in visual physiology or visual psychophysics. Experience with adaptive optics retinal imaging, calcium imaging, or optogenetics, is desirable but not required. Hires who are successful in the first year will be offered the opportunity to apply for independent research funding. Both positions are designed to provide a productive pathway to an independent research career.
The Williams laboratory belongs to the Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA), a community of more than two dozen scientists and engineers who use advanced optical technologies to probe retinal function. ARIA is closely affiliated with the Center for Visual Science, the Flaum Eye Institute, the Institute of Optics, Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and Neuroscience. Williams’ laboratory enjoys especially close collaborations with William Merigan, Sara Patterson, Jude Mitchell, and Juliette McGregor. The University of Rochester has ~40 additional vision scientists, providing a vibrant and highly collaborative research community focused on eye and brain. Rochester is a very affordable and livable city that has excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures in the nearby Finger Lakes Region and the Adirondack Mountains.
Applicants should submit a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, and names of three references to:
David Williams
Center for Visual Science
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 14627-0270
The University of Rochester is an equal opportunity employer.
Human Subjects Research Coordinator
Updated 05/06/2024
The Active Perception Lab and the Vision & Psychosis Lab at the University of Rochester is searching for a full-time Human Subjects Research Coordinator who will contribute to a federally funded investigation of fine-scale eye movement differences in psychosis.
Activities include:
- administering oculomotor and neuropsychological assessments to people with and without psychotic disorders
- assisting with recruiting participants and scheduling appointments
- attending weekly lab meetings of Professors Martina Poletti and Brian Keane
- maintaining and updating study databases (i.e., REDCap
- preparing materials for IRB review; (e) delegating responsibilities to other lab members
- preparing written scientific results for publication and conference presentation; and (g) assisting with administrative/clerical duties as needed.
This position can be viewed as a stepping-stone toward graduate or professional school and we make every effort to get our lab members actively involved in ongoing research projects. The University of Rochester is considered a leading center for vision science and psychosis research and thus provides an ideal environment for those who have intersecting interests in these areas.
For more details, please see the lab websites of each Principal Investigator: Keane lab and APLab.
Visit their website for more information on the Center for Visual Science and the UR Psychosis Research Group.
Essential Duties
- 30% Data collection
- Implements protocols for oculomotor testing including use of dual Purkinje eye tracker and Badal optometer.
- Conducts ocular pathology screening using optical coherence tomography, tonometer, and other ophthalmologic instruments.
- 30% Project Management
- Conducts all study-related IRB correspondence, including: creating initial submissions, protocol amendments and exceptions; drafting protocols, consent forms, and recruitment materials; reporting protocol deviations and adverse events; and submitting annual continuing reviews of active and inactive studies.
- Collaborates with Professors Keane and Poletti to ensure regulatory and other documents (e.g., NIH progress reports) are complete and on time.
- Complete regular subject chart reviews.
- 30% Participant recruitment
- Conducts face-to-face recruitment efforts in local clinics serving people with serious mental illness and at psychiatric residential settings (e.g., East House group homes).
- Assists with recruitment using online resources (social media, CraigsList, etc)
- 5% Data Management
- Ensures the integrity and security of all paper and electronic study data.
- Oversee data entry and supervise other study staff in using REDCap databases.
- 5% Reporting and dissemination
- Assist in the writing and editing of presentations and publications of study findings.
Requirements
Candidate will subscribe to the University's goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating research subjects and co-workers in a sensitive and caring manner. The Research Assistant must complete the Human Subjects Protection Program (HSPP) and NIH's Good Clinical Practice training.
The successful candidate will have at least a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or a related discipline by the first day of work. Candidates with at least one 1 year of experience in human subject research coordination, or an equivalent combination of education and experience are strongly preferred. We also strongly prefer candidates who have a car, a valid driver license, and who can commit to two years of service. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Experience or interest in administering clinical instruments such as the SCID and PANSS are a plus but not required.
The start date is flexible but February 1st is preferred. Applicants are asked to include a CV, cover letter and a list of three referees (within the cover letter itself). Applications should be sent to . Applicants from diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Informal inquiries regarding the position are welcome and may be directed to Professors or .
The University of Rochester is an equal opportunity employer.
Fellowship Coordinator, Flaum Eye Institute (Job ID 248488)
Updated 04/10/2024
With minimum direction and considerable latitude for independent judgment, performs routine and non-routine duties requiring highly advanced administrative skills and proficiency. Is responsible for Clinical Fellowship/Post Doc and medical student program requiring extensive experience with policies, procedures and practices of the Flaum Eye Institute.
Responsibilities
Clinical Fellowship programs – coordinates with SFMatch and AUPO to recruit fellows. Responsible for the organization of orientation and training of fellows; by compiling/preparing, editing and checking for accuracy, pay invoices, organize interviews, offer letters w/Legal and program directors, credentialing, training (e-record, lasers), making sure in-services are completed, help with housing, banking, transportation, lab coats, ID, computers, swipe access, and OR needs. (Cornea, Retina, Peds, Glaucoma, Neuro)
Medical Students – Ophth 600/601 and 905 electives. Rotations are one week, two week and longer for special projects. Requires finding preceptors, working with the OR, Welcome packets, exams, evaluations, grades and ICare comments, posted to the registrar’s offices.
Shadowing students - Following the policy for OR and hospital to coordinator unto 20 students a year for departmental shadowing. Shadowing is up to 2 weeks scheduled with faculty.
Manages recruitment for Ocular Genetics research staff and Pediatric research fellows or post docs
- Post Doc – coordinate with the Graduate Education & Postdoctoral Affairs Office.
- Research Fellow – coordinate with the Deans’ office
Rotations for visiting Residents - Make all arrangements for up to 10 visiting resident rotations lasting up to 4 weeks. Include working with the registrar’s office, scheduling their time with faculty, working with the OR, Welcome packets, exams, evaluations, grades ICare comments posted to the registrar’s offices.
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- 2 years of post high school education
- 3 years of relevant, executive level administrative experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion to advance the University’s mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other status protected by law. This commitment extends to the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates from underrepresented populations, veterans, and persons with disabilities consistent with these values and government contractor Affirmative Action obligations.
All applicants must apply online. Reference Job ID 248488.
EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled
