Postdoctoral position for work on computational models of
retina to research specific function of neural circuitry in the
retina.
My laboratory is involved in several projects focussed on the
study of information transfer in the "identified" signal pathways
for rod and cone signals at various different light intenisties.
We attempt to discover the specific function of each neural
component in the larger neural circuit, i.e. why the circuits are
constructed as they are. The work focusses on receptive fields
of neurons, with emphasis on the noise properties and transfer
functions of synapses. The work is highly integrative and
encompasses levels of neural circuitry from the biochemistry of
transduction and synaptic transmission to retinal and cortical
receptive fields.
The post doc will interact with colleagues in my laboratory and
several collaborating laboratories involved in physiology and
anatomy of the retina. The candidate should be skilled in
computational neuroscience and/or some aspect of retinal
circuitry, e.g. receptive field analysis, physiology of synaptic
transmission or anatomy of retinal microcircuits. Experience
with C programming, the mathematics of compartmental models, or
electronic circuit design is an advantage. Candidates should
have a good "theoretical" interest but strong motivation to solve
practical problems and work closely with colleagues.
The position is available starting in January, 1996. If you are
interested in this position, please contact me (e-mail, phone or
surface mail). If you know of any suitable candidates who might
be interested in this position, I would be grateful if you could
pass this information along to them.
Sincerely,
Robert G. Smith
Department of Neuroscience
University of Pennsylvania
Rm 123, Anat-Chem Bldg
Phila., PA 19104-6058
Phone: (215) 573-3211
FAX: (215) 898-9871
Refs:
Smith, Vis. Neurosci (1995) 12: 545-561
Smith and Vardi, Vis. Neurosci (1995) 12: 851-860