[visionlist] Research Assistant in motion perception

[David Bressler]

Research Assistant / Lab Manager for 1 or 2 year commitment in Dr. David Whitney's Vision and 
Action Lab at UC Davis' Center for Mind and Brain.  

Our lab studies visual and visuomotor localization, with the goal of understanding the 
perceptual, cognitive, and neural mechanisms that allow humans to perceive and interact with 
objects in a dynamic world.

Applicant will gain experience in a wide array of tools and techniques, including psychophysics, 
fMRI, TMS, and motion-tracking.  Any previous experience with these is an advantage.

Salary is competitive.

Qualifications and job responsibilities include:

BA/BS in psychology, computer science, neuroscience, or related field.

Self-motivation and ability to work without constant guidance.  Applicant must be able to take 
responsibility and pursue research goals without supervision.  Must show real dedication to 
research process and commit to leading specific projects from inception to completion.  

Ability to conduct research process.  For many projects, applicant will be responsible for 
performing background research, planning experiment parameters, programming the 
experiment interface, beta-testing and problem-shooting, running subjects and collecting data, 
analyzing the data, making meaningful conclusions, presenting the data at conferences, and 
writing portions of papers for publication.  Prior research experience is highly valued.

Ability to quickly learn new programming languages and use them adeptly.  Applicant must have 
some programming experience, but more importantly must be able to utilize those skills for a 
variety of programming needs.  Any experience with Visionshell, MATLAB, or programming visual 
stimuli is a huge plus.

Knowledge and enthusiasm for research in vision and perception.  Undergraduate course in 
vision and perception is a must.  More importantly, applicant must have the ability to quickly 
gain an understanding of many specialized topics in vision and perception.  Applicant must be 
able to formulate original research ideas and solutions for scientific problems.  Any prior 
specialization in motion perception is a plus.

Ability to manage undergraduate assistants.  Applicant will be in charge of five students and 
must allocate interesting tasks and responsibilities to them. 

Ability to manage lab functions, including IRB renewals, administrative paperwork, and 
purchasing of equipment.

Please contact David Bressler at dwbressler at ucdavis.edu with a cv and short statement of 
interest, and check out our website at http://mindbrain.ucdavis.edu/content/Labs/Whitney/
Frontpage.htm for more information.