[visionlist] retinal prosthesis research positions available

[Matt McMahon]

Where: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., Los Angeles, CA
What: Research Assistant, Senior Scientist, and Faculty

Second Sight Medical Products is planning to fill a number of positions 
at the research assistant, senior scientist, and faculty levels over the 
next year to work as part of a collaborative team developing an 
implantable visual prosthesis.

The goal of the project is to create a retinal prosthesis to provide 
sight to patients blinded from outer retinal degenerations, such 
retinitis pigmentosa or macular degeneration. These prostheses consist 
of electrodes placed on the ganglion cell layer of the retina of 
patients with severe degeneration of the photoreceptor layer. Ongoing 
trials with simple arrays have produced form vision in patients with 
advanced retinitis pigmentosa. Over the next year patients will be 
implanted with significantly advanced array designs.

The new employees will work as part of a team that will evaluate 
perceptual quality, improve stimulation protocols, and develop 
rehabilitation strategies for patients with these new implants.

This is a unique opportunity to carry out novel research, and we are 
looking for exceptional candidates. This project is a close 
collaboration between the Doheny Eye Institute at the University of 
Southern California and Second Sight Medical Products, so it would be 
suitable for clinical, academic, or industrial researchers. Work will be 
done in collaboration with groups at the Salk Institute and USC who are 
studying the physiological effects of electrical stimulation in various 
animal models of retinal degeneration.

Desired skills/background:
Experience studying human visual perception (psychophysics) from a 
clinical or basic science perspective. Low vision, visual 
rehabilitation, O&M or OT experience. Excellent interpersonal and 
organizational skills. Experience in programming (Matlab, JAVA or C). 
Experience or understanding of electrical engineering.

To apply, send a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and the email 
address/phone numbers of three references to Gia Pinto, 
gpinto at 2-sight.com and Matt McMahon, mm at 2-sight.com .