The University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), in collaboration with the Spinoza Centre (SC) for Neuroimaging in Amsterdam, has a position available for a postdoctoral researcher (0.78-1.0 fte = 28-36 hrs per week) to investigate human visual perception using, amongst others, ultra-high field MR (7T) imaging in combination with population receptive field dynamics and further analyses methods. The position will be supervised by Frans W. Cornelissen of UMCG and Serge Dumoulin (SC).
Vision is the dominant sense in humans and is a great scientific ‘playground’ for studying the innermost working of our perceptual system and the brain at large. Moreover, a large number of ophthalmic, neurological and psychiatric diseases come with visual impairments or distortions of perception. Therefore, deeper understanding of how vision works will have translational potential in medical-technical applications. A fundamental property of brain cells is that they process a limited region of either the visual scene, known as their receptive field (RF), or in a different cortical area, known as their connective field (CF). With non-invasive neuro-imaging techniques such as fMRI, we can measure the aggregated receptive and connective fields of populations of neurons. We have developed a series of tools to study these fields in great detail. The project aims to use these new tools to investigate the neural circuitry underlying pRFs and CFs, their plasticity, how (dynamic) pRF properties relate to both normal and distorted visual perceptual abilities. The projects, that will be decided on with postdoc and PIs, are expected to combine the interests and expertise of both involved groups. Experience with stimulus programming and data analysis is required, as these will be integral and substantial part of any project. You will collaborate with and co-supervise a PhD student working within the same collaboration.
Our ideal postdoc candidate is experienced in (f)MRI research and has a strong computational view on the brain, a track-record in publishing research (demonstrated through high-impact research papers), and experience in developing stimuli and analysis software (e.g. Psychtoolbox and Matlab-based). You need to be a team player and science advocate with an interest in both fundamental and translational visual neuroscience research.
To apply, go to the UMCG vacancy website.