Opportunities

Postdoc Positions Available for Multiple Projects.

Navigation and Locomotor Control in Augmented Reality

PI’s: James Knierim & Noah Cowan
Johns Hopkins University

The Cowan and Knierim laboratories have multiple funded projects from NIH and DOD investigating the neural computations that underlie navigation in the physical world. We are using a novel augmented reality apparatus and multi-electrode neural recordings of place cells, grid cells, head direction cells, and other cell types of the hippocampus and related brain regions to reverse engineer the interplay between navigation and locomotor control in freely behaving animals (see https://limbs.lcsr.jhu.edu/ and https://sites.krieger.jhu.edu/knierim-lab/ ). We are seeking dynamic and ambitious postdoctoral candidates who are interested in experimental research in potentially diverse areas (e.g. biomechanics, neuroscience, robotics, control systems, or physics). There will be opportunities to get training in neurophysiology, behavior, and computational approaches.

Qualifications: PhD in Engineering, Neuroscience, Biology, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields. Strong computational and experimental background a must.

How to apply: Interested applicants should send a single PDF including a brief (1 page) cover letter, CV (no more than 4 pages, including a list of 3 references), and up to two papers to jknierim@jhu.edu or ncowan@jhu.edu.

Neural Representations for Spatial Mapping and Episodic Memory

PI: James Knierim
Johns Hopkins University

The Knierim Lab has openings for outstanding postdoctoral fellows to work on multiple projects investigating the behavioral and cognitive neurophysiology of the hippocampus and related structures in learning and memory.  Techniques employed in the lab include single-unit recordings of neural ensembles with multiple tetrode arrays and silicon probes; juxtacellular recordings from freely moving animals; optogenetic tagging of identified neurons; optical imaging of neural activity in freely moving animals with head-mounted miniscopes; and computer simulations and computational theory.  Current projects are focused on the nature of neural representations of the lateral entorhinal cortex (egocentric encoding of external stimuli in the world); medial entorhinal cortex (allocentric coding the self-position using path integration and landmarks); interaction between visual landmarks and head direction in the retrosplenial cortex; neural computations and information processing through the hippocampal circuitry (dentate gyrus, CA3, CA2, and CA1); and the effects of aging on these processes (see https://sites.krieger.jhu.edu/knierim-lab/ ).

The Knierim Lab is a highly interactive environment, with strong collaborations involving labs in engineering, psychology, applied mathematics, and neuroscience both at Johns Hopkins and at other renowned institutions.

Qualifications: PhD in Neuroscience, Biology, Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields.

How to apply: Interested applicants should send a single PDF including a brief (1 page) cover letter, CV, a list of 3 references, and up to two papers to jknierim@jhu.edu.

Research Technologist Position Available 

We are looking for a bright, motivated research technologist (lab tech).  We use advanced multi-electrode recording techniques to study the function of neurons in the rodent hippocampus and related areas in learning and memory in normal and aged animals (see https://sites.krieger.jhu.edu/knierim-lab/ for research description). Duties include training rats in behavioral tasks; assisting in collection of data; analysis of neuronal firing data; assistance during surgery; routine histology; fabrication of electrodes and electrode drives; ordering lab supplies; and upkeep of satellite animal facility as well as general lab maintenance.  Flexible hours, including some weekends, is a requirement.   Bachelor’s degree in a neuroscience- or cognitive-science-related field and prior experience in a laboratory setting are essential.

How to apply: Interested applicants should send a brief letter of interest to grao7@jhu.edu and apply directly to the Johns Hopkins University Careers website (Job Req ID 16241).