Postdoctoral Fellow - Znamenskiy lab

The visual system seamlessly processes visual information to parse the spatial organisation of visual scenes. While the world and our perception of it are three-dimensional, the images formed by our eyes are two-dimensional. The missing depth information must be estimated by neuronal circuits within the visual system using a variety of cues. While neural circuit mechanisms underlying depth estimation from binocular disparity - the difference between images formed by the two eyes - have been studied extensively, depth perception does not require binocular vision, as evidenced when closing one eye. Very little is known about mechanisms supporting monocular depth perception. An important but poorly understood monocular depth cue is motion parallax - the apparent movement of objects within the visual scene resulting from movement of the observer. We have recently discovered that a large fraction of neurons in the primary visual cortex are selective for depth from motion parallax. This selectivity is a consequence of integration of optic flow and locomotion-related signals. This project will build on these findings to understand how depth-selective responses are transformed across the visual cortical hierarchy and how they arise in early visual circuits. To answer these questions, this project will use chronic two- and three-photon calcium imaging in mice navigating in three-dimensional virtual reality (VR) environments, pharmacological and optogenetic manipulation of neural activity, and high-density electrophysiological recordings in VR and in freely moving animals.

Postdoctoral Training Fellows will lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the lab and with external collaborators) and may guide PhD students in their research. The ability to work in a team is essential.,

• PhD in Neuroscience or a related field or in the final stages of PhD submission
• Good knowledge and experience in in vivo calcium imaging or electrophysiology
• Experience in data analysis in Python or MATLAB
• Track record of writing papers as evidenced by publications or submitted manuscripts in referred journals
• Evidence of data presentation at scientific meetings
Desirable
• Experience in stereotactic surgery in mice
  
  At the Crick, we conduct research at the forefront of biomedical research. We combine rigour with an open and collaborative culture, and are outward-looking, reflecting our status as a partnership of six organisations aiming to pool knowledge, ideas and resources.
We have a wide research portfolio with no divisions or departments, bringing biomedical researchers together with clinicians, physical scientists and applied scientists from our pharmaceutical partners. We aim to attract the most talented researchers and support them to tackle innovative research questions. Our science technology platforms provide our researchers with access to state-of-the-art technology and expertise. We provide an excellent learning environment with dedicated education programmes in public engagement with science, education and personal development, and a postdoc training programme that prepares scientists for leadership roles in science.