Postdoctoral Scientist-Sarvestani Lab

The system neuroscience lab headed by Dr. Madineh Sedigh-Sarvestani in Cornell University’s Department of Neurobiology and Behavior has the goal of understanding how visual circuits in the brain meet the specialized behavioral demands of different animals. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting

About the Postdoctoral Scientist role:

We are seeking a motivated and creative Postdoctoral Scientist to join our dynamic, cross-disciplinary team exploring how animals detect, perceive and respond to the visual world. The Sarvestani lab is working toward an embodied science of the brain that considers the body as an inseparable component to perception, and a necessary component of intelligence. We aim to experimentally test such fundamental relationships between the brain, body, and behavior, using cross-species comparisons in tree shrews and rats.

Our methods include behavioral training, motion capture, and large-scale neural recordings to examine how sensorimotor experience sculpts visual circuits and codes. By understanding how moving bodies and perception are integrated, we can develop more effective clinical interventions and inspire the next revolution in AI - one that reflects how biological brains learn through embodied experience.

Methods in the lab include: 2P (head-fixed), ephys (head-fixed and free-moving), high-speed movement quantification in developing and adult animals.

Potential projects include:

• Investigating the role of motor development in development of visual circuits and behavior in tree shrews

• Sensory substitution

• Investigating the role of proprioception in neural dynamics of visual perception

Research environment

The postdoc will be affiliated with both Cornell Dept of Neurobiology & Behavior and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. As an employee of the HHMI, the postdoc will benefit from excellent resources, career training, and networking opportunities.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• Joining the vibrant Cornell research community in beautiful upstate New York.

• Partnering with an investigator that has a deep and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and mentorship.

• Opportunities to learn new scientific skills and grow professionally.

What you bring:

• PhD degree in systems neuroscience, engineering with neuroscience experience, or a closely related field.

• Experience with electrophysiology in head-fixed or free moving animals.

• Fluency with programming in Python and/or Matlab.

• Experience with small animal surgery and animal handling.

• Strong interest in visual perception or embodied cognition.

• Good command of engineering for neuroscience, e.g. basic Arduinos, signal processing, closed-loop experimental control of sensors and actuators.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present and discuss findings clearly in diverse settings.

• A proactive and driven attitude, with the resilience to pursue novel research avenues and tackle ambitious scientific questions.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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