Jobs working with Living Neural Networks at Caltech
Note: This is a plain text version of the web page:
http://www.caltech.edu/~pinelab/jobs.html
--------------------------------------------------------------
New Neuroscience Technology for Studying Learning in Vitro:
Multi-electrode and Imaging Analysis of Cultured Networks
We are developing a two-way link between a network of cultured neurons and
a computer, capable of stimulating and recording brain cell activity
continuously for weeks. We are interested in observing the process of
self-organization in the cultured neural network, using multi-electrode
arrays, optical recording using voltage-sensitive dyes, and 2-photon
laser-scanning microscopy. We are carrying out this cutting-edge
interdisciplinary project within the labs of Prof. Jerry Pine and Prof.
Scott Fraser.
Grant Abstract (see html version, address above)
Keywords: microelectrode arrays, multielectrode plates, MEA, MEP, 2-Photon
microscopy, Two-Photon Microscopy, Multi-site Imaging of Transmembrane
Voltage, California Institute of Technology
----------------------------------------------------------------
2 Positions available starting March 20, 1999
~ Women and minorities are encouraged to apply ~
----------------------------------------------------------------
1. Postdoctoral Researcher
This is a very interdisciplinary project, so it is unlikely you will have
all the skills needed. Thus, the top requirements are enthusiasm about the
project and a desire to learn new techniques. You will be expected to have
substantial input in project goals, techniques, and directions, and must
be self-motivated.
Top applicants will have:
* A record showing responsibility, resourcefulness, and creativity
* Knowledge of neurobiology; neuroanatomy
* Good English communication and writing skills
* Electrophysiology experience
* Microscopy and image analysis experience
* Information Theory background; Spike train analysis; Neural coding;
Real-time Information processing
* Experience writing programs for data analysis
* Neural cell culture experience; good personal hygiene; sterile technique
* Experience with multi-unit recording (in vivo or in vitro)
* Basic knowledge of electronics; amplifiers, stimulators, oscilloscopes
* At least three references from previous supervisors and co-workers
Again, no one is expected to have all these qualities. If you are willing
to learn, please send resume or CV to Steve Potter,
spotter at gg.caltech.edu.
Dr. Steve Potter
156-29 Division of Biology
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, CA 91125
USA
------------------------------------------------------------------
Neural Interface Programmer
You will be responsible for
* Designing and improving computer hardware that interfaces PCs and
workstations to cultures of brain cells growing on multi-electrode arrays
* Designing graphical interfaces for display and analysis of
multi-electrode neural data
* Designing real-time spike pattern recognition systems
* Implementing and improving spike sorting algorithms
* Maintenance and updating of computer software and hardware
We are currently using MatLab, C, C++, and LabView on Pentium-based PCs
and Power-PC based Macs. You must be excited about the project and
self-motivated. If you want a high-paying job, go to Silicon Valley. If
you want to work at a top-notch university in a laboratory setting and
make history designing the first true neural interface, send resume or CV
to Steve Potter, spotter at gg.caltech.edu.
Top applicants will have:
* A record showing responsibility, resourcefulness, and creativity
* Good English communication and writing skills
* Extensive programming experience
* Hardware interface programming experience
* Experience designing graphical user interfaces
* Familiarity with neurophysiology/neurobiology
* Experience with analog and digital circuit design/debugging
* At least three references from previous supervisors and co-workers
------------------------------------------------------------------
The California Institute of Technology
This is a small (1000 undergrads, 1000 grad students) private university,
world-famous for its strong Biology, Engineering, Physics, Geology (incl.
seismology), and Astronomy programs. Caltech was #1 last year in
Neurobiology, in terms of the number of citations per paper, according to
the Science Citation Index of the ISI. Inter-departmental collaborations
and interdisciplinary projects are common.
Caltech Web Site: http://www.caltech.edu
------------------------------------------------------------------
Living in Pasadena, California
Pasadena is a suburb of Los Angeles in the foothills of the San Gabriel
Mountains, and home to140 thousand people and over half a million trees.
The recently renovated Old Town Pasadena is now the happening night spot
for folks from all over the LA area. We are a 30 min. drive to the beach,
and a 30 min. drive to the top of a 6-thousand foot mountain. The
foothills, 5 minutes away, offer numerous trails for hiking and
mountain-biking. Pasadena is a diverse, integrated community with a rich
history, a number of top museums including the Pacific Asia Museum and the
Norton Simon Museum, and several performing arts venues. It is also the
home of Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which is managed by Caltech. The
temperate weather here is world-famous; it never gets below freezing, nor
more humid than 60% (except on those rare days when it is actually
raining).