Connectionists: Two PhD positions in Visual Psychophysics and Computational Neuroscience at the Institute of Vision in Paris, France

[Angelo Arleo]

Two fully-funded PhD positions in Visual Psychophysics and Computational Neuroscience

Job description
Applications are invited for two PhD positions in the Aging in Vision and Action laboratory at the Institute of Vision (INSERM-CNRS-University Pierre & Marie Curie) Paris, France. The gradual impairment of vision-dependent functions in the elderly is at the core of our research. The main goal is to characterize how healthy aging shapes perceptual and cognitive aspects of vision. The first PhD project will focus on the impact of healthy ageing on low-level visual perception and visual processing functions. The second PhD will pioneer original research on the impact of visual aging on spatial perception and spatial orientation functions. These goals will be tackled through the combination of experimental and theoretical methods. 

Requirements
Applicants’ background should be in physics/engineering or neuroscience/psychology, with a keen interest in combining quantitative and experimental approaches. Previous experience with visual psychophysics, eye-movement analysis, visual space perception, or aging is welcome. Computer programming skills are also a plus. Proficiency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French is not mandatory. Successful candidates are expected to work in an interdisciplinary environment with collaborations with biologists, theoreticians and clinicians. They will be awarded a 3-year PhD fellowship from the University Pierre and Marie Curie Paris.

Working environment and laboratory
The Institute of Vision is one of the top international centers for integrated research on vision and eye diseases. It is located at the heart of Paris, on the campus of the National Hospital Center for Ophthalmology. The Institute of Vision includes multidisciplinary research groups, which share state-of-the-art platforms for human and animal experimentation. It also harbors a clinical investigation center, which fosters truly translational research activity. More information can be found online (http://www.institut-vision.org). The Institute of Vision and Essilor International, world leader in ophthalmic optics, have recently supported the creation of the laboratory of Aging in Vision and Action. This new laboratory aims at evaluating and understanding the functional aspects of the degeneration mechanisms related to visual aging. This research has the potential to produce fundamental knowledge suited for opening to assistive technological developments and rehabilitation solutions. The faculty members of the Aging in Vision and Action laboratory, led by Angelo Arleo, are specialized in visual psychophysics, neurobiology of spatial orientation, neural coding, neurocomputational modeling, and preclinical evaluation. The group has access to a wide range of state-of-the-art platforms including eye trackers, motion capture rooms, virtual reality environments, artificial street labs and home labs (http://www.streetlab-vision.com/en/).

How to apply
Candidates should send a motivation letter, a full CV, and names and contact information of at least two referees, to angelo.arleo at upmc.fr. The application deadline is March 15, 2014. Short listed candidates will be contacted for an interview (either face-to-face or via videoconference).

For further inquiries, please contact Angelo Arleo, angelo.arleo at upmc.fr, phone: +33 6 89 89 07 23. 

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Angelo ARLEO
Institut of Vision,
Aging in Vision and Action Lab, Head
CNRS - INSERM - University Pierre&Marie Curie,
13, rue Moreau F-75012 Paris, France
Mobile: +33 (0)6 89 89 07 23      
email: angelo.arleo at upmc.fr
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