Position Summary
The Hillman Lab, which is also affiliated with Columbia University’s Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Radiology, is located within the Zuckerman Institute and specializes in the development and application of high-speed optical imaging and 3D microscopy techniques to study brain function, physiology and structure across scales.
The Hillman Lab is seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Scientist (or equivalent) with strong expertise in optical design to contribute to ongoing projects developing novel high-speed 3D microscopes for a range of brain imaging applications. Optics expertise should ideally include microscopy and optical systems design, system assembly, alignment, integration and optimization. Familiarity with light-sheet methods, scanning microscopy, optical modeling, cameras, spectroscopy, electronics, non-linear microscopy, laser physics and image and data analysis and machine learning (Matlab/Python) are preferred, although training will be available as needed. A passion for studying the brain or prior experience with neuroscience research is also strongly desirable. The candidate should have a PhD or equivalent experience in a related disciplines (optics, physics, engineering).
Applicants are expected to be self-motivated and highly collegial and collaborative, have a creative approach to problem solving and an interest in working with multi-disciplinary teams. The Hillman lab is an energetic, diverse group with broad interests spanning imaging technology development and its application to answering novel questions relating to real-time brain activity and its relation to behavior, with important extensions to brain disease and human health. Candidates are expected to have strong communication skills, sound judgment and a flexible, open and collaborative style that encourages peer to peer mentoring, teamwork, cooperation and learning. The successful candidate will have opportunities to perform original work, present results at conferences and in publications, and will be supported to foster career development skills including mentoring, teaching and grant writing, both informally and through rich postdoctoral professional development programs at the Zuckerman Institute. Individuals typically underrepresented in STEM fields as well as those with non-traditional career paths are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants will be required to submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter including brief statement of your research interests
- List of References
The Hillman lab is part of Columbia University’s Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. The Zuckerman Institute brings together world-class researchers from varied scientific disciplines to explore aspects of mind and brain, through the exchange of ideas and active collaboration. The Zuckerman Institute’s home, the Jerome L. Greene Science Center is a state-of-the-art facility on Columbia’s Manhattanville campus. Situated in the heart of Manhattan in New York City, the Zuckerman Institute houses over 50 laboratories employing a broad range of interdisciplinary approaches to transform our understanding of the mind and brain. In this highly collaborative environment, experimental, computational, and theoretical labs work together to gain critical insights into how the brain develops, performs, endures and recovers.
At the Zuckerman Institute, we are committed to creating a sustainable structure to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.
Columbia University welcomes and strongly encourages applicants from underrepresented minorities in STEM (Blacks or African Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, Native Americans or Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders), individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, veterans, individuals with disabilities and women (particularly from the above categories).
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. or doctorate in related STEM field (Optics, Physics, Engineering, etc.) or equivalent