Research Assistant Professor - Vision Sciences - University of Houston

Organization

The College of Optometry at the University of Houston seeks a non-tenure track Research Assistant Professor. Under the general guidance of the principal investigator, the Research Assistant Professor will be responsible for independently overseeing and carrying out specific research projects in Advanced Physiological Optics Laboratory directed by Dr. Yoon at the University of Houston College of Optometry. The current projects in the laboratory are aimed at investigating mechanisms underlying long-term neural adaptation to the eye’s optics and its impact of neural processing. The project uses advanced optical imaging systems and visual psychophysics paradigms. This position will require significant postdoctoral research experience (more than 6 years) and have an initial appointment of 1 year that can be extended on a yearly basis depending on performance and availability of grant funding.

Responsibility:
The Research Assistant Professor will lead multiple research projects in the laboratory and will be responsible for designing and performing experiments, analyzing data, helping with manuscript and grant preparation, overseeing and training other lab personnel. The scientific research will be focused on utilizing state-of-art optical techniques to measure human eye’s optical properties and changes in visual and neural functions in study participants with healthy and highly aberrated ocular optics. The suitable candidate should demonstrate the ability to carry out specific research projects independently under the guidance of the principal investigator (PI).

Specific Responsibilities:
Independently conduct laboratory research project(s) under the general guidance of the PI. Perform human experiments on a required basis and conduct experiments as needed. The experimental techniques used will include visual psychophysics methods, measurement, induction and correction of the eye’s aberrations (optical imperfection). Other optical and psychological techniques may need to be utilized as dictated by the project and the candidate is expected to be able to self-learn and develop new techniques in the laboratory as required by the project.

Review current literature, design experiments, analyze and summarize data, write manuscripts and assist with grant preparation, attend and present data at laboratory meetings.

Train and oversee the work of technicians and students in the laboratory. Specifically, ensure that individuals on specific projects are trained to perform the required experiments and data analysis. Also, as a project lead, assign specific experiments to other lab personnel and ensure the accuracy of experiments and data analysis carried out by them.

Other duties as necessary for completion of research project and work assigned by the PI.

The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and recognizes protected classes of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, religion, age (40 and above), national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, and gender expression as required by federal law. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Well-qualified candidates will have the following qualifications/ experience: A Ph.D. in vision science and optometry or physiological optics is required. Prior experience in visual psychophysics and neuroscience is necessary; especially experience in human-based behavioral studies and software development with Matlab Psychophysics Toolbox or equivalent software tools. Experience with and knowledge of statistical and image analysis software would be advantageous. The ability and enthusiasm to learn new technology and other disciplines e.g. optical engineering and medical imaging are preferred.

Employee Status

Job Posting