Research Assistant Opportunity: Join the Yatang Li Lab at CIBR!

About the Lab

The Vision Laboratory studies how vision works -- from the perspective of information processing. We aim to answer what and how visual information is processed, and why in such ways.

We have four research directions: 1) neural coding and circuits for the representation of visual features, 2) neural mechanisms underlying visual attention, 3) neural circuits for visually evoked decision-making behavior, 4) biologically inspired computer vision.

To achieve our aims, we use an integrative approach, including in vivo electrophysiological recording with whole-cell patch-clamp technique, in vivo optical recording with two-photon and widefield calcium imaging, functional perturbation with optogenetics or chemogeneitcs, quantitative analysis of behavior, and computational modeling.

We seek students and postdocs who are interested in understanding visual processing and behavior. We value independence, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Mentoring and training young neuroscientists is the top priority in the lab.

About the PI

Dr. Yatang Li joined the Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR) as a principal investigator in 2021. Dr. Li earned his Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Southern California and completed postdoctoral training at California Institute of Technology. Before that, Dr. Li holds a B.S. in Biophysics and an M.S. in Computational Neuroscience from Nankai University. Dr. Li’s research focus has been on the neural mechanisms underlying visual processing. During his graduate years working with Dr. Li Zhang and Dr. Huizhong Whit Tao, Dr. Li dissected the functional synaptic circuits underlying visual functions in the mouse primary visual cortex. During his postdoctoral training with Dr. Markus Meister, Dr. Li revealed the population coding in the superior colliculus of awake mice. Dr. Li is a recipient of the Helen Hay Whitney Postdoctoral Fellowship and the NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00). His work has been published in top journals, including Nature Neuroscience, Neuron, Current Biology, The Journal of Neuroscience, and Cerebral Cortex.

Position: Research Assistant

Job Description

Conduct independent scientific research under the guidance of the PI. Candidates with experience in calcium imaging, electrophysiological recordings, optogenetics, and computational neuroscience are preferred.

Qaulifications

1. Bachelor's degree or higher in Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field;

2. Highly responsible and enthusiastic about scientific research;

3. Fluent in English reading and writing, with strong teamwork skills;

4. Able to commit to the position for at least one year.

Compensation and Benefits

1. Formal employment under a standard labor contract;

2.Comprehensive benefits including social insurance (pension, medical, unemployment, work-related injury, and maternity insurance), housing provident fund, supplementary medical insurance, annual health check-ups, and paid annual leave;

3.Competitive salary commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications (to be discussed during interview);

4.Assistance with housing arrangements.

Application Method

Interested candidates should send a CV, supporting documents, and a cover letter (briefly describing your motivation for the position or research interests) to yatangli@cibr.ac.cn. Please use the email subject line: “Your Name + Research Assistant Application”