Positions at ARIA

Postdoctoral position in imaging and behavioral analysis of macaque retinal neurons, Center for Visual Science, University of Rochester

Added 04/27/2023

A postdoctoral position is available immediately in the ARIA imaging group at the University of Rochester, under the supervision of William Merigan and David Williams. This project will develop hybrid methods involving adaptive optics (AO) imaging of retinal neurons and behavioral (psychophysical) testing to carry out causal studies of the role of identified retinal neurons, emphasizing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Recent studies have shown that the response of single RGCs can be driven by light activation of RGCs containing an optogenetic, and studies will soon be underway to selectively inactivate chosen single RGCs optogenetically. The ideal candidate will have a strong, quantitative background in visual system physiology or psychophysical testing as well as experience with mathematical modeling/programming.

The University of Rochester offers a stimulating research environment and excellent opportunities for interactions and training in imaging and visual science including the Center for Visual Science, the Flaum Eye Institute and the Institute of Optics. ARIA, CVS and FEI provide access to a large group of faculty interested in vision, as well as programmers and optical and electrical engineers focused on the development of novel imaging methodologies. Interested applicants should send CV and names/contact information of three references to Paula Losey,
Please include a cover letter detailing your current research activities, expertise and the reasons for your interest in this position.

Electrical and computer engineer for applications in retinal imaging and vision science

Updated 04/04/2023

The University of Rochester Center for Visual Science / Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA) is seeking an engineer to develop advanced data acquisition and image processing systems for applications in vision research. An ideal candidate would have experience in instrument control, user interfaces, programming hardware, image acquisition and real-time processing.

The successful applicant will join a collaborative team of vision scientists and engineers that design and deploy imaging systems to study vision and the eye including: retinal imaging, eye tracking, ocular imaging and microscopy of living systems. This work is directed both at advancing our understanding of the visual system and the development of novel therapies. The Center for Visual Science is leader in adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLOs) for high resolution retinal imaging and developing these instruments will be one focus area for this role. Background in vision science is not a requirement. The successful candidate will have considerable independence, and should be a team player comfortable working in a vigorous, fast-paced and exciting research environment.

Preferred (but not essential) Qualifications:

  • Experience programming hardware device drivers based on 64-bit Microsoft Windows and optimization of hardware interrupts.
  • Experience with nVidia GPU parallel programming with native CUDA C language for real-time data processing and system control.
  • Experience with frame grabbers and video/digital data acquisition boards such as Arduino, LabView, National Instruments, Texas Instruments, Matrox. AMD, Xilinx etc.
  • FPGA programming experience with VHDL or Verilog languages (for example mechanism of PCIe state machine, machine-level access & control of video chips and other chips such as DAC, ADC, SRAM, and DRAM with bus protocols such as SPI and I2C, ultra-fast FPGA clock management, management and optimization of FPGA resources such as flip flops, arithmetic logics, LUTs, and block RAMs.).
  • Interest and enthusiasm for engineering to advance research in neuroscience and medicine.

The start date is flexible - March 1st or as soon as possible thereafter preferred. Interested applicants are welcome to contact to discuss the opportunity informally,
or to apply please send a CV, cover letter and a list of three referees (within the cover letter itself) to

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The University of Rochester is an equal opportunity employer.

Updated 03/06/2023

Optical Engineering Position, Advanced Technology for Retinal Imaging

Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance (ARIA) uses adaptive optics imaging of retinal elements to elucidate the structure and function of the human eye. We are a multidisciplinary lab comprised of researchers from the Flaum Eye Institute, the Center for Visual Science and The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester. Our group is passionate about understanding the physiology underlying healthy and diseased visual systems. Participating investigators include William Merigan, Jesse Schallek, David Williams, Juliette McGregor, and Susana Marcos.

The successful applicant will work with a collaborative team of vision scientists investigating the normal and diseased eye who share a number of adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopes (AOSLO) for high resolution retinal imaging.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Developing a fundamental understanding of the retinal system and its functionality
  • Maintain and operate existing custom-built instruments for cellular-scale retinal imaging of the living eye
  • Design and fabricate new subsystems to enhance these instruments, as well as new optical instrumentation for vision research
  • Training new undergraduates, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and CVS faculty on the custom build AOSLO
  • Assist in laser safety maintenance across all labs
  • Will be responsible for performing some imaging experiments when required

Desired Qualifications:

  • MS or PhD in Optical Engineering preferred with 2 years of relevant experience
  • Hands-on experience with the construction, and alignment of complex optical instrumentation highly preferred
  • Working knowledge of sequential ray tracing using optical design software (Zemax or Code V)
  • Experience in evaluating and troubleshooting optical systems and familiarity with equipment repair
  • Experience in performing independent scientific research
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Project Management practices, methods and techniques
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills required
  • Experience in the field of ophthalmoscopy is not necessary

Rochester is an exciting place to pursue a career in biomedical optics, with The Institute of Optics, the Center for Visual Science, and the Flaum Eye Institute here at the University, as well as local companies with expertise in optics and imaging.

For additional information visit Center for Visual Science and Advanced Retinal Imaging Alliance. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae and names of three references to:

Debbie Shannon, Administrator
Center for Visual Science
University of Rochester
Rochester, NY 14627-0270

The University of Rochester is an equal opportunity employer.