Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Multisensory Integration in Visual Impairment (MIVI) laboratory at the Research Foundation for the State University of New York, College of Optometry is recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral research associate to work on an NIH-funded study on visual performance people with ultra-low vision (ULV) and developing protocols for a multisensory rehabilitation training.

Start : September 2024

The position will provide a unique opportunity to work with a multidisciplinary team of vision scientists, optometrists, occupational therapists and blind rehabilitation therapists as well as assist in establishing a new lab with comprehensive on-the-job training for the right individual.

Primary responsibilities will be supporting the research in the lab.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• Conducting research experiments using techniques such as multisensory cue combination, functional assessment testing in people with ULV using virtual reality.
• Patient reported outcome measures and analysis.
• Data analysis using Rasch models and signal detection theory.
• Analyze data using relevant computer software and assist with data preparation for publications.
• Follow lab safety protocols and train new lab members.
• Learn and master new techniques and procedures if required.
• Assisting in preparing manuscripts and grant proposals.

Required Qualifications :

• PhD in optometry, ophthalmology, vision science, neuroscience, public health or related subject.
• Attention to detail, correctness, and manual dexterity are required. Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment to accomplish the required tasks.
• Must be willing to learn new techniques and skills or even new software usage.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Should be comfortable with basic computer programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and ideally also with specific software such as MATLAB / Python, EndNote, SPSS, R etc.

Preferred Qualifications :

A background in low vision or bionic vision and knowledge about programming in Unity and / or Rasch analysis would be a big plus.

Familiarity with basic human subject testing.

Applicants are required to submit a CV, a brief statement of research interests along with 3 letters of references. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Appointment will be for one year initially and can be extended up to 3-4 years based on satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Salary will be based on NIH guidelines and commensurate with experience.

Applicants for employment in Albany County and New York City must not provide prior salary history.

As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, criminal record, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status with respect to receiving public assistance, domestic violence victim status, a disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York.

Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits.

The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.

About SUNY College of Optometry :

The State University of New York College of Optometry advances visual health and patient care through leadership in education, research and service.

More than a half century ago a group of dedicated optometrists and benefactors came together to create an institution that would support optometric education, vision science research and extend quality vision care to all New Yorkers and the surrounding community.

The State University of New York College of Optometry evolved from this mission.Since we opened our doors to our first class of students in 1971, the College has grown to become one of the leading optometric education and vision research centers in the world.

The College houses the University Eye Center one of the largest outpatient vision care clinics in the country and engages in cutting edge research that is helping to shape the future of optometric care.