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Humans are one of the most advanced and complex biological systems on Earth. We have computational capabilities that are designed to

process millions of tasks in parallel, allowing the entire body to function under extremely variable

conditions. Our organ of vision - the eye - has evolved millions of years into one of the most advanced systems for imaging and analysing visual data. The eye also houses the most easily

accessible part of the brain's neuronal network - the human retina - an organ readily accessible to

relatively compact and non-invasive optical methods. Our organ of vision has well-defined inputs

in the form of an array of millions of photoreceptors and outputs in the form of nerve fibres

connecting the eye to the brain. Each nerve fibre is connected to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs),

which are distinct nodes that collect information processed by the retina from specific, rather

spatially restricted, groups of photoreceptors (receptive fields). In addition, the structure and

function of retinal neuronal circuits are fairly well understood, and optical methods already make

it possible to observe neuronal activity during photoreceptor stimulation in genetically modified

animals. These methods, with further developments, could effectively provide the necessary

interface between the computer and the neural network of the human retina in vivo – without introducing additional modifications to our organisms. Such an interface could, in turn, be

developed into an autonomous communication system with our brain that would perform the initial

computational tasks already at the retinal level. However, as a first step, a fundamental question

needs to be answered: is it possible to acquire information about the functional state of the

retina for the inputs and outputs of its neuronal circuitry using non-invasive optical methods?

This question is the leitmotif and the basis for the research hypothesis in this project  

The post-doc is expected to independently design, plan and conduct experiments. In addition, will oversee the work of the PhD student.

Responsibilities:

• to design and construct an experimental set-up with polarization diverse detection
• to test  experimental set-up on phantoms and cell cultures
• to make an experimental set-up for human measurements with retinal stimulating light insertion
• to perform initial measurements on volunteers
• to carry out ergonomisation of systems

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of Around 12 400 PLN gross

per month financed from the NCN MAESTRO 16. Project no 2024/54/A/ST7/00379 entitled ,,Optical measurements of retinal neuronal responses”.

100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for    36 months with a possible extension     

We offer work in a young, dynamically developing team with modern research infrastructure. Funds are allocated to cover participation in international conferences and for

short visits in collaborating laboratory. We plan to publish

the results of the work in high impact factor journals.

The successful candidate will be eligible for all programs at the IPC PAS, including the IPC PAS Young Scientists competition and the IPC PAS Young Scientists Mobility competition.

Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

PhD degree in chemical or physical sciences, optics, optical engineering obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project. For researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date. Extension might apply according to National Science Centre, Poland, rules.

Publication record and experience in research.

Ability to work independently as well as in a group.

Knowledge of biomedical imagining, optical physics, optical engineering, optics and the ability to process advanced data 

The Recruitment Commission will take into account the following criteria:

- competencies for specific tasks in the research project

- knowledge of bi biomedical imagining, optical physics, optical engineering, optics and the ability to process advanced data

- previous scientific achievements

awards and distinctions resulting from the conducted research

-awards and distinctions resulting from the conducted research