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Title Postdoctoral Fellow in Neurobiology (Ponce Lab)

School Harvard Medical School

Department/Area Neurobiology

Position Description

Postdoctoral fellow in visual neurophysiology and deep modeling

We invite applications for postdoctoral fellow positions in the Ponce Lab at Harvard Medical School. Our group investigates how populations of neurons in the primate visual cortex represent and transform visual information. We use large-scale electrophysiology and closed-loop visual experiments with macaque monkeys to discover the principles underlying cortical computation. We are seeking highly motivated experimentalists who are deeply excited about working with nonhuman primates and connecting those results to computational models of the brain.

The ideal candidates will enjoy hands-on neural recordings, behavioral training, and visual experimentation, while also developing and testing deep neural network models of visual representation. In short: experiments first, models second. Current and upcoming projects include studying how psychoactive compounds such as MDMA and methamphetamine (MA) alter visual processing in the primate brain. We are also expanding into high-resolution behavioral tracking to link neural activity with naturalistic behavior and perception.

The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Carlos R. Ponce and collaborators to design and execute experiments in visual cortex, analyze neuronal population data, and build generative or predictive models to simulate cortical responses. The position requires strong experimental engagement and a collaborative mindset within a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, engineers, and computational modelers. We especially value candidates who bring energy, curiosity, and a high-bandwidth, team-oriented approach to their work.

Basic Qualifications

Postdoctoral fellow in visual neurophysiology and deep modeling — Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, computational neuroscience, physics, psychology, or related field

Additional Qualifications

+ Strong confidence with and/or facility to learn Matlab or Python-level programming

+ Strong interest and experience in systems neuroscience, electrophysiology, or primate behavior

+ Familiarity with computational models of vision (e.g., CNNs, deep generative models) is preferred but not required

+ Excellent communication skills and enthusiasm for collaborative work

Special Instructions

Required documents:

+ CV

+ Research summary of PhD work.

+ Cover letter describing your interest in the lab and initial ideas for new research directions or projects you could undertake in the lab.

+ Names and contact information for three people who have agreed to serve as a reference

Please submit application documents through the ARIeS portal. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be invited for in-person interviews involving a research presentation on past work. References will be requested at final stages of the consideration process.

Expected Dates:

+ Application deadline: 1/15/2026

+ Start date: The position is expected to start on or around Spring/Summer 2026 with some flexibility.

+ Duration: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding to support the position.

Contact Information

Carlos Ponce, MD, PhD

Contact Email [email protected]

Salary Range

Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, can be found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines

Minimum Number of References Required

Maximum Number of References Allowed

Keywords

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity (https://hr.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum6281/files/2025-04/reaffirmation\_statement.pdf) policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy (https://provost.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum3356/files/2025-07/non-discrimination\_and\_anti-bullying\_policies.pdf) . Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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