Staff Scientist

Staff Scientist in Neural Regeneration

Our laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms that enable successful regeneration after spinal cord injury. By integrating single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, CRISPR genome engineering, tissue clearing, advanced microscopy, and functional studies in zebrafish and mouse models, we seek to identify regenerative programs that can ultimately be harnessed to promote neural repair in mammals.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative, and highly motivated scientist with a passion for discovery and scientific excellence. The ideal candidate will have expertise at the intersection of regenerative biology, neuroscience, genomics, and advanced imaging, and will play a key role in developing new technologies, advancing collaborative research projects, and mentoring trainees in a growing laboratory.

Qualifications:

- A Ph.D. in neuroscience, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline

- A strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and independence

- Expertise in one or more of the following areas:

regenerative biology

neuroscience

spatial or single-cell transcriptomics

molecular biology and genomics

microscopy and image analysis

CRISPR genome engineering

zebrafish and/or mouse models

bioinformatics and computational analysis (R/Python)

Excellent organizational, communication, and mentoring skills

A collaborative mindset and commitment to rigorous, reproducible science

Role:

- Develop and lead independent research projects

- Establish and optimize new experimental and computational technologies

- Train postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research staff

- Analyze complex datasets and contribute to high-impact publications

- Assist with grant preparation and development of new research directions

- Build collaborations across Vanderbilt and with external investigators

- Help shape the long-term scientific vision of the laboratory

What we offer

The Cigliola Laboratory is part of the Department of Pharmacology and the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, providing an outstanding interdisciplinary research environment with access to world-class genomics, imaging, and computational core facilities. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

- Contribute to cutting-edge projects in spinal cord regeneration

- Establish new technologies in spatial genomics and advanced imaging

- Publish in leading scientific journals

- Build collaborations across Vanderbilt's neuroscience and regenerative biology communities

- Help shape the growth and scientific direction of a new and ambitious research program

About Vanderbilt:

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine is one of the nation's leading biomedical research institutions and offers an exceptional collaborative environment with strengths in neuroscience, genomics, developmental biology, engineering, and quantitative biology. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt provides access to outstanding research infrastructure and a vibrant scientific community.

For more information about our research, please visit:

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send the following as a single PDF to valentina.cigliola

- Curriculum vitae

- A brief summary of previous research accomplishments and future scientific interests

- Contact information for 3-5 professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until