Postdoctoral Position

Postdoctoral Position available September 1, 2026, in the Johnson Laboratory at Vanderbilt University

Department Biological Sciences

Full Description

Innovative Luminescence Assay for Neural Activity:
My laboratory has developed innovative techniques using luminescence and/or BRET (Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer) to monitor gene expression or protein-protein interactions non‑invasively. These luminescence techniques have significant advantages over fluorescence‑based (and other) methodologies. The current position is to further develop these state‑of‑the art luminescence techniques and apply them as non‑invasive monitors of neural synaptic activity in freely behaving mice (see our publication PMC
5476805). Our sensors will be applied to answer fundamental neurobiological questions in conjunction with optogenetics, including the neurobiology of circadian (daily) rhythms and reward pathways. We will be collaborating with hotshot labs at Princeton and UCLA who specialize in mini scopes and optical technologies to record and control the intracellular signaling mechanisms that govern brain function and animal behaviour.

Desirable experience for the new postdoc includes a background in luminescence/fluorescence, microscopic imaging, neurobiology, and/or standard molecular genetic techniques.

There are excellent facilities and collaborations available within the Vanderbilt community, including the Vanderbilt Brain Institute and other laboratories that study circadian clocks & sleep (e.g., the lab of Doug McMahon). Nashville is an exciting city with many artistic events (especially music) as well as close proximity to nature. For more information about my laboratory, see our website:http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./