Postdoc: Luminescent Neural Activity Imaging & Optogenetics

Vanderbilt Medical Group; Nashville, Northern (TN, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University, Johnson Laboratory, is offering a Postdoctoral position starting September 1, 2026, in the Biological Sciences department. The project focuses on innovative luminescence and BRET-based sensors to monitor neural activity in freely behaving mice, integrating optogenetics to study circadian rhythms and reward pathways.

Collaboration with Princeton and UCLA labs enhances access to miniscopes and advanced optical tech.

Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience or a related field is required or strongly preferred.
• Experience with luminescence/fluorescence methods and imaging techniques is desirable.
• Background in neurobiology and molecular genetics techniques is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Develop luminescence-based sensors to monitor neural activity in freely behaving mice.
• Collaborate with labs at Princeton and UCLA to apply miniscopes and optical technologies.

Skills

Luminescence imaging

Neurobiology

Molecular genetics techniques

Fluorescence microscopy

Education

PhD in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

BRET techniques

Microscopy equipment

Job description

Vanderbilt University, Johnson Laboratory, is offering a Postdoctoral position starting September 1, 2026, in the Biological Sciences department. The project focuses on innovative luminescence and BRET-based sensors to monitor neural activity in freely behaving mice, integrating optogenetics to study circadian rhythms and reward pathways.

Collaboration with Princeton and UCLA labs enhances access to miniscopes and advanced optical tech.