Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Manus Donahue within the Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology.

The role focuses on advanced neuroimaging and development of MRI acquisition and analysis techniques to study neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular disease in humans. Candidates should hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree and have experience with MRI data analysis; a strong publication

Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, physics, radiology, or related field.
• Prior experience with MRI acquisition or neuroimaging data analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement MRI acquisition and analysis techniques.
• Design studies in neurodegenerative conditions and cerebrovascular disease.
• Collaborate with neurologists, radiologists and neuroscientists; contribute to publications.

Skills

MRI data analysis

neuroimaging

quantitative skills

communication skills

Education

PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience/biomedical engineering/physics

Tools

MRI acquisition

post-processing pipelines

3T/7T MRI platforms

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Dr. Manus Donahue – Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC)

Department Neurology

Full Description

The laboratory of Dr. Manus Donahue in the Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in advanced neuroimaging. This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly productive and collaborative research program at one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, with access to state‑of‑the‑art MRI infrastructure including 3T and 7T human imaging platforms. The successful candidate will play a central role in the development and implementation of novel MRI acquisition and analysis techniques designed to elucidate mechanisms of neurodegeneration and cerebrovascular disease in human participants.

The fellow will work directly with Dr. Donahue and an interdisciplinary team of neurologists, radiologists, and neuroscientists to design and conduct studies in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and related neurodegenerative conditions. Research activities will include the development of novel MRI pulse sequences and post‑processing pipelines, acquisition and analysis of perfusion, diffusion, and CSF flow imaging data, and integration of neuroimaging findings with clinical and cognitive measures. The position offers broad training in translational neuroimaging methodology, with strong mentorship tailored to support career development in academic medicine, industry, or national laboratory settings.

Candidates must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, physics, radiology, or a closely related discipline. Prior experience with MRI acquisition or neuroimaging data analysis is strongly preferred. Excellent quantitative and communication skills, and a demonstrated record of publication, are highly desirable.

Nashville, Tennessee offers an exceptional quality of life and is consistently ranked among the most desirable cities in the United States. Known as “Music City,” Nashville boasts a vibrant cultural scene, world‑class dining, and a thriving arts community, alongside the warmth and affordability that define the best of Southern living. The city enjoys a mild climate, ready access to outdoor recreation including hiking in the nearby Cumberland and Great Smoky Mountains, and a rapidly growing life sciences and technology sector that creates rich opportunities for professional networking and collaboration. For postdoctoral fellows, the city provides an ideal environment in which to build a career and a life, combining the resources of a world‑class medical center with all the energy and opportunity of one of America’s fastest‑growing cities.

Candidates will interview with various lab members including the lab director, Manus Donahue, and his collaborators, Paula Trujillo, Kilian Hett, and others, as well as members of his lab and the division such as his program manager, Maria Garza.