Staff Scientist

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University’s Cigliola Laboratory seeks a Staff Scientist in Neural Regeneration to lead independent research on spinal cord repair using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, CRISPR engineering, and advanced imaging in zebrafish and mice.

The role includes developing new technologies, training students and staff, analyzing complex datasets for high-impact publications, supporting grant development, and building collaborations within Vanderbilt and with external investigators.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• Strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and independence.
• Expertise in regenerative biology, neuroscience, spatial or single-cell transcriptomics, molecular biology/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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Publication record

Mentoring

Collaboration

Regenerative biology

Neuroscience

Single-cell/spatial transcriptomics

CRISPR genome engineering

Microscopy & image analysis

Bioinformatics

R/Python

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience or related field

Tools

R

Python

Bioinformatics

Job description

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.

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 biologyneurosciencespatial or single-cell transcriptomicsmolecular biology and genomicsmicroscopy and image analysisCRISPR genome engineeringzebrafish and/or mouse modelsbioinformatics 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: https://www.cigliola-lab.com

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.