Postdoctoral Position in Spinal Cord Regeneration – Vanderbilt University

Location: Nashville, TN

Closing Date: 31 July 2026

The Cigliola Laboratory at Vanderbilt University invites applications for a postdoctoral position. Our lab is dedicated to identifying strategies to reverse paralysis after spinal cord injury. We use genetics, transcriptomics, in vivo cellular, molecular, and behavioral approaches in zebrafish and mouse models to uncover mechanisms of spinal cord regeneration.

While spinal cord injury causes lifelong paralysis in humans and adult mammals, zebrafish possess a remarkable capacity to regenerate and recover function after injury. We are interested in the following questions: What mechanisms enable innate spinal cord regeneration? How are these mechanisms regulated? Can regeneration in adult mammals be enhanced by re-establishing pro-regenerative programs? Our long-term goal is to help develop strategies to promote spinal cord regeneration in adult mammals.

We are looking for motivated candidates with interests in regenerative biology and neuroscience. The ideal candidate will demonstrate scientific rigor, productivity, critical thinking, and creativity. Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred: neuroscience, molecular biology, transcriptomics, imaging, histology, or zebrafish models. We strongly value collaboration and a positive work environment. As a growing lab, we are especially excited to mentor trainees interested in developing independent research programs. Postdoctoral fellows will have the opportunity to shape projects, establish collaborations across the Vanderbilt community, and contribute to an interdisciplinary environment focused on ambitious questions in regeneration and neural repair.

The laboratory is part of the Vanderbilt Department of Pharmacology and the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, providing a highly collaborative research environment. Vanderbilt offers a vibrant and interdisciplinary scientific community in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit https://www.cigliola-lab.com.

Please send a single PDF containing: (1) a cover letter describing research interests and experience, (2) CV, and (3) contact information for three references to valentina.cigliola@vanderbilt.edu. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Closing Date: 31 July 2026

Scientific fields: Regeneration, Chromatin and epigenetics, Stem cells

Model systems: Zebrafish

Duration: Permanent