Current Opportunities at Vanderbilt

The laboratory of Dr. Alexandre Tiriac is seeking an ambitious candidate for a postdoctoral research position. The Tiriac lab studies how various factors promote or impair the development of the nervous system with the goal of understanding the neural basis of cognitive disorders. Specifically, we are interested in recruiting a postdoctoral researcher interested in studying the role of brain states on the development of the nervous system. We study these questions in the mouse visual system, but opportunities exist to branch out to other sensory and motor systems. More information about our current research projects can be found here (https://www.tiriaclab.org/research). 

With mentorship from Dr. Tiriac, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to independently design and conduct experiments. Example research techniques include dissections, surgeries, calcium imaging using two-photon microscopy, electrophysiological recording using multielectrode arrays, processing brain tissue for histology, and computational techniques. The postdoctoral researcher is expected to perform data analyses, generate figures, and draft research manuscripts that will be submitted to neuroscience journals. Support will be provided for the postdoctoral researcher to attend at least one scientific conference a year to network and present data. If desired by the candidate, the postdoctoral researcher would be supported in the submission of competitive grant applications (e.g.: F32, K99/R00, LSRF, T32). A curated mentorship plan will be designed depending on the candidate’s career goal (industry vs tenure track position).

The Tiriac lab strives to provide a supportive and inclusive research environment that fosters interdisciplinary training and collaborative exchange. The lab is based in Vanderbilt’s Department of Biological Sciences. We are also affiliated with the Vanderbilt Brain Institute and the Vanderbilt Vision Research Center.

The candidate should hold or about to earn a PhD in neuroscience, biology, psychology, or any related disciplines.

Required skills:
 Experience working in a rodent laboratory.
 Experience in at least one of the following neuroscience techniques:
o Anatomy: e.g.: immunohistochemistry, neuronal tract tracing
o Physiology: e.g.: electrophysiology, calcium imaging, two photon microscopy
 Organized and ability to set individual goals.
 Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people in a diverse community.


Preferred skills:
 Skilled with computer programming (MATLAB or python) to analyze large datasets.
 Experience making figures and writing manuscripts.
 Experience with microdissection techniques or other experience that requires fine motor skills.

Applicants should send a CV and two publications that reflect their skills and ongoing research interests to Dr. Alexandre Tiriac: alexandre.tiriac@vanderbilt.edu. Additional materials (i.e., letters of recommendation) will be requested for shortlisted applicants. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Please reach out with any questions.