Current Opportunities at Vanderbilt

The Ward Lab at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is seeking a highly motivated and independent postdoctoral fellow to join our team at the intersection of molecular mouse genetics, cell biology, and translational inflammatory disease research.

This position supports a new initiative focused on developing and interrogating innovative in vivo and in vitro models of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The successful candidate will lead efforts to establish novel mouse models and complementary human cell-based systems, including genetically modified N/TERT keratinocyte models designed to recapitulate HS-associated patient genetics. Opportunities also exist to collaborate on other ongoing projects in the lab.

The Ward Lab studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving skin inflammation and skin disease-associated comorbidities. We take a multidisciplinary approach, examining interactions among the immune, epithelial, neural, and vascular systems to uncover novel mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and therapeutic response.

Key Responsibilities include:
- Development and characterization of mouse and cell-based models of HS
- Mouse husbandry, experimentation, and phenotyping
- Cellular and molecular analyses using protein- and RNA-based approaches, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy
- Development and application of human keratinocyte culture systems, including genetic manipulation of N/TERT cells
- Data integration, manuscript preparation, and scientific presentations
- Collaboration with basic scientists and clinician-scientists

Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Immunology, Cell Biology, Pathology, Genetics, or a related field
- Experience with mouse models and core cell/molecular biology techniques
- Proficiency with GraphPad Prism, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe-style image software
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in a collaborative environment

Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with human cell culture, molecular cloning, or genetic manipulation
- Familiarity with R for data analysis and visualization
- Prior first-author publications using disease models

Expected start date is July 1, 2026, or sooner. Appointment eligibility is limited to candidates with fewer than five years of total postdoctoral experience at the time of hire, in accordance with Vanderbilt policy.

Interested candidates should email Nicole Ward (nicole.ward@vumc.org) with a CV, a brief statement describing postdoctoral and long-term career goals, and one representative first-author publication. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.