Current Opportunities at Vanderbilt

The Stier Lab at Vanderbilt University Medical Center is recruiting a postdoctoral fellow to investigate how physiologic and metabolic stress reshapes human immune cell function. Our work uses sepsis and other critical illness syndromes both as clinically important disease states and as physiologic perturbations for uncovering fundamental mechanisms of immune resilience and dysfunction.

The primary project will use large-scale genetic perturbation screens in primary human T cells under physiologic and metabolic stresses relevant to critical illness. This work will combine pooled and arrayed CRISPR approaches with functional metabolic phenotyping and deep mechanistic follow-up of candidate genes.

The fellow will also have opportunities to develop and lead complementary lines of investigation, including:
• Cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone marrow dysfunction in sepsis
• Biophysical regulation of immunometabolism
• Novel applications of stable isotope tracing in humans
• Other emerging directions aligned with the fellow’s interests and expertise

Training Environment:
The fellow will join a growing, collaborative research program with opportunities to shape projects, develop new technical expertise, and build scientific independence. Mentoring from the PI will be tailored to individual goals, with additional career-development resources available through Vanderbilt’s BRET Office.

Candidate Profile:
Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent in immunology, metabolism, cell or molecular biology, functional genomics, computational biology, or a related field. Relevant experience in immunology, metabolism, CRISPR/functional genomics, primary cell biology, single-cell analysis, or quantitative approaches is desirable. We seek candidates who are curious, rigorous, independent, collaborative, and willing to take thoughtful scientific risks and contribute to mentoring junior trainees.

The position is available immediately with a flexible start date.

Please email the following to matthew.stier@vumc.org:
• Cover letter (maximum 1 page) describing relevant research experience, scientific interests, fit with the position, and longer-term career goals
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Contact information for 2–3 professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Appointment is contingent upon meeting all Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Office of Postdoctoral Affairs appointment and employment requirements.