Current Opportunities at Vanderbilt

An NIH-supported postdoctoral research fellow position is available in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, to join a collaborative research program led by Dr. Jeff Reese. The newly funded R01 integrates human ductus arteriosus (DA) transcriptomics and spatial proteomics with high-throughput drug discovery and functional physiology to define regulatory pathways governing DA contractility and identify new therapeutic strategies for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The fellow will have the opportunity to work across complementary discovery and validation platforms, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, proteomic approaches, molecular and cellular assays, high-throughput screening, quantitative imaging, and functional studies of vascular smooth muscle and isolated vessels. Depending on prior experience and project needs, the fellow may participate in human tissue studies, cell culture, mouse studies, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, microscopy, image analysis, and integrated analysis of multi-omic datasets. Training will be provided in specialized vascular physiology and pharmacology approaches, including microvascular myography and translational drug-validation studies.

The position is based in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and will work closely with the Reese lab research team and collaborating Vanderbilt core facilities. The NIH-funded project period extends through June 2031, providing an excellent environment for sustained postdoctoral training, scientific productivity, and career development.

Required Qualifications:

PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in cardiovascular biology, vascular biology, genetics/genomics, developmental biology, cell biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology, bioinformatics, or a related field.
Demonstrated research productivity, including a strong record of peer-reviewed publication appropriate to career stage.
Research experience in one or more relevant areas, such as vascular or smooth muscle biology, molecular biology, genomics/transcriptomics, proteomics, cell signaling, developmental biology, gene-expression analysis, drug discovery, or quantitative imaging/data analysis.
Strong written and oral scientific communication skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team.

Preferred Qualifications:

Hands-on experience with advanced genomic, transcriptomic, spatial-omic, or proteomic methods and/or quantitative analysis of complex biological datasets.
Experience with vascular physiology, smooth muscle biology, pharmacology, high-throughput screening, functional assays, or ex vivo tissue/vessel studies.
Evidence of scientific curiosity, rigor, creativity, problem solving, and increasing independence in experimental design and interpretation.

A one-page cover letter describing research interests, relevant experience, career goals, and anticipated availability date.

Curriculum vitae, including current contact information and current location (state and country, for interview-planning purposes).

Contact information for three references, including name, email address, telephone number, relationship to the applicant, and length of acquaintance.

Please email all application materials to Jeff Reese: jeff.reese@vanderbilt.edu