91³Ô¹ÏÍø

The laboratories of Dr. Carl Johnson and Dr. Alexandre Tiriac are seeking a motivated candidate for a postdoctoral research position supported by a newly funded NIH R01

The Tiriac lab (https://www.tiriaclab.org/research) studies how spontaneous neural activity shapes the developing nervous system, with the goal of understanding the neural basis of cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders. The nervous system is not hard-wired at birth: circuits are refined during critical developmental windows by patterned spontaneous activity. The postdoctoral researcher will test whether disruption of this early activity is a shared, measurable feature of neurodevelopmental disorders, and demonstrate that the neonatal retina—accessible, well-characterized, and amenable to genetic therapy—offers a uniquely powerful platform to detect and correct these disruptions.

The Johnson lab investigates the cellular, molecular, and evolutionary biology of biological timekeeping, especially circadian clocks (https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/johnsonlab/). They explore these timing mechanisms across a diverse spectrum of organisms—ranging from bacteria to humans. The project for this postdoctoral position addresses the neuroscience of the circadian system of mammals, specifically relating to the human neurodevelopmental disorder, Angelman Syndrome (AS). We have reported a unique and unexpected link between neuronal imprinting of Ube3a ligase and circadian rhythms in mouse models of AS, including enfeebled circadian activity behavior and slowed molecular rhythms in ex vivo brain tissues.

With mentorship from Drs. Johnson and Tiriac, the postdoctoral researcher is expected to independently design and conduct experiments. Example research techniques include dissections, surgeries, time-restricted feeding, 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.

The Johnson and Tiriac labs are based in 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Department of Biological Sciences but are also affiliated with the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Brain Institute, department of Pharmacology, and the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 with mice

§ 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

§ Being organized and the 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:

§ mouse breeding, euthanasia

§ 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. 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: carl.h.johnson@vanderbilt.edu & alexandre.tiriac@vanderbilt.edu.

91³Ô¹ÏÍø: There are excellent facilities and collaborations available within the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø community, including the 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Brain Institute and other laboratories that study circadian clocks & sleep (e.g., the lab of Doug McMahon) in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the immediately adjacent School of Medicine.

Nashville is an exciting city with many artistic events (especially music) as well as close proximity to nature.