Postdoctoral positions in Neuroscience at Yale University

Dietrich Lab; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Yale University invites postdoctoral associates to join a research program exploring neural circuit bases of early-life social behavior and associative learning using mouse models, fiber photometry, and viral approaches. The lab emphasizes rigorous experiments and developing independent trajectories.

The position offers mentorship in project development, fellowship and grant writing, and opportunities to publish first-author work and shape a growing field.

Qualifications

• Postdoctoral associates should lead independent projects and contribute to first-author publications.
• Mentorship in project development, experimental design, and grant writing will be provided.
• Experience with developmental neuroscience and behavioral assays is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments to study neural circuits and early-life social behavior.
• Develop independent research trajectories and prepare manuscripts and grants.
• Present findings in lab meetings and Yale neuroscience community events.

Skills

Quantitative skills

Analytical skills

In vivo imaging

Fiber photometry

Electrophysiology

Viral strategies

Circuit manipulation

Rodent behavior

Tools

In vivo imaging

Fiber photometry

Electrophysiology

Viral strategies

Circuit manipulation

Rodent behavior

Job description

We are recruiting postdoctoral associates to join a research program focused on the neural circuit basis of early-life social behavior and associative learning. Using mouse models, fiber photometry, circuit-specific viral approaches, in vivo recordings, and a variety of behavioral assays, we investigate how infant brains encode maternal and social cues during development. A major emphasis of the lab is understanding how defined neuronal populations contribute to infant-specific learning and how early circuit mechanisms shape later risk or resilience for mental health outcomes.

This is an opportunity for scientists who want to do more than apply established tools to familiar questions. The lab is interested in building a deeper framework for developmental neuroscience by discovering how neural circuits function before adulthood and by connecting early experience to long-term behavioral trajectories. We are looking for postdocs excited by ambitious questions, rigorous experiments, and the chance to help define an emerging area of the field.

Education and Career Development

The position is designed to support the development of an independent research trajectory in developmental neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and behavior. Postdoctoral associates will receive mentorship in project development, experimental design, manuscript preparation, fellowship and grant writing, scientific presentation, and long-term career planning. Postdoctoral associates are expected to lead projects that can mature into first-author publications and competitive applications for independent funding.

Training and Mentoring

Postdocs in the lab will have the freedom to develop independent ideas while working in a collaborative, deeply engaged research environment. They will contribute to projects at the intersection of circuit function, behavior, development, and translational relevance, while participating in regular lab meetings and broader interactions within Yale’s neuroscience community. The lab values conceptual boldness, technical rigor, and careful mentorship to help fellows grow into independent scientific leaders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with in vivo imaging, fiber photometry, electrophysiology, viral strategies, circuit manipulation, or rodent behavior
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills

Yale University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.