Join the lab
Come do science with us
We’re looking for curious, driven scientists who want to understand how the brain develops to control behavior and physiology.
The Dietrich Lab is a collaborative, ambitious group at Yale School of Medicine. We study early-life neural circuits, body–brain communication, and individuality — and we care as much about how we work as about what we discover.
If you’re excited by developmental neuroscience, neuroimmunology, or comparative biology and want to work with cutting-edge circuit and imaging tools in a warm, rigorous environment, we would love to hear from you.
Meet the lab
A word from Marcelo
On developmental neuroscience — and why mentoring the next generation of scientists is at the heart of the lab.
What it’s like
How we work
Curiosity-driven
We chase surprising questions — even the ones that don’t fit neatly into a field.
Rigorous & collaborative
Careful experiments, honest interpretation, and a genuinely supportive team.
Technically ambitious
We build the tools we need, from viral circuit tools to open-source software.
Developmental at heart
We think across the lifespan — behavior is something the brain builds over time.
Who we’re looking for
Open positions
We have open positions right now — and we welcome strong candidates year-round, even when a specific role isn’t posted.
Postdoctoral Associate — Developmental & Systems Neuroscience
Study how the infant brain learns about the social world, using fiber photometry, in vivo imaging, viral circuit tools, and behavior in mice. For scientists with (or completing) a PhD or MD/PhD in developmental, systems, or behavioral neuroscience.
Postgraduate Associate
A mentored, PhD-track position for recent graduates. Get hands-on training in tissue clearing, confocal microscopy, viral circuit manipulation, and behavioral assays, with structured guidance in scientific writing and preparing for graduate school.
Other ways to join the lab
Graduate students
Yale PhD students interested in rotating are welcome. Reach out to talk about projects that fit your interests and program.
Get in touch to arrange a rotation.
Undergraduates & research staff
Motivated undergraduates and prospective research assistants who want hands-on experience in a collaborative lab are encouraged to inquire.
Tell us what you’d like to learn.
How to apply
For the posted positions above, apply using the contact listed in each posting. For general or year-round inquiries, email marcelo.dietrich@yale.edu and include:
- A short note on why the lab’s work excites you and what you’d want to work on
- Your CV
- Postdocs: a brief research statement and contact details for 2–3 references
- Students & staff: your availability and any relevant coursework or lab experience