Postdoctoral Associate Available — Child Study Center, Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine

Title of the Position: Postdoctoral Associate

Department and School: Child Study Center, Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine

Anticipated Appointment Date: July 2026

Email/Website: ellen.hoffman@yale.edu, www.hoffmanlab.net

Introduction of School/Department

The Yale Child Study Center is a world leader in the study of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) focusing on the latest advances in the biology of ASD by leaders in the field. The Yale Department of Neuroscience provides outstanding intellectual environments through weekly journal clubs and bi-monthly research-in-progress seminars. Within these departments, the Hoffman lab focuses on understanding biological mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders with a focus on ASDs. To do this, we study the function of genes that are strongly associated with ASDs in humans to determine how disruption of these genes alters brain development and the neural circuits underlying simple behaviors. Our long-term goal is to use this gene-based approach to identify relevant biological pathways and novel pharmacological treatments that target these pathways.

Overview of the Position

The Hoffman lab seeks a full-time postdoctoral associate to work on the NIMH-funded study, “High-throughput in vivo and in vitro functional and multi-omics screens of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorder risk genes.” The objective of this research is to gain new insights into the roles of genes associated with ASDs and other neurodevelopmental disorders at the molecular, cellular, behavioral, and circuit levels and to develop improved pharmacological treatments. To accomplish this, we use zebrafish CRISPR-generated mutants to perform high-throughput functional screens.

The postdoctoral associate will also support other tasks related to the team’s research, including the following projects:

  • In vivo functional analyses of neurodevelopmental disorder risk genes at the behavioral, brain structural, and activity levels in zebrafish
  • Developing novel multi-omics platforms in zebrafish, including spatial transcriptomics
  • In vivo imaging of neural circuit deficits in zebrafish
  • Pharmaco-behavioral profiling to identify pharmacological candidates

Key responsibilities

  1. Analysis of molecular, cellular, behavioral, and brain imaging datasets in zebrafish mutants of neurodevelopmental disorder genes.
  2. Prepare and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at conferences in areas relevant to the study
  3. Collaborate efficiently and effectively with other research staff working on the project

Mentoring

Dr. Ellen Hoffman will oversee day-to-day activities and serve as the primary supervisor. The Postdoctoral Associate will have flexibility to develop their specific research focus within the context of the project team’s expertise and the needs of the larger project. The Postdoctoral Associate will benefit from mentorship on academic advancement and participate in multiple professional development trainings and opportunities (e.g., attending YCSC postdoc seminar series, presenting research from the project at conferences). The Postdoctoral Associate position is a full-time appointment for one year, with full benefits, and with the possibility of renewal for a second year, dependent upon performance and availability of funding. Information on   benefits   for   postdoctoral   appointments   can   be   found   at

https://postdocs.yale.edu/postdocs/being-a-postdoc-at-yale/benefits-summary.

This is not a remote opportunity. This position is located at the Child Study Center on the campus of Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. In accordance with the university’s post-doc office policy, all trainees are expected to complete their training on campus. Annual salary will be no less than $68,500.00

Skills and Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have or demonstrate the following:

  • Ph.D. in a relevant field or discipline, such as neuroscience or genetics
  • Specialization or research experience in the genetics and neurobiology of neuropsychiatric disorders
  • Prior experience with zebrafish neurobiology or other animal models
  • Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and collaborative
  • Strong track record of publications
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Exceptional organizational skills, including effective time management
  • Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively
  • Ability to interact and communicate effectively (e.g., through writing, presentations) with different audiences (research community, general public)

To apply

Qualified candidates should email ellen.hoffman@yale.edu with the subject line “Postdoc Applicant: [YOUR NAME]”. Please include the following application materials:

  1. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Cover letter describing your research background, key research accomplishments, interests, career goals, and motivation for the position (2 pages maximum)
  3. Contact information for 3 references

Priority will be given to candidates who apply by May 15th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will continue until the position has been filled.

For questions about the position, email Ellen Hoffman (ellen.hoffman@yale.edu). Anticipated start date is July 1, 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a postdoctoral appointment, candidates must hold a Ph.D., or equivalent degree from a program in relevant field or discipline. When a candidate has completed all the requirements for a degree, but the degree has not yet been formally conferred, the candidate may present evidence of completion of the degree, together with a statement of the date on which the degree is to be conferred.