Postdoctoral Research Associate

Yale University

New Haven, CT, USA

Posted 11/9/2026

The Nicoli Lab invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate a fundamental
question in biology: What makes tissues resilient, and how can we engineer tissues to enhance their resilience?

Our lab studies specialized barrier cells, including endothelial and epithelial cells, to understand how tissues develop, maintain their function, and adapt to genetic, mechanical, and environmental challenges throughout the lifespan. We aim to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable tissues to withstand stress, understand how disruptions in these mechanisms contribute to human health and disease, and ultimately harness these insights to engineer more resilient tissues.

To address these questions, we integrate developmental biology, including studies of zebrafish embryos, with quantitative live imaging and molecular, cellular, and genomic approaches. At the molecular level, we investigate post-transcriptional regulation as a key mechanism of tissue resilience, with a particular focus on microRNAs, mRNA translation and localization, RNA-binding proteins, and biomolecular condensation.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop innovative approaches, formulate original research questions, and pursue discoveries at the intersection of developmental biology, RNA biology, and tissue engineering.

https://nicolilab.com/

Qualifications

We are looking for curious, creative, and motivated scientists who enjoy tackling fundamental biological questions and developing new ways to approach challenging problems. Applicants should have, or be close to completing, a PhD.

Desired Experience:

  • Developmental biology and tissue morphogenesis
  • Quantitative imaging, including live imaging and image analysis
  • In vivo model organisms
  • RNA biology, post-transcriptional regulation, or biomolecular condensation
  • Molecular, cellular, or genomic approaches to understanding tissue function
  • A primary research manuscript where the applicant is first or a leading author

Application Instructions

Interested applicants email the following materials to [email protected]:

  1. A CV, including publications.
  2. A cover letter describing research experience, scientific interests, motivation for joining the lab, and career goals.
  3. Contact information for three references.

Last Updated 11/09/2026