Postdoctoral Associate in Biosocial Science (Human Chemosignaling)

Employer: Yale Institute for Network Science

Location: Human Nature Lab of Nicholas Christakis at Yale University

Salary: Competitive salary + excellent benefits

Closing date: Jan 10, 2026

Discipline: Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Molecular Biology, Anthropology/Sociology

Position Type: Full Time

Job Type: Postdoc

Organization Type: Academia

Job Details

Postdoctoral researcher position available for outstanding candidate in the Human Nature Lab (HNL) of Professor Nicholas Christakis, MD, PhD. Applicants with background in physical or life sciences who are interested in the relevance of biological processes to social-behavioral phenomena are sought to strengthen HNL’s research portfolio in biosocial science. HNL offers the opportunity for a flexible research agenda with strong mentorship in social, biological, and computational sciences.

A primary area of focus will be the role of olfaction in social behavior. Competitive candidates will have demonstrated interest in the relationship between basic biology and behavior and some experience processing or analyzing organic compounds in a laboratory setting. Other areas of interest could include biological bases of human sociality; the role of the microbiome in human social phenotypes; the impact of social interactions on microbiome evolution; the biology and genetics of mate choice and social tie formation; and similar topics. A good scholarly record and demonstrated ability to conduct challenging and innovative work are more important than specific content area within the biological sciences. The ideal candidate is one with a strong research background that has provided some preparation for examining the role of olfaction in human social behavior and who is interested in the lab’s program of research in this area.

Must have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, evolutionary biology, zoology, systems biology, environmental science, physics, or other relevant field; be able to undertake full-time research (in our fully provisioned lab); have a solid record of independent research; and have working knowledge of relevant wet lab techniques (e.g., GC-MS). Strong analytical background and interest in interdisciplinary research are required. Demonstrated experience in a relevant field, including (but not limited to) chemosignaling, computational biology, behavior genetics, or related areas is desirable. Candidates with interests that complement ongoing projects at HNL (http://humannaturelab.net/) will be given particular attention.

Position is currently open and start date is flexible. Those interested in starting in the spring through fall of 2026 are encouraged to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply to position #30989 at academicjobsonline.org Include cover letter describing interests, CV, and at least two letters of recommendation.