Opportunities

Join the Lab

We are glad to hear from scientists who find the nervous system hard to stop thinking about.

Why Deppmann Lab?

What Makes Us Different

🎓

Mentorship First

We have mentored more than 60 undergraduates and 21 PhD students into careers in academia, medicine, industry, and federal science.

🔬

Tools We Had to Build

From brain atlases at single-cell resolution to magnetogenetics and metabolic circuit mapping — we use new tools to reach questions existing methods cannot. Active NIH grants support several of these projects.

🤝

Collaborative Culture

Joint appointments across four departments mean rich collaborations. We work closely with labs in neuroscience, immunology, engineering, and computer science.

Open Positions

Current Opportunities

Post-Doctoral Pending New Funding

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

We welcome postdoctoral researchers with experience in neuroscience, cell biology, molecular biology, or related fields. Potential projects include neural circuit development, axon degeneration, brain metabolism, and technology development (magnetogenetics, CyTOF). Candidates bringing their own fellowship funding (HFSP, EMBO, MSCA and similar) are welcome to write at any time, including while this position is pending.

Requirements: PhD in neuroscience, biology, or related field
Skills valued: Molecular cloning, mouse genetics, imaging, electrophysiology, computational analysis
To apply: Send CV, research statement, and 3 references to cd2fj@virginia.edu
Graduate Students Rotations welcome

PhD Graduate Students

Rotation students are always welcome. If you are not sure which program is the right way in, just ask.

Programs: Biology, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, Biomedical Engineering, and the Program in Fundamental Neuroscience
Funding: Students are fully funded through their programs. Additional fellowship support (e.g., NIH F31) is encouraged and mentored.
To inquire: Email Dr. Deppmann to discuss rotation projects
Undergraduate Always Recruiting

Undergraduate Researchers

We take undergraduate research seriously — our undergrads are co-authors on papers, present at conferences, and many go on to medical school, graduate programs, and research careers. Students from all majors are welcome, including biology, computer science, engineering, and undeclared.

Commitment: Minimum 10 hours/week for at least 2 semesters
Funding: Harrison Undergraduate Research Awards available. DMP thesis projects supported.
To apply: Send a brief statement of interest and unofficial transcript to cd2fj@virginia.edu

Before You Write

Questions people actually ask

Who will I work with day to day?

Every new person is paired with an experienced lab member from day one, in small mentoring teams.

Meet the current team →

Where do people go afterwards?

Into faculty positions, MD and MD/PhD programs, industry and biotech, and federal science, including science policy at the NIH.

Follow the alumni flight paths →

What is it like to work here?

We wrote it down.

Read the Field Guide →

Our Home

Life at UVA

Charlottesville sits at the edge of the Blue Ridge, about an hour from Richmond and two from Washington, D.C. Good food, good hiking, and a university town that stays walkable.

The Lab

  • Located in Gilmer Hall, 4th floor
  • Shared and lab-based equipment: confocal microscopy, CyTOF, behavioral rigs
  • Walking distance to the historic Grounds and Downtown Mall
  • Collaborative environment across four departments

Charlottesville

  • Shenandoah National Park and hiking trails nearby
  • Affordable cost of living compared to major metro areas

Tell me what you can’t stop thinking about

Send a short note: who you are, where you are in training, and the question that keeps pulling you back. A paragraph is plenty. Postdocs and grad students, attach a CV. Undergrads, include an unofficial transcript.

Write to Chris →