Ph.D. Student Opening – Biological Education and Mechanisms of Immunosuppression

University of Northern Colorado, School of Biological Sciences
Greeley, CO

The laboratory of Dr. Nicholas A. Pullen is recruiting graduate students to start August 2017. We study immune cell development and mechanisms of immunosuppression. We are particularly interested in epigenetic contributions in allergy/asthma and cancer-induced immunosuppression. Funded openings are available at the M.S. and Ph.D. level.

Essentials:

• An earned bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution.
• Relevant coursework in math & science, usually to include a minimum of 16-credit hours in biology, and 15 credit hours in supporting courses in chemistry, physics, and statistics.
• Scores on the GRE (verbal, quantitative, and writing).
• Letters of reference from faculty.

Additional Preferred Characteristics:

• Experience working in a cell & molecular biology research environment (e.g., mammalian cell culture, essential molecular techniques such as immunoblotting, PCR, etc.)
• Motivation to do both bench research and undergraduate teaching.
• Motivation to compete for extramural funding.

The Ph.D. in Biological Education at the University of Northern Colorado is a unique program that blends lab research with in-depth training in college-level science teaching and course development, and with additional opportunities to participate in education research. It is especially useful for individuals interested in a career that emphasizes science teaching (for example, as faculty at liberal arts colleges and community colleges). Nevertheless, alumni have also gone on to successful careers as professional scientists in government and industry. Of note is a paucity of bio-educators with specialization in immunology and other advanced molecular fields; therefore, Pullen Lab trainees have the enhanced opportunity to develop educational scholarship and practices in such areas.

These positions are funded through Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), which include tuition waivers and a stipend for living expenses. The GTA contract requires work for the School of Biological Sciences, mostly involving teaching undergraduate laboratory sections in the graduate student’s identified area of strength. GTA awards are renewed annually with satisfactory progress.

Please contact Dr. Pullen directly with interest!