Undergraduate research opportunities FAQs
Are you interested in learning about research opportunities for undergraduates in the Microbiology and Immunology program? Check out answers to frequently asked questions to see if you qualify.
Undergraduate students in the Microbiology and Immunology (MI), B.S. program who would like to gain experience and contribute to research in the MI department are encouraged to apply to our labs. Undergraduate students enrolled in various other science majors at the 性爱五色天, Reno including Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology (B.S./M.S.), Chemistry or another biomedical-related field are also welcome to apply. If you are interested in a graduate program, please visit our molecular biosciences page.
Some labs require completion of certain classes as a pre-requisite (i.e. MICR 276 and 276L) to gain some basic microbiology skills before applying for a position. Because of the type of work conducted in a microbiology and immunology research lab, a basic understanding of biosafety and safe work practices is beneficial. The application process can be competitive so grades may play a role if there are multiple qualified applicants. Your interest in the research, availability, dependability, commitment, and willingness to learn are also very important.
Letters of recommendation are not required. However, references for top candidates may be requested and they may be contacted during the interview process.
The research conducted in our department is diverse, and many faculty members are looking for students who are interested specifically in their work. Your interests may change as you learn about new topics, but being focused on a specific area of research can help us find the best fit for you and the PI.
Principal investigators (PIs) are faculty researchers who have laboratories, write grants to receive funding for research, and hire personnel to help them conduct the research. If you work in a research lab, you will work under a PI and their lab personnel.
Basic research aims to answer fundamental questions and gain knowledge about how a system or pathway works within an organism. Translational research aims to apply the knowledge gained from basic research to solve a specific health problem. Our department has research labs that are conducting both basic and translational research.
The time commitment will vary based on the open position and the job or project description. Some positions may be research based while others may be duty based, including washing dishes or maintaining equipment or supplies. Most labs require you to be available for 10-20 hours/week, during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Most labs prefer that you commit to no less than one year, and some prefer that you have two years to work in their lab.
Note: Students who have exceled in our research labs in the past have demonstrated a commitment to learning and completing projects, taken initiative to learn new techniques, read scientific literature in their research area, shown a genuine interest in the work being done, and asked questions when they were unsure about a concept or experiment.
Positions can be paid, volunteer or taken for independent study credit. This will vary from lab to lab so please make sure to indicate the type of position that you prefer on the questionnaire.
You will be required to complete the 性爱五色天, Reno's Environmental Health and Safety trainings, as well as MI department and lab-specific safety trainings. This will include online, in-person and hands-on trainings in which you will learn specific concepts, skills and techniques under the mentorship of PIs, research faculty, lab staff and/or graduate students to ensure that you are using safe lab practices. You will be provided with detailed information about required trainings from the PI or members of their lab.
We encourage you to submit an updated inquiry questionnaire every six months if you are still interested in a lab position. After you apply, we will contact you if a new position is available. Please specify the lab(s) you are interested in working with so that your application can be forwarded to the appropriate hiring personnel. You are also welcome to contact the PI directly.
Please visit the Undergraduate Research page for many opportunities, including paid fellowships. Other departments on campus that may offer undergraduate research opportunities include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Physiology, Public Health and Biomedical Engineering. There are also local biotechnology and private companies that offer internship opportunities including Charles River Labs, DxDiscovery and Phigenics. Please reach out to other departments and companies directly to inquire about possible opportunities.
You can send an inquiry to micro@unr.edu to receive more information about undergraduate research opportunities for Microbiology and Immunology students.