Oportunidad de estudios graduados en Southern Illinois University.

Imagen de Kimberly Ann Massa Núñez

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Graduate Student (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) Position Available

A funded Graduate Student (via Teaching Assistantship) position in Mycology is available in Fall 2021 in our research group. We are part of the Microbiology program (https://micro.siu.edu) in the School of Biological Sciences. The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the natural sciences. Previous experience working with fungi and fungal human pathogens is preferred, but not required. Information about current lab projects can be found on our lab website (https://jvm-lab.weebly.com/research.html). This position requires acceptance into the Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry program (https://mbmb.siu.edu). Candidates must submit an application to the program and applications will be reviewed as they arrive. In the application, please include a personal statement where you describe your purpose and objectives in pursuing graduate study, your research interest, which of our lab projects you are interested in, and previous research experience (if applicable). Question regarding this position can be emailed to Dr. Vargas-Muñiz (jose.vargasmuniz@siu.edu).

Graduate Student Responsibilities:

In general, the candidate must be willing to learn and/or perform molecular biology techniques, animal care, Aspergillus fumigatus and marine fungi culturing and transformation, light and fluorescent microscopy, and data analysis. The candidate will also assist in writing manuscripts for publication, generate figures of their data, stay current with the literature, and present their research at local, national, and international conferences (as the opportunities arise).

About our Lab:

Our lab has a deep and sustained interest in cell morphogenesis and how fungal cells regulate their shape. Our research interests are shaped by the critical roles that fungal morphology and the cell wall play in disease progression and antifungal drug targeting. In the last decade, there has been a notable increase in the incidence of invasive mycoses, partly due to a rise in the immunocompromised patient population. Additionally, the range of geographically restricted endemic fungal diseases is expanding, which increases the size of the human populations at risk. To tackle this challenge, our research program aims to provide a mechanistic understanding of how fungal pathogens respond to anti-cell wall drugs and how fungi regulate their morphology. The cell wall is an attractive therapeutic target since mammalian cells lack this structure, and it provides the fungal cells with mechanical force to withstand the changing environment inside the host. This research program will provide key insight into fungal cell biology, leading to the development of effective strategies to treat invasive mycoses.\\

The Vargas-Muñiz Lab is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the academic workforce. We firmly believe that diversity improves the quality of research and education, making academia stronger. Each individual’s unique background contributes a distinct perspective to address complex scientific problems. In agreement with our ideals, we welcome inquiring minds regardless of their race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veteran status, military obligation, marital status, and physical, mental or sensory disability.

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