how to get phd in biology

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We welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. To qualify for admission, applicants must demonstrate strong enthusiasm and ability for the vigorous pursuit of scientific knowledge. Minimal requirements include a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate preparation in the sciences. Strong consideration is given to letters of recommendation, particularly to comments from individuals who have firsthand knowledge of your research experience. We do not require GRE scores and we do not use numerical cutoffs (e.g., GPA). We conduct in-person interviews as part of our application process and invitations for interviews are usually sent out mid-December. Please contact Danny Gonzalez for all admissions-related questions.  2024 Interview Weekends 1st Interview Weekend January 25 - 28, 2024 Interviews conducted on Friday, January 26 2nd Interview Weekend February 8 - 11, 2024 Interviews conducted on Friday, February 9, 2024 Please contact Anne O'Shea for all Interview Weekend questions.  

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Dd586e0466fc829cc7510132490c963b, program selection.

Students apply to a program and once admitted, perform lab rotations during their first year in order to select a dissertation advisor. Students do not need to secure a dissertation advisor prior to applying.

Most applicants apply to one program, and we strongly recommend this targeted approach. While prospective students are encouraged to carefully choose the program that best fits their academic goals, interested applicants may apply to up to three HILS programs and pay only one application fee. If you elect to apply to three programs, only two may be programs in the Department of Medical Sciences. Each application must be unique, containing a tailored statement of purpose and separate recommendations.  *Please note that an individual may submit up to three applications during the course of their academic career to the Harvard Kenneth C Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences of which we are a member. Applications to  HILS affiliated programs  count toward the limit of three. The submission of additional applications may result in the withdrawal of the application.

How to Apply

A complete application consists of:.

• Online application form
• Application fee payment ($105)
• Transcripts uploaded to the application
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Personal Statement
• Demonstration of English proficiency, where required

Areas of Interest

BBS applicants must complete the "Areas of Interest" form on the online application.

Application Fees & Deadline

The cost to apply online is $105.00 U.S. (subject to change). The online application fee must be paid by credit card, no other form of payment is accepted. Your application will not be processed unless payment is submitted and received.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

We do not accept GRE scores.

Demonstrate English Proficiency, Where Required

Adequate command of spoken and written English is essential to success in graduate study at Harvard. Applicants who are non-native English speakers and who received their undergraduate degree from an academic institution where English is not the primary language of instruction must prove their English proficiency by earning either a minimum score of 100 on the Internet based test (iBT) of the  Test of English as a Foreign Language  (TOEFL) or a minimum score of 7.0  on the  International English Language Testing System  (IELTS) Academic test. Applicants who took tests prior to January 5, 2022 must retake them. No test other than the iBT TOEFL or the IELTS Academic will be accepted as proof of English proficiency; a master’s degree is not accepted as proof of English proficiency.

For those students planning to submit TOEFL scores, please arrange to have an official score report sent to the Harvard Kenneth C Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences using code 3451 . If you have a copy of your Score Confirmation Report, you can upload it to your online application for consideration by the admissions committee. However, you will still need to ensure that  Educational Testing Service  sends an official score report.

For those students planning to submit IELTS scores, please note that we will only accept official IELTS Academic scores submitted electronically by the IELTS test center via the E-Delivery service. Scores from the IELTS General Training module are not accepted. At the time of test-taking, please specify Harvard Kenneth C Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences as a score recipient. We do not accept IELTS paper Test Report Forms nor do we verify Test Report Forms (TRFs).

Applicants unable to take the TOEFL IBT, IELTS, or IELTS indicator exams may apply without these scores, and if programs recommend these applicants for admission, their admission will be provisional until they provide scores from one of the accepted tests that demonstrate the required level of English proficiency.

Financial Aid 

Applicants to the Division of Medical Sciences should NOT­ complete the Statement of Financial Resources for Graduate Study. DMS students receive full tuition and stipend support while they are enrolled.

Letters of Recommendation 

We do not accept any paper letters of recommendation. Be sure to register your recommenders’ information in your application, as all recommendation letters must be submitted online.  Paper letters of recommendation will NOT be included as part of your application.

Statement of Purpose

For your statement of purpose, please describe your reasons and motivations for pursuing a graduate degree in BBS, noting the experiences that shaped your research ambitions, indicating briefly your career objectives, and concisely stating your past work in your intended field of study and in related fields. Your statement should not exceed 1,000 words. As part of your statement of purpose, please also include a description of your research accomplishments or current projects. In the event that undergraduate research opportunities were not available to you, describe other science projects, reading projects, etc., that you undertook.

Fee Waivers Available

We are committed to ensuring that our application fee does not create a financial obstacle for prospective applicants. Application fee waivers are available to those for whom payment of the application fee would be financially challenging. A fee waiver can be requested in the "Applicant Fee" section of the application.  The application will be able to evaluate your answers in real time and provide you with confirmation or denial of a fee waiver prior to submitting your application.

Application Contacts

Application questions : Please refer to the Harvard Griffin GSAS Admissions website , call 617-496-6100 (please call between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday), or contact  [email protected] . 

Degree program questions : If you have questions about the BBS Program, please reach out to Danny Gonzalez at [email protected] .

To speak with a staff member from the  Office of Diversity and Minority Affairs , please contact  [email protected]  or 617- 495-5315.

COVID-19 and other extenuating circumstances

We realize that the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, recent natural disasters, and other extenuating circumstances may have significant impacts on applicants’ academic and personal lives, including the ability to provide all required application materials prior to our stated deadlines. We understand that these impacts may extend to recommenders and offices at institutions previously attended.

If any of these conditions apply to you, we encourage you to apply, even if required materials are missing. Our application form includes a section for you to let us know about any of your materials that may be unavailable or delayed. This information will be shared with the appropriate admissions committee and your admissions decision will be based on the materials available at the time of review. Please note that even though the online application system may indicate that your application is incomplete, it will still be reviewed by the appropriate admissions committee. If you are able to gather missing materials after the admissions deadline, you will find that our application system does not allow applicants to attach new materials to an application once it has been submitted; please contact the Harvard Griffin GSAS Office of Admissions at  [email protected]  for assistance. Any materials that become available before the admissions committee has finished deliberating will be passed along for consideration. If your application is incomplete and you are denied admission, GSAS will not count it toward our lifetime limit of three total applications that an individual may submit.

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About the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program

In the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program, faculty, and students work together to increase knowledge of the biochemical and molecular bases of normal and abnormal cellular processes. Our program trains students to be successful independent scientists and gives them the knowledge, research training, and leadership skills to continue to provide new insights into the biomedical issues that have a profound impact on public health.

Students engage in a rigorous course curriculum and a range of structured and informal activities outside the classroom and lab to build their skills. They will pursue their thesis research in the lab of one of our over forty training faculty across the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Visit our dedicated PhD program website to learn more about the diverse research training opportunities of the program.

PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program Highlights

Our position within the School of Public Health provides a unique setting in which students learn how biochemistry, molecular biology, physical chemistry, cell biology, and genetics can be used to solve significant problems in public health and medicine. Our program offers:

• Training faculty from across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine
• A strong grounding in the science of biomedical and public health research through a core curriculum that includes courses taught by leading experts from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine
• Training outside the lab and classroom in key skills such as communications and leadership
• Opportunities to build strong communications skills through a range of speaking venues including journal club, research colloquium, department retreats, and national meetings
• Access to the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Professional Development and Career Office , offering excellent career services and professional development,  including the BMB-required OPTIONS program, a guided process of career exploration for paths from medicine to biotech to academia and beyond for careers paths from medicine to biotech to academia and beyond
• Opportunities to participate in community service and outreach, with a focus on our East Baltimore neighborhoods, through the Johns Hopkins University community engagement and service-learning center, SOURCE

Training faculty across the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine

Schools that students can take courses in: Public Health, Arts & Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering

Two-month rotations in the first year prior to selecting thesis lab

Average number of incoming students in the BMB PhD degree program each year

What Can You Do With a PhD In Biochemistry And Molecular Biology?

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD program prepares students for a range of biomedical and health sciences careers, including in academia, industry, policy, and beyond. Visit the Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Research Scientist
• Science Policy Adviser
• Biotech Executive
• Senior Scientist
• Patent Lawyer
• Science Policy Analyst/Advocate
• Science Writer/Journalist
• Biological Sciences Teacher

Topic Areas

The BMB PhD program faculty conduct research to gain new insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal cellular processes, and their relevance as targets for improving health and treating disease. Our training program places particular emphasis on mechanistic approaches to research problems.

Common topic areas within our faculty's diverse research interests include:

• Biophysics and Structural Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Chemical Biology and Proteomics
• Cell Biology
• Cellular Stress and Cell Signaling
• Genetics, Genomics, and Gene Regulation
• Immunology and Infectious Diseases
• Translational Research

Curriculum for the PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The BMB PhD offers students a rigorous course curriculum, including a set of common core classes from the Schools of Public Health and Medicine. A rich array of seminar programs and journal clubs are also available to all students.

Browse an overview of the requirements for this PhD program in the JHU  Academic Catalogue  and explore all course offerings in the Bloomberg School  Course Directory .

Courses in core curriculum

Minimum elective credits

Seminars on current research presented by experts from across Johns Hopkins and other biomedical research institutions

Courses available across Johns Hopkins Schools of Public Health, Medicine, and Arts and Sciences

Admissions Requirements

For the general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page. The specific program also requires:

Prior Work Experience

Laboratory research experience (from academia, industry, etc.) is required

Prior Coursework

Strong background in the sciences, particularly in chemistry, biochemistry, or biology

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores (GRE) are optional for this program. The admissions committee will make no assumptions if a standardized test score is omitted from an application, but will require evidence of quantitative/analytical ability through other application components such as academic transcripts and/or supplemental questions.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all application components.

Program Faculty Spotlight

Ashani T. Weeraratna

Ashi Weeraratna, PhD, studies how cancer cells move to distant sites and how changes in the normal cells around a tumor contribute to their movement, especially as we age.

Michael J. Matunis

Michael Matunis, PhD, studies how protein modification by SUMO—the small ubiquitin-related modifier—drives changes in key cellular pathways from stress response to DNA repair.

Jennifer M. Kavran

Jennifer Kavran, PhD, MS, MPhil, is a biophysicist who investigates how cells communicate with each other and their environment.

Danfeng Cai

Danfeng Cai, PhD, combines advanced microscopy, genomics, and proteomics to tease out the functions of protein condensates in cells, with a focus on cancer.

Vivien Thomas PhD Scholars

The  Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI)  is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically Black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, you will need to submit a SOPHAS application, VTSI supplementary materials, and all supporting documents (letters, transcripts, and test scores) by December 1 , 202 3 . VTSI applicants are eligible for an application fee waiver , but the fee waiver must be requested by November 15, 202 3 and prior to submission of the SOPHAS application.

All full-time PhD students receive the following support for all years of the program: full tuition and fees, individual health insurance, University Health Services fee, vision insurance, dental insurance, and a stipend for living expenses for students who remain in good academic standing. PhD students are required to serve as a teaching assistant for at least one term, in either their 2nd or 3rd year.

Need-Based Relocation Grants Students who  are admitted to PhD programs at JHU starting in Fall 2023 or beyond can apply to receive a $1500 need-based grant to offset the costs of relocating to be able to attend JHU.   These grants provide funding to a portion of incoming students who, without this money, may otherwise not be able to afford to relocate to JHU for their PhD program. This is not a merit-based grant. Applications will be evaluated solely based on financial need.  View more information about the need-based relocation grants for PhD students .

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Mike Matunis, PhD PhD Program Director

Roza Selimyan , PhD BMB Executive Director for Academic Affairs and Education Programs

Erika Vaitekunas Administrative Specialist

[email protected]

Compare Programs

• Check out similar programs at the Bloomberg School to find the best fit.
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• Master of Health Science (MHS), Offered by BMB
• Master of Health Science (MHS), Offered by MMI
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Offered by MMI
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• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Health

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Doctoral degree requirements, general philosophy of the ph.d.  program.

Biology is the most diverse of all the disciplines in the natural sciences. Consequently, the allied fields to which the various subdisciplines in Biology share natural affinities differ. For example, molecular biology makes connections with physical chemistry, biomechanics with engineering and physics, and ecology and evolutionary biology with statistics, mathematics, geology, and atmospheric sciences. The goal of the Biology Doctoral Program is to train young scientists who:

• excel at research and teaching in their own subdisciplines;
• demonstrate competence in fields allied to their subdisciplines; and
• display a breadth of knowledge in Biology as a whole. 

Trajectory through the program

• At the beginning of your Ph.D.: you will be assigned a temporary advisor (typically the sponsor of your admission).
• Before registering for the first semester: discuss with your advisor which courses you should take. As a first-year student, you are encouraged to interact with other faculty in your research area to ask them about courses you should take before the preliminary exam—these faculty may very well become members of your Ph.D. committee.

The philosophy of the department is that you need not spend a great deal of time in coursework.  You should take only the courses that fill gaps in areas that will be needed in your research, and spend most of your time starting your research.

• During the first three semesters: take up to three tutorials with different faculty members in the department. The tutorial requirement is waived as soon as you declare an advisor. Tutorials may involve laboratory work, directed reading in the primary literature, greenhouse or field studies, mathematical or computer modeling, or any other activity that would assist you in identifying a suitable dissertation topic. Other goals of the tutorials are to expose students to the diversity of faculty research interests in their specialty and to help them to identify an appropriate advisor and dissertation committee. 
• By the end of the 3 rd semester, you must choose an advisor and the advisor must convene an initial meeting of the dissertation committee. Dissertation committees will consist of at least four faculty members, one of which will represent your minor (see below). The goals of the initial meeting are to assess the novelty and feasibility of your proposed dissertation topic, to ascertain whether you need to take any additional courses to demonstrate preparedness for the preliminary exam, and to decide the format of the written dissertation proposal (see below).  If you fail to meet with your committee before the end of the 3rd semester, the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) will notify you in writing, and will discuss with you and your advisor ways to resolve any difficulties. 
• Preferably by the end of the 4 th semester, but certainly by the end of the 6 th semester, you must pass an oral preliminary examination to establish candidacy for the Ph.D. One week prior to the exam, you must present a written essay describing your proposed dissertation research to your committee. The exam itself will cover the specific research areas addressed in your proposal, but will also test your depth of knowledge in your area of specialty and your breadth of knowledge in Biology as a whole.
• When the dissertation research is completed, you will present the written dissertation to your committee two weeks prior to the dissertation defense (the dissertation also has to be submitted to the Grad School two weeks before the defense). You are also required to present your results in a seminar. You are expected to complete the degree requirements as soon as possible, but students making progress toward their degree will be considered to be in good standing through the 12 th semester. 

You are required to declare a minor at the time of the initial meeting with your dissertation committee. At least one member of the dissertation committee must represent the minor field, and will be charged with assessing your knowledge in the minor during the preliminary exam.  The goal of the minor is to ensure that you acquire a breadth of knowledge beyond your immediate specialty, either in a different area of Biology or in an allied field. Dissertation committees have the freedom to determine the specific nature of the minor, to tailor it to your needs, but minors are subject to approval by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Affairs Committee.

The minor may:

• lie entirely outside Biology (e.g., Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Atmospheric Sciences, Geology);
• require the student to acquire knowledge about a group of organisms that differs from those on which the student’s dissertation research focuses; or
• represent a biological subdiscipline that is distinct from the student’s own subdiscipline.  For example, a student whose advisor is in the Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology sub-department might choose Developmental, Cellular, and Molecular Biology (DCMB) as a minor, with appropriate representation by a DCMB faculty member on the preliminary exam and dissertation committees. A student in ecology might choose evolutionary biology as a minor.

Scholarly productivity

To become recognized as independent scientists and to have an impact on their fields, graduate students must communicate their findings to their colleagues. Therefore, all students are strongly encouraged to begin submitting the results of their research to refereed journals as soon as possible (ideally well before the dissertation is completed). In order to give their committee members an opportunity to comment on them, manuscripts that are intended to be included in the dissertation will be given to all committee members at least two weeks prior to submission. You should submit copies of papers accepted for publication to the Director of Graduate Studies, to be included your file. 

You will be required to serve as a teaching assistant for two semesters. Teaching is not simply a mechanism to provide financial support to graduate students. Rather, it is an integral part of your professional development as both an educator and a researcher.

Annual evaluation of student progress

• After your 1 st year you will meet with your committee annually.
• In your 2 nd year, your first committee meeting serves as the annual committee meeting.
• In your 3 rd year, your Preliminary Exam will serve this purpose if you take it in the Fall.

You MUST have an annual progress meeting with your committee each Fall, UNLESS:

• you are in your 1 st or 2 nd year;
• you are in your 3 rd year and are taking your prelim this Fall (not Spring, and not in your 2 nd year); or
• you are defending your dissertation this year.
• Prior to November 15, you are expected to present to your committee a written report on the progress made over the previous year, and on any difficulties encountered, as well as a plan for completing the dissertation.
• Before the end of the final exam period in December, your advisor will then convene a meeting of the committee to discuss the progress report with you.
• By January 1, your advisor must send a letter to the Director of Graduate Studies summarizing this discussion, providing the committee’s evaluation of your progress, and recommending whether you should receive continued financial support from the department. The progress report you submitted to your committee should be attached to this letter. All faculty members not on your committee will also be able to submit to the Director of Graduate Studies any written commentary on the student’s performance (e.g., as a student or teaching assistant in a course taught by that faculty member).  
• After January 1, the Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the Graduate Affairs Committee as needed, will review the written materials to determine whether you shall be granted departmental support for the following academic year. You will receive a letter from the DGS if any remedial measures need to be taken. Your written progress report, your advisor’s letter to the DGS, any letters from faculty not on your committee, and any letters from the DGS will be placed in your folder as a record of your annual progress and evaluation. 

Committee Meetings, Exams, and Defenses during Summer

Scheduling committee meetings, preliminary exams, and dissertation defenses during the summer is strongly discouraged, because faculty members typically have research or other travel plans that must take precedence during this time. Summer meetings, exams, and defenses can only be scheduled by agreement of all members of the committee. In accordance with Graduate School regulations, such meetings can only be held while the summer semester is actually in session, and the student must be registered for the summer semester.

Note: A downloadable version of the information above is available:

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PhD in Biology

The PhD program in Biology is a research-intensive program that also has a strong focus on teaching, designed to produce top scientists and educators with a broad base of knowledge to tackle the most important biological problems of today. This is accomplished through research training, graduate-level courses, seminars, and teaching experience. Entering students are assigned an advisory committee of three faculty members who work with the student to plan a suitable program based on the student's experience and interests.

PhD students in Biology receive full tuition support for six years, a competitive stipend, health coverage, and receive extensive training in pedagogy, outreach, and communication that prepares them for careers in academia, biotechnology, education, and policy. Students are required to serve as teaching assistants for at least two semesters. Most students complete the requirement for teaching experience in the first year by assisting in the introductory undergraduate biology courses for two semesters.

During the first year, students become familiar with research opportunities in the department by doing short research rotations with various faculty members. This experience in expected to lead to the selection of a research focus for the PhD thesis, and it also sets the stage for cross-disciplinary approaches to the thesis topic that is pursued.

First- and second-year students usually take some graduate courses that are selected in consultation with the advisory committee, in addition to one required course: either Biology 243: Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology; Biology 244: Topics in Evolutionary Ecology; or Biology 246: Topics in Physiology and Animal Behavior.

The department faculty are educators as well as researchers, and the graduate students benefit from this expertise. Graduate students serving as teaching assistants have the opportunity to take a course on teaching and pedagogy to improve their skills, or to become involved with upper level courses in their area of expertise. In addition, we offer a one-month summer program for PhD students interested in contributing to course design and honing their teaching skills via GIFT, the Graduate Institute For Teaching .

Research Concentrations

Browse the six concentration areas below for recommended programs of study and relevant courses:

• Biology Education Research
• Ecology, Behavior and Evolution
• Global Change Biology
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Physiology, Neurobiology and Animal Behavior

Graduate credit for a course requires a grade of B- (B minus) or better. A list of biology department undergraduate and graduate courses can be found by selecting the Courses button from the top bar.

Throughout the year, graduate students benefit from a variety of seminars on current research that are presented by faculty, fellow graduate students, and invited speakers.

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Biology, PhD

The Biology Graduate Program represents many areas of biology, and interactions with a diverse group of colleagues provide opportunities to broaden every student’s thinking and make connections between different fields and scientific approaches. Areas of research include microbiology, cell biology, development, physiology, neuroscience, animal behavior, plant biology, genetics, computational biology, evolution, ecology and biodiversity. 

Each entering graduate student has the freedom to pursue topics ranging from the behavior of molecules to that of cells, organisms, genomes, and ecosystems. We encourage students to get broad exposure through lab rotations with any faculty member in the Biology Graduate Group. As students focus on more specific research interests, they tailor their graduate education accordingly, choosing courses from different departments and schools at Penn as appropriate.

Students complete most of their course work and lab rotations in the first year and then start their thesis research in the second year while completing their teaching requirement and preparing for their candidacy exams.  Students are then fully focused on thesis research by the end of the second year.  Students still have the option of taking additional courses in advanced years in order to enhance their graduate research.

For more information: http://www.bio.upenn.edu/graduate/

View the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs .

Required Courses

The total course units for graduation in this program is 13.5.

See the website for a list of electives:  http://www.bio.upenn.edu/graduate/handbook/academic-topics/course-requirements

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2024 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

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PhD Program in Biology

Our graduate program provides students of diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to intensely engage in research in the biological sciences and contribute to the broader scientific community.

Average time to degree: 5.3 years

Percentage of graduates in post-doctoral or permanent positions: 94%

Average publications after completion of program: 3.8 per person

PhD Program

The Department of Biology introduces graduate students to diverse fields of biological science, and provides them with expert guidance to excel in research. The department is invested in training students to become excellent scientists, researchers, science communicators, and instructors. We are a diverse and global community, committed to expanding scientific career opportunities to all. Some of our graduates become academics, whereas others find careers in government, private industry, public policy, or elsewhere (see where recent graduates are now). The ability to communicate ideas and research results clearly and convincingly is key to success in any career.

Experience Biology at Georgetown University

Professors and current students share their perspective of Georgetown’s cutting edge biology graduate program.

Potential applicants are urged to identify and contact potential research mentors directly before applying. Please refer to the research page and the list of faculty interested in accepting students . Not all laboratories will have open positions available for a new graduate student in a given year.

Financial Assistance for PhD Students

    students who are accepted into the phd program in biology are guaranteed a minimum of five years of full funding. this funding includes:.

Stipend The stipend for PhD students in Biology is set by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Georgetown University and the Georgetown Alliance of Graduate Employees ( GAGE ). The current stipend rate is $36,934 for the year. The stipend is paid on a 12-month contract, typically in 26 biweekly pay checks.

Tuition Waiver The Graduate school of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) provides full tuition waivers for all PhD students for the duration of the PhD program.

Health Insurance Health insurance is required. The GSAS provides free student health insurance to all students. The insurance covers doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. Students may waive this benefit if they prefer a different plan through parents or a spouse.

Dental Insurance The GSAS provides free dental insurance to all students. The insurance covers routine dental care, such as cleanings and exams.

Yates Athletic Facility All students are eligible to use the Yates athletic facility for free. The facility has a gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes.

Parental Leave Graduate student workers are guaranteed six weeks of paid parental leave. This leave can be used to bond with a new child or to care for a sick child.

Medical Leave Graduate student workers are guaranteed six weeks of paid medical leave. This leave can be used to recover from a medical condition or to care for a sick family member.

To learn more about financial assistance for PhD students, please visit the Graduate Funding page. You can read more about what it means to do a PhD in a union-protected graduate program  here

Student Quotes

“Until you start your journey in grad school you might not know what you are missing out on. Other than the course work, grad school has been instrumental in  inculcating important life values and skills such as confidence, time management, survival, and holding personal and professional relationships in higher esteem. ”

“Studying at Georgetown has enabled me to be a lot more confident in my ability to ask questions and chart my own path in scientific research. My advisor and mentors here at Georgetown have been top quality in terms of both academic and personal support”

“Georgetown is a place with an environment conducive to learning and professional growth for prospective scientists working towards their graduate degrees and beyond. In this program, I found mentorship and training that foster the critical thinking required to answer the questions I am interested in. I found the multidisciplinary nature of the graduate student body to be engaging and supportive from the beginning of my journey.”

“The breadth of research that goes on in the Bio department really facilitates a broad understanding of biology from the life of single cells to the life of much larger organisms. It really is something unique that you don’t get at other more specific departments and has really helped me think outside of the box with my own work.”

Graduate Research Opportunities

Learn about the research programs that the department of Biology offers and find out which programs are recruiting graduate students.

Graduate Teaching Opportunities

Find out about the many opportunities that are offered to graduate students to develop teaching and mentoring skills.

Graduate Funding Opportunities

Learn about stipend funding and the additional funds from the GU Graduate School offered to help support graduate dissertation research or travel to meetings.

• Doing a PhD in Biology

A PhD in Biological Sciences aims to train researchers on the evolution and sustainable use of biological diversity, as well as training for their future incorporation in universities, research institutions and management centres, both private and public administration.

A PhD in Biology usually focuses on the study of living things, their nature, origin, evolution and interactions with each other and their environment. It may also involve the study of plant and animal behaviour, structure, function and relationships to each other and the environment.

Browse available Biology PhD Projects

A next-generation genetic technology to identify biotechnologically-valuable enzymes and transporters, development of fluorescent organic molecules for application in super-resolution imaging techniques, ubiquitin-dependent signalling pathways in ageing, speciation in facultatively sexual species, energy dissipation in human soft tissue during impacts, what is it like to undertake a phd in biology.

As a Biological Sciences PhD student, your day to day activities will revolve around:

• Generating new scientific and technical knowledge in the Biological Sciences through original work. They will be able to handle and apply methodologies to solve research problems in the different areas of biological knowledge, with particular emphasis on the fields of biodiversity and molecular biology.
• Developing new technologies to solve problems, detect needs and opportunities inherent to their area of research. In particular, know and use contemporary statistical approaches.
• Formulating, managing and leading research projects, working in teams and interdisciplinary networks. As a result, they will be able to devise and implement working hypotheses, describe and interpret experimental results and critically analyse the findings presented in scientific publications.
• Managing new information and communication technologies that allow you to efficiently disseminate research and results in specialised journals, specialised circles and the social community to participate satisfactorily in higher and postgraduate education through the experience acquired in the academic activities of your doctorate.
• Advising undergraduate and postgraduate students on your research work.

Research Areas

One of the most significant factors in choosing a PhD project is what your supervisor is interested/expert in. Not every aspect of biology will suit every supervisor: however, there are many ways this can be decided. The largest factor in determining what area to research can be down to your supervisor’s previous interests and his/her research background.

You may also look at research areas based on job opportunities in the future or other practical applications for your findings, such as developing new drugs, vaccines, treatments etc. But these decisions will all depend on whether you are happy with the type of work that your supervisor wants you to do and, more important, whether it’s a research interest your passionate about.

As a biological sciences doctorate examines biological processes at interdisciplinary levels and encompasses various disciplines ranging from organisms to genes to evolution, there are many sub-disciplines that PhD research projects could centre around. Some of these include:

• Bioinformatics ,
• Cell biology,
• Evolutionary biology,
• Molecular biology,
• Molecular microbiology etc.

Entry Requirements and Application Process

A PhD in biology requires a good knowledge of mathematics, statistics and biology. Besides independent research, a PhD will entail advanced training in biology and developing skills in analytical thinking.

The typical entry requirements for a PhD in biology is a strong Masters degree (minimum of 2:1) in a relevant field of study. For example:

• BSc (Hons) in Biology, Genetics, Zoology, Biochemistry etc.
• BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science or Marine Biology.
• BVMS/BVM&S/BSc(Hons) Veterinary Science.
• LLB Law Degree with significant subject knowledge of biology.

If you are an international student, you may need to demonstrate your proficiency and knowledge in the English language. This is done through the English language requirements of an IELTS/TOEFL score or a recognised English proficiency test.

Typical Applicant Profile

To be admitted into a PhD programme, applicants will be expected to demonstrate:

• Ability for critical and reflective thinking that leads to the posing of problems and their resolution with impact in the area of ​​health sciences.
• Ability to train human resources in the area of ​​genomic medicine.
• Competence in research, teaching, extension and outreach activities.
• Attitude and aptitude to form multidisciplinary workgroups.
• Leadership for the consolidation of research lines.
• Management and handling of financial resources for research.
• The observance of professional ethical guidelines that contribute to sustainable development.

Average Length of Programme

The duration of a PhD can be up to five years, depending on which university you attend, the funding provided by the university (if any) and your own commitment to finishing it. The minimum time to undertake a PhD depends on the degree you are studying for, however, four years is usually the norm.

What Can You Do with A PhD in Biology?

A PhD in biology allows postgraduate research students to pursue a wide range of careers, primarily due to many transferable skills developed and the range of training received. Students can work in academia, which involves lecturing, laboratory research and academic publication. Lab research positions typically involve working in a team to study living organisms/bio-systems and applying this knowledge to answer specific questions.

Other career paths you could pursue are becoming a microbiologist, pharmacologist, biochemist, biotechnologist, biologist or medical research scientist.

Tuition Fees

On average, tuition fees for a PhD in a biological subject cost approximately £3,000 per year for UK students. International students will pay more in the range of £10,000 to £20,000 depending on their chosen university. Your tuition fees will vary depending on whether you are studying part-time or full-time and as to how much lab work is involved.

Funding Opportunities

The majority of PhD funding will come from the Department/University in the form of PhD studentships. However, depending on your research activity, some funding may also be available from other sources, such as:

• Postgraduate study programmes funded by charities and academic foundations.
• Applying for grants from various government organisations such as the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council ( BBSRC ), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). These are usually known as Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs).
• Applying for funding opportunities offered by large companies, pharmaceutical companies, research bodies and medical bodies.

If you are successful with securing funding, you could expect to receive around £17-19k per year for your project’s duration. This covers both your tuition fees and your living expenses, such as accommodation costs, utility bills etc. Deadlines for funding will depend on the specific opportunity; therefore, it is best to start your search as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of succeeding.

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Phd program.

Graduate students in the Department of Biology at the University of Washington receive a commitment from the entire department to support their education and research.  In addition to providing five years of assistantships, we support our many of our students through endowed departmental grants for research and travel.  Our students make excellent use of the many opportunities available to them, as evidenced by the extraordinary number of fellowships and awards received, the successful publication of high impact papers, and their regular contributions at national and international meetings.  Our students receive additional training by participating in departmental governance, curriculum development, faculty recruitment and other activities. Together these factors combine to promote an unusual degree of professionalism and community spirit.

Member of the Team

By joining the Biology Department at the University of Washington, you will become a part of a world-class research institution.  Here, graduate students are treated as colleagues by a committed faculty who work to mentor students, to provide opportunities to develop research interests, to network both on and off campus, and to publish and present their own research.

You will find a collaborative environment at the University of Washington, with faculty engaging in research with the lab next door, researchers across campus, and teams halfway across the world.  Our graduate students are encouraged to collaborate similarly, seeking additional mentors and colleagues throughout the world who compliment their research interests.

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Doctor of Philosophy

Advance Your Understanding of Biological Science through Research

Discover new ways to think about cancer, neuroscience, or virology as you prepare for a career in academia, biotechnology, health care, or government.

From analyzing molecules to examining the intricacies of the brain, the PhD in Biology curriculum at UAlbany is an experimental and theoretical research-focused program.

You will learn from distinguished faculty mentors while taking advantage of close collaborations with principal investigators, exceptional teaching opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and career connections for entrepreneurship and partnerships across disciplines.

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• Biological Sciences Home

The doctoral program in biology at UAlbany has a Molecular, Cellular, Developmental and Neural Biology (MCDN) concentration

The MCDN concentration focuses on research concepts like cell-cell signaling, the regulation of bacterial gene expression, RNA folding, cancer drug discovery and brain function.

You will be encouraged to apply for fellowships, contribute to major scientific studies, and present your findings at conferences and symposiums. You will also have the opportunity to teach for at least two semesters with support to help develop your communication and presentation skills.  

Additional Information

For more information about the PhD program in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental and Neural Biology, contact Cheryl Andam at [email protected] , Chair of Admissions or Dr. Melinda Larsen at [email protected] , Director of Graduate Programs.

See the Graduate Bulletin for details .

Note : Admissions to the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology concentration for the PhD Biology program have been suspended effective August 2020.

Sample core courses:

• Cell Biology I and Cell Biology II
• Biochemistry and Biomolecular Structure 
• Advanced Molecular Biology

Demonstrated proficiency in one research tool can be fulfilled by the first-year Biochemistry course.

At least two semesters during your graduate tenure.

Representing a significant and original contribution to knowledge in your field of specialization.

The main component of your PhD in Biology program studies will be research-based. With access to our collaborative Life Sciences open laboratories as well as to institutions in the region, such as the Wadsworth Center and the New York State Department of Health, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to conduct your research.

You will have a strong mentoring relationship with our faculty enabling you to engage on all aspects of scientific investigation from discovery to effective data dissemination.  Biological Sciences Faculty Research Interests

With a PhD in Biology you will have the credentials to pursue career opportunities for conducting research and development in private companies, applying your expertise and skills in government agencies or sharing your knowledge through teaching positions or journalism. Possible career titles include: Professor, Life Scientist, Microbiologist, Environmental Scientist, Teacher, Science Writer, Biotechnology Research Scientist.

“Both the faculty and the students of the MCDN PhD program have become like a second family to me throughout this journey. I am truly amazed at how much I have grown both professionally and personally with their support over the years. Through extensive collaborations and interdisciplinary research within the department, I have matured into a stronger scientist. The program empowered me to be independent and explore diverse career options, which landed me an industry internship that turned into a research position at a leading pharmaceutical company."

- Cathleen Schiraldi

International Students

This degree is designated as a STEM program. International students maintaining F-1 status are allowed to apply for up to 12 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) following completion/graduation from their degree program. Currently, this degree program is also designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as an eligible degree for the F-1 STEM OPT work authorization extension; students who secure qualifying employment may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension for a cumulative total of up to 36 months of F-1 OPT work authorization.

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

• Fall: January 15
• Spring: October 1
• Summer: Not Available

  No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

• Fall: June 15
• Spring: December 1
• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Three letters of recommendation from professors in biological sciences, with at least one addressing research aptitude and experience
• Statement of goals

The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals. Be sure to include mention of professors in the Department of Biological Science that you would consider as mentors for your thesis work.

The GRE is NOT required.

Available information for  International Applicants .

The GRE is NOT required

Late applications will be considered until all departmental assistantships have been filled.

A TOEFL minimum score of 600 (paper) or 100 (internet based) is required to receive a teaching assistantship.

A C1 ranking from EF (Education First) which can be fulfilled with an alternative test:

• PTE score of 70
• Duolingo score of 120 (for tests taken after July 15, 2019).

The Duolingo English Test can be taken online in 1 hour or less and results are available in less than two days.

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

• Obtain general knowledge of representative fields in biology such as molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology, and neurobiology, with a detailed knowledge of one or more areas of interest.
• Read and understand primary scientific literature to keep abreast of major developments and to synthesize and integrate the literature in their chosen area of expertise.
• Integrate factual knowledge and problem-solving skills.
• Recognize a significant scientific problem and propose experiments that would make a significant contribution to its solution.
• Designing experimental protocols and conducting self-directed research to contribute to the solution on an important scientific problem.
• Demonstrate oral and visual communication skills.
• Demonstrate written communication skills.
• Understand scientific ethics as practiced in Western societies, including the topics of human subjects, animal use in research, and plagiarism.

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.

Visit the Supplemental Degree Programs page to learn how to apply for these programs.

Supplemental programs available with this degree:

Supplemental Program Africana Studies CGS Biology MS Community College Leadership CGS Demography CGS International Education Management CGS

Boston University Academics

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• PhD in Biology

The goal of the Biology Department is to train students at the highest level in one of three broad subfields within modern biology: Cell & Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, and Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology. Upon completion of the PhD, students should be prepared for postgraduate training and to eventually assume teaching and/or research positions in academia, industry, government, or nonprofit agencies. The PhD is a research degree and normally necessitates at least five years of academic study, including summer work.

Applicants to the PhD program must have completed a bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field. We favor applicants with both strong academic records and a demonstrated aptitude for research.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate academic mastery in one of three areas of Biology: Ecology, Behavior & Evolution; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.
• Attain research expertise, including grant writing experience, and complete original research that advances a specific field of study within one of three broad subject areas represented in the department: Ecology, Behavior & Evolution; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.
• Attain teaching experience and expertise in one of three broad areas of Biology: Ecology, Behavior & Evolution; Neurobiology; or Cellular & Molecular Biology.
• Attain the skills and qualifications needed for employment in an academic, government, or private sector position related to the life sciences.

Course Requirements

Students must complete 64 credits with a minimum grade point average of 3.0; at least 32 of these credits must be accrued from lecture, laboratory, or seminar courses. Students with prior graduate work may be able to transfer course credits. See the GRS Transfer of Credits policy for more details.

• 2 semesters of Progress in Research Seminars (1–2 credits each, select from CAS BI 583, BI 584, BI 579, BI 580, GRS NE 500, NE 501)
• 1 semester grant-writing course (2 credits, usually GRS BI 671 or CAS BI 581)
• 1 semester pedagogy course (1 credit, BI 697)
• 1 quantitative course (3–4 credits, selected from a list of courses)
• Additional courses vary by specific track and student interests

Cell & Molecular Biology

• GRS BI 735 Advanced Cell Biology
• GRS BI 753 Advanced Molecular Biology
• GRS MB 721 Graduate Biochemistry
• Three electives
• Research credits

Neurobiology

• GRS BI 755 Cellular and Systems Neuroscience
• GRS BI 756 Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience or BI 741 Neural Systems: Functional Circuit Analysis
• Four electives

Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology

• Six electives

Language Requirement

There is no foreign language requirement for this degree.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination must be completed no later than six semesters after matriculation. In most graduate curricula in the department, this consists of a research proposal—often in the form of a grant application—which the student submits to their committee and subsequently defends in an oral presentation. In the Cell & Molecular Biology and Ecology, Behavior, Evolution & Marine Biology curricula, this is preceded by a comprehensive written examination testing the student’s general background from coursework.

Dissertation and Final Oral Examination

Candidates shall demonstrate their abilities for independent study in a dissertation representing original research or creative scholarship. A prospectus for the dissertation must be completed and approved by the readers, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Biology Department Chair. Candidates must undergo a final oral examination in which they defend their dissertation as a valuable contribution to knowledge in their field and demonstrate a mastery of their field of specialization in relation to their dissertation. All portions of the dissertation and final oral examination must be completed as outlined in the GRS General Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree . The results of the dissertation must be presented at a department colloquium.

Teaching Requirement

The department requires a minimum of two semesters of teaching as part of the Doctor of Philosophy program. During the first semester of teaching, students are required to enroll in our first-year seminar course, GRS BI 697 A Bridge to Knowledge. The course provides guidance and training on pedagogy and other aspects of graduate school.

MS for PhD Students (Two Options)

Option one: A PhD student who has advanced to candidacy (as demonstrated by passing the PhD qualifying exam) and has completed 32 credits of graduate-level coursework (not including research) may apply to the graduate school for a Master of Science (MS) degree in Biology. This must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies within the Biology Department. The student’s major professor will receive notification of this application process.

Option two:  A PhD student who has taken, but has not advanced to candidacy based on, the PhD qualifying examination may still receive a master’s degree. This student may receive a Coursework MS degree provided they have completed 32 credits of coursework (not including research credits). Alternatively, this student may receive a Scholarly Paper or Research Thesis MS degree if the written portion of the qualifying examination is adapted to ensure it is of sufficiently high quality for an MS degree and approved by a majority of the qualifying exam committee and the Director of Graduate Studies.

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Biology PhD

Gain the experience to make significant contributions to biological research with the Biology PhD program in the College of Science and Technology. The Biology PhD degree provides a rigorous, research-focused course of study. You’ll be prepared to pursue multiple career pathways related to the biological sciences, including postdoctoral and academic positions, and in related industries, such as biotechnology, bioengineering, healthcare and pharmaceutics. The Biology PhD program provides opportunities for you to receive funding for your degree with either a teaching or research assistantship, and a tuition waiver.

Biology PhD students are afforded the chance to choose which lab they want to join. During your first year, you can choose a specific research group immediately or you can rotate up to three research groups before deciding on a lab. Once you are admitted to candidacy, you’ll pursue specialized research toward the completion of your degree.

Faculty members perform cutting-edge research in different areas of specialization that include

• cellular, developmental and molecular biology;
• cellular and molecular neuroscience, which investigates the central nervous system and the mechanisms it governs;
• computational biology, which focuses on computational evolutionary genomics;
• ecology, an interdisciplinary field that investigates the complex relationships between living organisms and their environments;
• evolutionary medicine, an interdisciplinary field that examines contemporary human disease within the larger context of evolutionary history;
• genetic epidemiology, an interdisciplinary field that examines the impact of genetic and environmental factors on modern human disease; and
• population genetics, a subfield of genetics and evolutionary biology that examines genetic change over time within and between populations.

Learn more about the Department of Biology’s research areas .

Coursework is interdisciplinary and students are encouraged to participate in research across other fields, including biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, ecology, environmental science, engineering, mathematics and physics. Doctoral candidates perform innovative research in many of the College of Science and Technology’s state-of-the-art centers and facilities, including the

• Center for Biodiversity , focused on the conservation, education and research of species and their impact on the environment;
• Center for Computational Genetics and Genomics , whose mission is to bring together scientists who work on genetic and evolutionary theory and who employ computational approaches; 
• Institute for Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine , focused on molecular evolutionary knowledge and tools to advance research and for product development in biomedicine and biodiversity
• Sbarro Health Research Organization , where genetic research investigates treatments and cures to chronic illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Learn more about the Department of Biology’s research centers and facilities .

Program Requirements

Doctoral candidates have seven years to complete the required courses and examination, as well as a dissertation. All candidates must fulfill the following requirements for successful completion of the Biology PhD program. 

• an original research proposal , a 15- to 20-page proposal that introduces a research problem and the student’s methodological plan for investigating the problem, and
• the oral examination , which is administered after a student’s research proposal has been approved and tests a student’s understanding of the background and substance of the research proposal. (If a student’s research proposal is not approved, the student is considered to have not passed the oral examination.)
• The doctoral dissertation is an original, empirical study that demonstrates a student's knowledge of research methods and mastery of the primary area of research. All dissertation research is conducted under the guidance of the Doctoral Advisory Committee.
• The final dissertation defense is the culminating event for Biology PhD candidates. Students must successfully pass the dissertation defense for completion of the Biology PhD degree.  

All Biology PhD candidates must have experience teaching at Temple for a minimum of two semesters. This requirement can be satisfied through teaching assistantships in the Department of Biology.

Learn more about the Biology PhD examination and dissertation requirements . 

Classes & Curriculum

Following coursework in the first one to two years, you'll advance to candidacy and engage in research opportunities across the many labs and disciplines represented by faculty members. Doctoral students will undertake a preliminary examination, as well as an original dissertation, to demonstrate their knowledge of research methods and mastery of their primary research area.

The Biology PhD curriculum requires 36 credit hours, including 15 hours of graduate seminar courses. Some of these courses include

• Analytical Biotechnology , 
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience , 
• Contemporary Biology , 
• General Biochemistry, and 
• Evolutionary Genetics Genomics . 

Learn more about required courses for the Biology PhD .

Related Graduate Degrees

• Bioinformatics PhD
• Biotechnology PSM
• Scientific Writing PSM
• Bioengineering PhD *

*College of Engineering

Related Graduate Certificates

• Bioinformatics
• Bioinnovation
• Biotechnology
• Scientific Writing

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident : $1,301.00 per credit Out-of-state : $1,696.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website .

Faculty advisors can help you navigate your program and discuss research opportunities. There are two graduate advisors for the Department of Biology.

Tonia Hsieh  is an associate professor and the graduate chair in the Department of Biology. Phone : 215-204-0617 Email : [email protected]

Sandhya Verma is the graduate administrator in the Department of Biology. Phone : 215-204-8854 Email : [email protected]

If you can find the time to participate while meeting the demands of your degree program, student clubs offer valuable opportunities to meet fellow graduate students, researchers and professionals from science- and technology-related industries.

Clubs and organizations for students pursuing a Biology degree include

• the Alliance for Minority Participation in STEM , which works to increase opportunities for students and help them complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM.
• the Biology Graduate Student Society , an organization that develops professional and leadership skills in doctoral students as well as encourages them to participate in public outreach.
• Leadership, Education and Development in Science , an organization that empowers Philadelphia middle school students to form an interest in STEM through science experiments and mentors.

Explore the full list of College of Science and Technology student clubs and organizations .

If the demands of your degree program allow it, consider spending a summer or semester overseas building international connections with researchers from other countries. Temple’s study abroad program offers College of Science and Technology students opportunities to spend a summer or semester studying in China, Germany, Italy, South Korea or Taiwan. Learn more about your study abroad options .

As a division within Temple University, the College of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education .

Additional Program Information

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PhD in Biology: How to Apply

PhD Home | How to apply | Curriculum and Progression | Documents and Forms

Application Process

Application requirements and information about financial support are listed below. 

Our program is federated across Rutgers-Newark and NJIT. Students can work with faculty, do research, and take classes at either institution, regardless of where they are matriculated. However, funding mechanisms and administrative details can differ between universities. Therefore, we encourage you to apply to the university that houses the lab of your potential Faculty Mentor. If you are considering several options on either side, don’t worry about it too much. We will help to figure out the best option. Our Recruitment and Admissions Committee will help you through the process, and we recommend contacting any of committee members before you start the application process. The current members are:

Recruitment and Admissions Committee

Barden, Phillip

Associate Professor and Graduate Director, Biological Sciences

Tai, Xiaonan

Assistant Professor

Requirements

As an applicant to the program, you are expected to meet a number of criteria, as listed below. Our Recruitment and Admissions Committee selects applicants for video and on-site interviews based on those criteria, but can make exceptions based on your strengths in other areas. Usually, you should have:

• An undergraduate degree in biology or other pertinent area of science.
• A strong foundation in chemistry (general and organic) and physics.
• Completion of one year of mathematics, preferably calculus.
• A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.
• If you are an international applicant and your primary language is not English, you are required to submit your test scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

To be considered for financial support, your completed application should be submitted by December 15, 2024  for admission for Fall 2025. Admission for the Spring semester is only considered in exceptional cases, as it will complicate your course progression. Applications should include all undergraduate and graduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a Resume or CV, and TOEFL scores (if applicable). The GRE is not required for the Biology PhD admissions process. Letters of recommendation or the previous work record should show some indication that research potential exists.

Financial support

As the program is to a significant degree based on faculty research endeavors, admission depends not only on prior academic performance, but also critically on available opportunities and funding in individual or collaborating laboratories, which can vary considerably from year to year. Student funding usually comes from a combination of Teaching Assistantships, University Fellowships, extramural stipends, and faculty research grants. You are strongly encouraged to contact potential mentors to discuss opportunities.

Incoming full-time matriculated students are awarded Teaching Assistantships or nominated for University Fellowships on a competitive basis by the Department Chairs, on the recommendations of the Admissions and Recruitment Committee and the Graduate Directors. Teaching Assistantships are academic or calendar year awards and are renewable on a yearly basis, usually for not longer than a total of five years. Decisions about Teaching Assistantships are made based on student qualifications, current support of students in labs of individual Graduate Faculty, and the balance of funds distribution across program tracks and research fields. Both incoming and continuing students are encouraged to apply to national, regional, and state level funding agencies to obtain grant support for their intended research.

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Phd in biology: requirements, salary, jobs, & career growth, what is phd in biology.

A PhD in Biology is a doctoral degree that focuses on the study of living creatures and how they interact with their surroundings. It is a four to six-year advanced academic degree that entails hard study and coursework in numerous fields of biology such as genetics, ecology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology.

Students engage closely with faculty members throughout the program to undertake original research in their subject of interest, culminating in a dissertation that explains their results and adds to the field of biology.

PhD biology graduates are equipped for positions in academia, research, business, government, and other professions requiring biological scientific competence.

How much money do people make with a PhD in Biology?

The median annual wage for biochemists and biophysicists (which normally require a PhD in Biology or a related subject) is $98,940, according to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Microbiologists made $79,590 per year on average, whereas zoologists and animal biologists made $67,760. Here’s a table summarizing the salary ranges for various career paths for individuals with a PhD in Biology:

What is expected job growth with PhD in Biology?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of biochemists and biophysicists is expected to expand 6% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Microbiologists, zoologists, and wildlife biologists are expected to gain 3% and 4%, respectively, throughout the same time period.

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What can you do with a PhD in Biology?

A PhD in Biology can lead to a variety of employment options in academia, research, industry, government, and other disciplines. Here are some common career paths for people with a PhD in Biology:

1. Academic research: Many PhD holders go on to work as academic researchers at universities, research institutions, or government agencies. They may perform research in genetics, ecology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and physiology, among other fields.

2. Biotechnology: Biotechnology firms frequently engage PhDs in Biology to perform research and development of new products and technologies such as medications, vaccines, and genetically modified organisms.

3. Medical research: Pharmaceutical and biotech businesses, as well as government agencies, engage people with a PhD in Biology to undertake medical research, such as discovering new treatments for ailments and analyzing drug effects on the body.

4. Environmental science: Individuals with a PhD in Biology can work in environmental science, studying the interactions of living organisms and their environments, as well as the impact of human activities on ecosystems.

5. Science writing and communication: Many people with a PhD in Biology go into science writing and communication, putting complicated scientific concepts into language that the general public can understand.

6. Science policy: Individuals with a PhD in Biology are frequently hired by government agencies and non-profit organizations to establish and implement science policy, such as legislation and funding priorities for scientific research.

What are the requirements for a PhD in Biology?

The specific requirements for obtaining a PhD in Biology can vary depending on the institution and program, but generally, the following are common requirements:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Applicants to most PhD programs in Biology must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Although it is not usually required, certain schools may accept applicants with a Master’s degree in a related discipline.

2. Academic Transcripts: Applicants are usually expected to present certified transcripts of their undergraduate and graduate education, which demonstrate their academic performance and achievement.

3. Statement of Purpose: Applicants are typically expected to provide a personal statement or statement of purpose detailing their research interests, academic ambitions, and reason for pursuing a PhD in Biology.

4. Standardized Test Scores: Applicants to many PhD programs may be required to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other related assessments.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants to PhD programs in Biology are frequently required to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources who may speak to the applicant’s academic talents, research potential, and eligibility for a PhD program.

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How long does it take to get a phd in biology.

The length of time it takes to obtain a PhD in Biology depends on a variety of factors, including the program, the individual’s level of preparedness, and the nature of the research. A typical PhD program in Biology, on the other hand, takes roughly 4-6 years to finish.

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Do you need a masters in biology to get a phd in biology.

A Master’s degree in Biology is not usually required to pursue a PhD in Biology. Many doctoral programs in Biology accept students immediately after they complete their Bachelor’s degree.

Coursework is usually included in the first few years of these programs to give students with the essential basic knowledge and research abilities before they begin their independent research projects.

Some PhD programs, however, may prefer or require applicants to have a Master’s degree in Biology or a related field prior to applying.

A Master’s degree can give a student more experience and expertise in their field of study, which can be useful while applying for PhD programs or performing research during their doctoral program.

What are the Best PhD in Biology Degree programs?

1. massachusetts institute of technology (mit) 2. stanford university 3. california institute of technology (caltech) 4. harvard university 5. university of california–berkeley 6. johns hopkins university 7. university of california–san francisco 8. princeton university 9. university of chicago 10. yale university, leave a comment cancel reply.

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How to apply to graduate program in biology.

This page provides information for our research-based programs in Biology (PhD and MS). For information about our course-based program in Biotechnology, please see the MS Biotechnology pages here .

Applications received on or before January 4th will be considered first priority.

Applications received after January 4th will be considered on a space-available basis. Therefore, please submit your application, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts as soon as possible.

• Applicants must have earned a B.S. or a B.A. degree and should have at least a minimal background in both physical and biological sciences, including the following: two years of biology, one year each of introductory chemistry, organic chemistry with laboratory, physics, and college-level calculus. Although not required, a year of biochemistry is desirable for students interested in cell and molecular biology, and training in statistical analysis is useful for students interested in ecology and evolution. Special consideration is given to students who have conducted undergraduate research and whose recommendations attest to their skills in the laboratory or field and promise in research.
• evidence of promise in advanced study and research
• Potential Advisors: As part of the online application process, you will be asked to list up to three Biology faculty members as potential research advisors. These should be faculty whose research interests are most similar to your own.

Required Application Materials

• Syracuse University Graduate Application Form (online).
• There is a $75 application fee. The graduate school currently waives application fees for McNair Scholars, Fulbright students, veterans, and SU alumni. Students from Iran can request a fee waiver directly from the graduate school by emailing  [email protected] . The Biology Department additionally has a limited number of fee waivers available. If this fee would cause financial hardship or prevent you from applying to our program, please send an email to  [email protected] to request a fee waiver. In your email, please attach a CV and indicate the reason for your request along with a brief summary of your research interests, including what general area of biology research you would like to pursue at Syracuse University. We recommend indicating specific faculty members from our list of graduate faculty whose research interests match yours.
• fluent command of the English language—international students for whom English is a second language should submit scores from TOEFL or IELTS . Officials scores must be reported (use CODE: 2823).
• three strong letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts (unofficial transcripts may be uploaded for review purposes).
• Although Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are no longer required of all applicants, if you have taken the GRE exam, you may submit your official scores with your application. (To report your official scores to Syracuse University, use code 2823).
• any other documents required in the online Graduate Application Form
• Students of any race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, nationality or ethnic origin are considered for admission
• We do not have any average or minimum required GPA, GRE scores, or TOEFL/IELTS scores. Each applicant is evaluated on an individual basis.
• Provide a summary of your research interests. Explain what general area of Biology research you would like to pursue (e.g. molecular and cellular biology, neuroscience, or ecology) and what knowledge, skills, and experiences you hope to gain from our graduate program at Syracuse University. In this response, please name the graduate faculty in the Biology department whose work interests you and why . (300-400 words) Why we are asking this : The Biology Department evaluates each graduate application as a whole, which includes whether the applicant’s interests overlap with faculty research interests in our department. For rotation students (cell/molecular/neuroscience), please name 3 graduate faculty whose research program interests you, as we want to make sure that incoming students have options for potential research mentors.
• Describe how your background, including both experiences and training, have prepared you for success in graduate school. (300-400 words) Why we are asking this : We are actively working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our department. We recognize that applicants to our program have a diversity of lived experiences. Graduate school requires strong academic preparation (e.g. verbal, quantitative, and communication skills), as well as life skills that will facilitate your success in our program. Discuss your academic, research, work, and/or volunteer experiences that demonstrate your skills in leadership, work ethic, perseverance, communication, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. This section may also be used to describe specific research skills that are relevant to obtaining a Biology graduate degree. If you were an author on a publication, please tell us about your specific contributions to that publication.
• Describe an event in which you experienced failure and the steps you took to overcome the obstacle. (200-250 words) Why we are asking this : Graduate students often experience failure, including having to troubleshoot an experiment, not being awarded a fellowship, having a manuscript rejected from a journal, and needing to change the direction of their research project. How you have responded to past failures can demonstrate your ability to persevere and overcome obstacles in graduate school.

Supplemental application materials being mailed to:

Graduate Admissions Processing Syracuse University 400 Ostrom Ave. Room 022 Syracuse NY 13244-2900

Biology Ph.D. students are supported financially for up to 5 years, and Biology M.S. students are supported financially for their first 2 years in the program. This support typically comes in the form of a teaching assistantship and tuition scholarship during the academic year, with the student free to conduct their research full-time during the summer. Students may also be supported by their faculty research advisor's external grants or by Syracuse University Fellowships. Applying to local and national programs for graduate fellowships is strongly encouraged. For more information about potential external sources of funding, please refer to our Financial Assistance webpage.

Like most graduate programs in the Biological Sciences, we believe our graduate students should be concentrating on their research, not on trying to pay the rent. The current minimum level of support for assistantships for the 2022-2023 academic year is $28,369 for Biology Ph.D. students, and $24,154 for Biology M.S. students, with the possibility of additional summer support. Given Syracuse's low cost of living, this is a comfortable income. In addition, tuition is paid in full, and Syracuse University provides excellent health insurance options. University fellowship recipients, teaching assistants, and research assistants may be eligible for a subsidy towards the cost of the University-sponsored medical and dental/vision plans. Information about the plans is available on the Student Health Insurance Office's website .

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The Undergraduate Major in Biology

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The major begins with a variety of introductory courses related to the different fields of Biology. Students will begin taking these courses, exploratory lab courses, and a selection of additional breadth courses in Chemistry, Math, Physics, and Statistics during their first two years. Advanced elective courses will be taken in the remaining two years. Although not required for any field of study, most Biology undergraduates choose to engage in at least one quarter of research in a lab on campus. Many go on to complete independent research that culminates in an Honors thesis and presentation. More information about the requirements for the B.S. Biology are included here.

In the next step of the curriculum, students engage with fundamental areas of Biology through Bio Foundations courses, which cover key foundational disciplines of Biology. Students will take anywhere from 2-4 Bio Foundations courses depending on their subplan within the major. These courses will delve into these fundamental areas of Biology and further build students’ skills in critical scientific thinking, reading the literature, and scientific communication.

Each Bio Foundations course is offered for 4 units:

• BIO 81 – Ecology 
• BIO 82 – Genetics
• BIO 83 – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• BIO 84 – Physiology
• BIO 85 – Evolutionary Biology
• BIO 86 – Cell Biology

The general Biology major allows students to choose any four out of the six Bio Foundation courses. Specialized fields of study will require specific Bio Foundations courses, please review each subplan for the specific number and 80-series courses required. 

The 80-level Bio Foundations courses must be taken for a letter grade. 

These courses provide hands-on exposure to scientific methodology and experimental design. They are inquiry-based and allow students to hone their scientific thinking and lab skills by conducting real biology research. Lab courses are designed to give a grounding in both lab research and field research. Please review each subplan for the specific number and list of required lab requirements.

Some lab courses include:

• BIO 43,  Introduction to Laboratory Research in Neuronal Cell Biology
• BIO 45, Introduction to Laboratory Research in Cell and Molecular Biology
• BIO 46: Introduction to Research in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (WIM course)
• BIO 47: Introduction to Research in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (WIM course)

Courses in Chemistry, Math, Physics, and Statistics will be required. Although specific requirements will vary by subplan , students can expect to take the following courses:

• 1-6 courses in Chemistry
• 1-3 courses in Math
• 2-4 courses in Physics
• 1 course in Statistics

Only one course from Chemistry, Math, Physics, and Statistics requirement may be taken credit/no credit.

Upper-level courses are offered in more specialized areas of Biology, many of them are seminar-style courses that provide opportunities to explore in depth the scientific literature and develop ideas for novel areas of research. Students have the option of pursuing a General Biology major or fulfilling specific requirements to pursue a specialized field of study. The specific number of elective requirements will vary by subplan.

General Biology and students who choose a subplan will take a unique combination of course requirements as outlined in their specific area. The fields of study are:

• General Biology
• Biochemistry/Biophysics
• Cellular, Molecular, and Organismal Biology
• Computational and Systems Biology
• Ecology, Evolution, and Environment
• Microbial Sciences
• Neurosciences

All students may take one elective course credit/no credit. 

Elective courses can include additional Biofoundations, foundational lab, and 100-level Bio courses. Also included are out-of-department STEM courses from an approved out-of-department electives list , which will include most 100-level courses in STEM subjects as well as some lower-level courses. Capstone units : a maximum of 7 units of BIO 196-199/X may be counted towards the electives.

Important note: All undergraduates matriculating as first-year students in 2021-22 or later and graduating in AY 2024-25 or later must complete a capstone. Transfer students who enter AY 2022-23 or AY 2023-24 and plan to graduate in AY 2024-2025 or later will also be required to complete a capstone.  

The capstone requirement in Biology may be fulfilled via one of four options. 

Option #1 - Honors in Biology

To pursue honors, students must submit an honors petition in the fall of senior year, complete at least 10 units of BIO 199/X or BIOHOPK 199H(Undergraduate Research), have a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of graduation, and present their honors thesis at the departmental Achauer Honors Research Symposium and through the Biology Virtual Showcase website.

Option #2 -  The Senior Reflection in Biology

Students interested in expressing their personal interests in biology via creative or artistic forms (such as writing, music, fine arts, performing arts, photography, film, or new media) may enroll in The Senior Reflection (BIO 196A, B, and C; all three courses are required for this track). A written proposal on the creative process and scientific significance of the selected topic is generated in the fall (BIO 196A). During the winter quarter in Bio 196B, weekly workshops support the development, production, and refinement of each project. In spring (BIO 196C), projects are finalized and curated for an exhibition, which is held at the end of the quarter. Students are also required to write a final reflection essay.

Option #3 - Independent Capstone in Biology

Students who wish to conduct an independent, individually-designed capstone project may enroll in the Senior Synthesis. Such individually-designed projects might involve research internships, business internships, travel-based study, teaching, or other forms of community service. Examples of possible products of these individually-designed capstones include the production of a teaching or business plan, a film or podcast, or a public education campaign. Students in this track will take three courses: BIO 199A, BIO 199B, and BIO 199C.

Option #4 - Approved Out-of-Department Capstone

Students may also fulfill their capstone requirement via other approved capstone programs or honors programs, provided that the student’s specific program or project contains a substantial amount of biological relevance or content. Students who wish to use this track must submit a petition to the Biology Undergraduate Studies Committee prior to the spring quarter of their junior year.

Students are required to take one of the  Biology university-approved WIM courses . WIM courses can overlap with other requirements.

Students can choose from the following options:

2023-2024- Checklist of Requirements by Subplan

• Biochemistry & Biophysics
• Computational and Systems Biology

2022-2023-Checklist of Requirements by Subplan

• General Major
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USD Chemistry and Biochemistry Degrees Shift from BA to BS

Beginning with the Fall 2024 semester, University of San Diego students declaring a major in chemistry or biochemistry under the 2024-2025 undergraduate course catalog will receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree instead of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree upon graduation. This decision is a result of careful consideration and deliberation from faculty and administrators to reflect the in-depth theoretical and technical training students receive in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. 

At USD, the BS degrees will continue to have the strong Liberal Arts core curriculum associated with the BA degree, while conveying students’ expertise in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry. The chemistry and biochemistry degrees are also recognized by national societies, the American Chemical Society and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Majors have the opportunity to earn American Chemical Society certified degrees by careful selection of major electives, which also conveys our students’ more in-depth study from the introductory to advanced level in five realms of chemistry. The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has accredited the biochemistry degree recognizing the coverage of the core concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels in USD’s biochemistry degree. 

A significant factor that led to the BA to BS conversion was the future impact upon employment opportunities for chemistry and biochemistry majors upon graduation. Certain fields of industry require a BS degree for candidates to be considered for positions.  A BS conveys to potential employers of professional schools that USD students will meet their expected standards in regard to student readiness and experience within their field of study. 

What about those students interested in STEM but not needing a BS? According to Dr. Jessica Bell, Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, “This opens the door for the department to design BA-based majors that allow students greater choice to focus on areas in the field that most interest them.”

The change from the BA degree to the BS degree is in effect for students starting with catalog 2024-2025. Current chemistry and biochemistry majors can either continue with the BA degree or redeclare under catalog 2024-2025. Students should consult their advisor for further details.

Cristie Holt [email protected] (619)260-4513

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Full-Time Faculty Member in Molecular Agrobiology at Peking University

Positions: Assistant Professor (tenure-track), Associate Professor (tenured), Full Professor (tenured).

As a teaching and research institution at Peking University (PKU), the School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences (SAAS) is committed to building an institution with cutting-edge scientific research and high-end talent education program in molecular agrobiology, food safety & health, and agricultural & development economics, so as to make due contributions to agricultural and rural development in China and the rest of world. For more details about SAAS, please visit https://www.saas.pku.edu.cn/ .

The Department of Molecular Agrobiology is a major department of SAAS, and is responsible for the education and leading research of plant (crop) molecular biology, crop genomics, and agrobiotechnology.

We are seeking applications for positions at the Assistant/Associate/Full Professor levels in molecular agrobiology, including plant (crop) molecular biology, crop genomics and agrobiotechnology as well as other fields related to crop biology and breeding. The appointment is expected to take place between January 2025 and August 2025.

Qualifications and Selection Criteria

• Academic contributions in the field of molecular agrobiology.
• Experience in developing research programs (for Associate/Full Professor).
• Experience in teaching graduate- and/or undergraduate-level courses.
• The rank of the initial appointment will be determined based on the applicant’s prior scholarly impact, leadership experience, and national and international reputation by the Talent Evaluation Expert Panel at both the SAAS and the university’s levels.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salaries and benefits package will be offered by Peking University according to the provisions of the relevant laws of China. In addition, competitive research startup package will be provided.

Required Materials for Initial Application

• Cover letter;
• CV (including a list of publications together with your teaching and research experience);
• Vision statement for the position;
• Full text of up to three (applicants for assistant professor position) or five (applicants for associate/full professor positions) representative research publications;
• Three reference letters;
• Teaching philosophy;
• Scanned copy of diploma;
• Other evidence of research and teaching experience (including awards).

Required Materials for Second Stage Application

After initial screening of application’s materials, SAAS will make a short list of candidates for interview. Successful candidates will be informed to complete the formal application forms and provide additional necessary supporting materials. For Tenured Associate or Full Professor, a further evaluation by a group of international experts will be conducted before SAAS submits the whole application package to Peking University for final evaluation.

Please send the documents listed above to [email protected] . The subject of the email should read: Application for Assistant/Associate/Full Professor.

Closing date: 30 September 2024 or until the positions are filled.

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Winning iGEM 2023

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Dan Voicu (BEng’26), co-lead of the 2023 McGill iGEM team, described last year’s experience as busy! Students formed the team at the end of 2022 and spent the first two months of 2023 ideating their proposal. Then – around their regular course loads – they worked in the lab until the end of the semester. During the summer months, they implemented plans to raise money, contacting stakeholders that a small finance sub team had brainstormed. Throughout, they held workshops with the Montréal biotech community as well as a two-day conference. Right into November they worked in the lab, trying to get the most final results as they put the finishing touches to their presentation.

“My job was to keep everyone from exploding!” Voicu laughs when asked about his role as co-lead. “The way I did that was to talk regularly to each member, especially during times like mid-terms, which is when the competition took place. Everyone was on board though and worked hard right up to the end.”

Working outside the wet lab

Olivia Lopardo (BEng’25) was one of seven women on the 14-member McGill iGEM team. She was happy to be surrounded by female colleagues as they represented McGill in what has tended to be a male-dominated field. Lopardo applied to McGill because the Bioengineering program is not attached to another program. “It’s rare in this emerging field to find a program that allows you to major in Bioengineering and not be a minor that’s tacked onto something else.”

Lopardo helped assemble a two-day conference to present educational initiatives and connect various biotech companies in Montreal for the first time. “Working outside of the wet lab gave me experience in areas I’m interested in. I’m thinking about pursuing an MBA with a focus in Management, to eventually work with the R&D team of a pharmaceutical or biotech company.”

Mistakes and obstacles inevitable

Jean-Alexandre Bureau, a PhD candidate in Bioengineering, served as the graduate instructor for McGill iGEM 2023. “My job was basically to provide access to labs and equipment and then get out of the way.” Bureau was inspired by how dedicated the undergrads were in applying themselves to the project. When it came time to fly to Paris, he gave up his seat. “I wanted as many team members as possible to board that plane.”

Bureau started at McGill in the second cohort of the new Bioengineering program in 2017. “I chose McGill because they offered synthetic biology as a sub field – it existed completely outside of the area of devices.”

What advice would these members offer to the 2024 McGill iGEM team? Bureau says that remembering there is no perfect project is essential. “Mistakes and obstacles are inevitable, but don’t let them get in the way of the project’s success.”

Lopardo says that trust between team members means that you can always talk. “If you’re not worried about confrontation, you will get the best results.” Voicu echoes the importance of trust and respect, adding one other key element: “Fun! If the first two are in place, it’s easy to make sure it’s fun, and that means you’ll want to do it again.

Voicu and Bureau have begun their own entrepreneurial project in Engine. Seeing each other work on the iGEM project – their approach to science as well as in other settings – was instrumental in their getting together to work on a business idea.

See the futuristic visual made for iGEM 2023 that illustrates synthetic biology.

Remporter l’iGEM 2023

Dan Voicu (BEng’26), codirigeant de l’équipe iGEM 2023 de McGill, dit de sa dernière année qu’elle a été bien remplie! Les étudiants ont formé l’équipe en fin d’année 2022 et ont passé les deux premiers mois de 2023 à concevoir leur projet. Ils ont travaillé en laboratoire en parallèle de leurs cours réguliers jusqu’à la fin du semestre. Durant les mois d’été, ils se sont consacrés à collecter des fonds en contactant les parties prenantes qu’un petit sous-groupe financier avait envisagées. Tout au long, ils ont mené des ateliers ainsi qu’une conférence de deux jours avec la communauté biotechnologique montréalaise. Ils ont travaillé en laboratoire jusqu’en novembre, tentant de recueillir les résultats les plus définitifs possibles tout en peaufinant leur présentation.

Quand on l’interroge sur son rôle de codirigeant, Dan rit. « Mon travail a surtout consisté à m’assurer que personne n’explose! Pour ce faire, je parlais à chaque coéquipier régulièrement, surtout pendant les examens de mi-session, période à laquelle se déroulait la compétition. Tout le monde est resté à bord et a travaillé fort jusqu’au bout ».

Travailler hors du laboratoire humide

L’une des sept femmes de l’équipe iGEM de McGill qui comptait 14 membres, Olivia Lopardo (BEng’25) était heureuse d’être entourée de collègues féminines pour représenter l’Université dans un secteur traditionnellement masculin. Olivia a choisi McGill parce que le programme de bio-ingénierie y est indépendant. « Dans ce domaine émergent, les programmes qui permettent de se spécialiser en bio-ingénierie sans être greffés en tant que mineure à autre programme sont rares ».

Olivia a aidé à organiser une conférence de deux jours pour présenter des initiatives éducatives et mettre en contact diverses entreprises de biotechnologie à Montréal. « Travailler au-delà du laboratoire humide m’a permis d’acquérir de l’expérience dans des champs qui m’intéressent. J’envisage de faire une maîtrise en administration des affaires avec une spécialisation en gestion, pour éventuellement travailler en recherche et conception au sein d’une entreprise pharmaceutique ou biotechnologique ».

Des erreurs et des obstacles inévitables

Jean-Alexandre Bureau, candidat au doctorat en bio-ingénierie, a été le formateur diplômé de l’iGEM 2023 de McGill. « Mon travail a essentiellement consisté à faciliter l’accès aux laboratoires et à l’équipement, puis à laisser le champ libre », explique-t-il. M. Bureau a été inspiré par le sérieux des étudiants de premier cycle dans leur engagement envers le projet. Lorsqu’est venu le moment de s’envoler pour Paris, il a cédé sa place. « Je voulais que le plus de membres de l’équipe puissent monter à bord de l’avion ».

Jean-Alexandre a rejoint McGill en 2017, au sein de la deuxième cohorte du nouveau programme de bio-ingénierie. « J’ai choisi McGill parce que la biologie synthétique y était proposée en tant que sous-domaine autonome, en dehors du champ des appareils ».

Quels conseils ces membres auraient-ils à offrir à l’équipe iGEM 2024 de McGill? Pour Jean-Alexandre Bureau, il importe de garder en tête qu’aucun projet n’est parfait. « Les erreurs et les obstacles sont inévitables, mais ne les laissez pas entraver le succès du projet. »

Pour Olivia Lopardo, établir un climat de confiance entre les membres de l’équipe rend le dialogue possible en tout temps. « Si vous ne vous souciez pas des confrontations, vous obtiendrez les meilleurs résultats ». Dan Voicu fait aussi écho à la valeur de la confiance et du respect, et ajoute un troisième élément clé : « Le plaisir! Si les deux premiers éléments sont en place, ça deviendra facile d’avoir du plaisir, ce qui vous encouragera à répéter l’expérience ».

Messieurs Voicu et Bureau ont d’ailleurs entrepris un projet d’entreprise au sein du Centre Engine. C’est en observant leur façon respective de travailler sur le projet iGEM et leur approche de la science qu’ils ont décidé de travailler ensemble sur une idée d’entreprise.

Voir le visuel futuriste illustrant la biologie synthétique réalisé pour l’iGEM 2023

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Stumbling upon a creature not witnessed in almost a century, University of Louisville graduate student Kane Lawhorn, undergraduate students Ignatius Wirasakti and Emma Jones and biology professor Steve Yanoviak rediscovered the beetle Limulodes paradoxus as part of an ecological survey at the UofL-owned Horner Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary .

In a study examining how insects respond to gaps in the forest canopy, Lawhorn collected ant nests and brought them into the lab. He soon noticed tiny specs crawling around on the ants. Once placed under a microscope, he and his colleagues realized they had just rediscovered an extremely rare beetle, one that has not been observed alive since 1933. The beetles are only one millimeter in length. Arizona and the border of Ohio and Kentucky are the only two places these beetles are known to live. Lawhorn and his fellow students now get to be one of the first teams to study this beetle in multitudes while in its natural environment.

These small but mighty beetles appear to have a mutually beneficial relationship with the ants whose nests they also call their home: while the ants provide a virtual “taxi” service letting the beetles ride them for transportation within the nest, the beetles clean the ant brood (the immature larvae and pupae of the ants) of potentially deadly fungi.

From a research perspective, this study perfectly demonstrates the ability to test ecological hypotheses by controlling an ecosystem in a lab. Beyond research, it is a reminder of how much there is still to discover. The most biodiverse animal group in the world, there are around 400,000 currently described beetle species—meaning one in every four described species is a beetle. The patch of land that UofL has preserved reveals the importance of conserving remaining habitats.

“When we preserve and manage forests, species that we don’t even know exist or haven’t seen in a while will inhabit that land, and it’s important to protect them” said Lawhorn.

The team’s findings are published in The Coleopterists Bulletin . “Not many undergraduate students get to author a paper,” Lawhorn remarked, “and without UofL’s programming and funding, this work would not be possible.”

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