Undergraduate Research Opportunities FAQs

Who can apply?
Undergraduate students in the Microbiology and Immunology (MI), BS program who would like to gain experience and contribute to research in the MI department are encouraged to apply to our labs. Undergraduate students enrolled in various other science majors at UNR including Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology (BS/MS), Chemistry or another biomedical-related field are also welcome to apply. If you are interested in a graduate program, please visit our molecular biosciences page. 

Do I need specific skills and grades to apply?
Some labs require completion of certain classes as a pre-requisite (i.e. MICR 276 and 276L) to gain some basic microbiology skills before applying for a position. Because of the type of work conducted in a microbiology and immunology research lab, a basic understanding of biosafety and safe work practices is beneficial. The application process can be competitive so grades may play a role if there are multiple qualified applicants. Your interest in the research, availability, dependability, commitment, and willingness to learn are also very important.

Do I need a letter of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are not required. However, references for top candidates may be requested and they may be contacted during the interview process.

Why am I limited to three project applications?
The research conducted in our department is diverse, and many faculty members are looking for students who are interested specifically in their work. Your interests may change as you learn about new topics, but being focused on a specific area of research can help us find the best fit for you and the PI.

What is a PI?
Principal investigators (PIs) are faculty researchers who have laboratories, write grants to receive funding for research, and hire personnel to help them conduct the research. If you work in a research lab, you will work under a PI and their lab personnel.

What is the difference between basic research and translational research?
Basic research aims to answer fundamental questions and gain knowledge about how a system or pathway works within an organism. Translational research aims to apply the knowledge gained from basic research to solve a specific health problem. Our department has research labs that are conducting both basic and translational research.

What are the expectations for me as I commit to working in a lab?
The time commitment will vary based on the open position and the job or project description. Some positions may be research based while others may be duty based, including washing dishes or maintaining equipment or supplies. Most labs require you to be available for 10- 20 hours/week, during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm). Most labs prefer that you commit to no less than 1 year, and some prefer that you have 2 years to work in their lab.

Note: Students who have exceled in our research labs in the past have demonstrated a commitment to learning and completing projects, taken initiative to learn new techniques, read scientific literature in their research area, shown a genuine interest in the work being done, and asked questions when they were unsure about a concept or experiment.

Are undergraduate research positions paid or volunteer?
Positions can be paid, volunteer, or taken for independent study credit. This will vary from lab to lab so please make sure to indicate the type of position that you prefer on the questionnaire.

What training is required to work in the lab?

You will be required to complete UNR Environmental Health and Safety trainings as well as MI department and lab-specific safety trainings. This will include online, in-person, and hands-on trainings in which you will learn specific concepts, skills, and techniques under the mentorship of PIs, research faculty, lab staff, and/or graduate students to ensure that you are using safe lab practices. You will be provided with detailed information about required trainings from the PI or members of their lab.

How often can I apply?

We encourage you to submit an updated inquiry questionnaire every six months if you are still interested in a lab position. After you apply, we will contact you if a new position is available. Please specify the lab(s) you are interested in working with so that your application can be forwarded to the appropriate hiring personnel. You are also welcome to contact the PI directly.

If there are no positions available in the labs in the Microbiology and Immunology department, what other opportunities are available for gaining research experience?

Please visit the UNR Undergraduate Research page for many opportunities, including paid fellowships: https://www.unr.edu/undergradresearch/opportunities. Other departments on campus that may offer undergraduate research opportunities include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Physiology, Public Health, and Biomedical Engineering. There are also local biotechnology and private companies that offer internship opportunities including Charles River Labs, DxDiscovery, and Phigenics. Please reach out to other departments and companies directly to inquire about possible opportunities.

Still have questions?
For more information, contact micro@unr.edu