The Santer lab at the Department of Immunology has 1 opening for an Immunology Ph.D student to start May or September 2026 to study human interferon-lambda biology and how the cytokine regulates immune responses during chronic inflammation in ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Our main goal is to uncover whether this pathway is dysregulated or could be promoted as a treatment for ulcerative colitis. Most work in this project will be focused on human cells and tissues. An incoming graduate student will learn techniques such as cell culture, blood processing, confocal microscopy, RT-qPCR, ELISA and flow cytometry. This work is funded for multiple years by CIHR and Crohn’s and Colitis Canada. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for local, provincial, and national studentships.
All graduate students in my lab receive a guaranteed stipend and financial support to attend at least 1 national or international conference per year to present their research. Graduate students lead their own project with the goal of publishing high-quality work, gaining experience in scientific communication, building skills that extend beyond the lab, and contributing to team efforts. We have a growing team with experienced staff to also support an incoming student. We pride ourselves on an inclusive and welcoming environment that respects a diversity of opinions and ideas.
An incoming student should have a solid GPA (typically >3.8/4.5), have a MSc in a related discipline with immunology class/lab experience and have contributed to at least 1 first-author peer-reviewed publication. Full-time experience in cell culture, molecular biology and/or other lab techniques such as confocal microscopy would be an asset.
Applications with all required materials will be reviewed as they are submitted. Preference will be given to those in Canada or the United States at this time when permit review times are still unpredictable. Please tailor the cover letter to be specific for our lab's publications and current projects.
Please reach out to Dr Deanna Santer at deanna.santer@umanitoba.ca if any questions or general inquiries. We would also accept M.Sc applications if the student has an end goal to transfer to our PhD program after 1 year. Application packages (cover letter, CV, contacts for references, transcripts) should be sent via email.
