Successful applicant will have training in electrophysiology, imaging and/or molecular biology techniques. This job offers several possibilities for scientific growth in a very intellectually stimulating environment. The Biology Department and associated faculty have strong research programs in different aspects of sensory physiology.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD in Neuroscience/Biology or related field.
• Ideal candidate(s) should have a record of publications commensurate with level of training and a strong desire to do research in the olfactory system.

Please send a letter of interest including a CV and a short statement describing your current research and future goals to: raraneda@umd.edu

Graduate students can join the lab through the PhD programs offered by the “Neuroscience and Cognitive Sciences Program (NACS),” or through the “Physiological System Program (PSYS)” under the umbrella of the “Biological Sciences Program (BISI)”. Both are excellent programs, but depending on your background and future interests one program may fit your needs better.

I encourage applicants to explore the sites below to learn more about each program and to contact me should you have any questions.

• http://www.bisi.umd.edu
• http://www.nacs.umd.edu/

The Araneda lab welcomes undergraduate students' applications. Our lab provides a challenging intellectual environment committed to the formation of young motivated scientists.

Undergraduate research positions in the lab are limited and highly selective. Priority is given to students in the early stages of their undergraduate studies, particularly freshmen and sophomores; juniors may be considered under special circumstances. Successful completion of an undergraduate research project requires a minimum commitement of at least two years. For this reason, positions are generally not available to senior undergraduate students, except in unusual circumstances, such as students seriously considering pursuing a PhD in neuroscience after graduation.

Because our research projects are time-sensitive and require continuity, students should also consider their availability carefully before applying. Extended periods away from the laboratory, for example, taking significant time off to prepare for the MCAT or a similar exam, or participating in a study-abroad program, are generally not compatible with the expectations of the position.

• Time commitment

  Students register for 2 or 3 research credits, which equals to 6 or 9 hours of work per week. Your work is distributed in blocks that are least 3-4 hours in duration. We also have an hour-long lab meeting every other week, which all students must attend.

• What to expect?

  During the first semester, students become familiar with the day-to-day operation of a research laboratory while contributing to one of the lab’s ongoing projects. This initial training period allows students to develop essential laboratory skills, learn experimental approaches, and become integrated into the research environment. Following this introductory period, students typically transition to a more independent research project and, when appropriate, develop a thesis proposal through the Biology Honors Program or a similar undergraduate research program.

• How to apply?

  If you are interested in our work and comfortable with the requirements, please send me an email with your CV and a half a page statement of goals describing why are you interested in doing research in my lab and how this research fits with your future career goals.

Our lab supports the involvement of local high school students in pre-undergraduate research to complete senior science projects. Please contact Lucy Irvine or Juan Zegers for available positions (Email is on Lab Members page).