Undergraduate

If you are an undergrad in a Biology program at Western and would like to volunteer with the Sinclair lab, please contact Dr. Sinclair to see if we have any opportunities.  We expect our undergrad volunteers to be dedicated and reliable - but we also promise to make it a rewarding experience. We also host 1-3 honours thesis students each year. Please read the material on this page and contact Dr. Sinclair in Fall prior to the year you plan to be in the thesis program.

Graduate opportunities in molecular and integrative insect physiology

In the Sinclair lab, we try to understand the mechanisms underlying the ability for insects to survive being frozen solid, and how insects protect their cells from damage in the cold. We have opportunities for two enthusiastic, dedicated, and creative MSc or PhD students who love science, embrace diversity in all its forms, and play well with others to join us for the ride. If you aren't sure if you have the background, or if we're the right place for you, please get in touch to see how you might fit in! Check out our values here.

We work hard without taking ourselves too seriously, and Sinclair lab graduates win awards, write highly-cited papers, and go on to stellar careers in science, industry, and conservation. We like to think that at least some of this success is because of our supportive mentoring, vibrant intellectual community, unparalleled facilities, extensive international networks, and opportunities for travel. If you're interested in questions that are are cutting-edge and exciting, we'll help you express your inner awesomeness in answering them!

We are currently recruiting Canadian MSc and/or PhD students to join the lab in 2024 or beyond to work on insect freeze tolerance. Although these projects will be primarily lab-based, we are developing opportunities for side projects in the Canadian Arctic. Projects will be tailored to the student, and could range from hard-core bioinformatics through cell biology to metabolic physiology and neuroscience.

Canadian MSc and PhD students (or international students applying to the PhD program who are currently based in Canada) with an interest in insects, physiology, cell biology and/or molecular biology (or any kind of solid biology background and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone) are encouraged to contact Brent for further discussion.

Potential international applicants:

Exceptional international PhD applicants are welcome to get in touch to discuss opportunities and timing, but please be aware that opportunities are rather more limited. I cannot consider international MSc applicants.