Are you transferring from a community college to UVa in the Fall of 2026 and interested in getting involved in biological research? If so, this 10-week full-time paid position in the Gibson Lab at UVa during the summer of 2026 may be for you!
The Gibson Lab broadly studies the evolution and ecology of infectious diseases. We ask questions like:
- Why are some hosts so much sicker than others?
- How do hosts defend against parasites, and how do parasites evolve to counter these defenses?
- What genetic and environmental factors drive disease spread in host populations?
We address these questions with experiments and field observations of nematodes (the world’s most abundant animal) and their fungal parasites.
As a summer research assistant, you will assist graduate students, technicians, and postdocs in the lab in collecting and analyzing data from our recent field surveys of wild nematode populations. You will also have the opportunity develop independent research skills and conduct your own project to address a question you identify. During these 10 weeks, you can expect to gain experience in reading scientific papers, forming questions and hypotheses, designing experiments, basic wet lab techniques (e.g., media prep and molecular work), fluorescence microscopy, data collection and analysis, and scientific writing and speaking. You can also expect to become a full-fledged member of the Gibson Lab and engage with the broader research community at UVA!
We expect accountability, integrity, and open communication from summer research assistants. We do not expect prior experience in a research lab for this position. Many other kinds of experiences, like food service, retail, or babysitting jobs, can help prepare you for working in a lab. See UVa Biology’s Undergradaute Research page for more information.
Importantly, this is a full-time position funded through the National Science Foundation (Award # 2441427); it is not compatible with enrollment in summer classes or other full-time employment.
To apply, please fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/RHV9gbZSBiGdZGGx8. For your application, you will be asked to upload
1) a cover letter of no more than 1 page that includes a statement of
(a) your interest in research (Why are you interested in this opportunity? What do you hope to gain from it?),
(b) a description of your relevant experience (What academic and work experiences have you had that have prepared and/or motivated you for this opportunity?), and
(c) a description of your goals as an incoming UVa student (e.g., academic and career goals);
2) a resume (max 2 pages) detailing your prior relevant academic, professional, and personal experiences; and
3) an unofficial transcript from your time in community college.
Applications are due March 1. Offers for the position will be made pending acceptance of offers of admission to UVA.
the Gibson Lab 