The Weraduwage Lab in the Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Bishop’s University, focuses on discovering strategies to enhance plant growth, productivity and resilience to stress under future climate conditions. They are seeking an M.Sc. student interested in carrying out research spanning the fields of Plant Biology, Physiology and Biochemistry. 

The successful applicant will investigate novel roles of isoprene, a volatile hemiterpene produced by some plants. Isoprene has been found to protect plants from heat and oxidative stress (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC6501071/), and is predicted to have an important role in controlling plant resilience to stress under climate change. The selected student will be involved in growing Arabidopsis plants and fumigating with isoprene, cell fractionation and organelle isolation, protein isolation and quantification, western blotting, and proteomics analyses. Prior research experience will be an asset but is not required. 

This M.Sc. position will be funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Nature et technologies (FRQNT). The selected candidate will receive a stipend of CA $18,000 per year for two years. Students are also expected to apply for internal and external grants.  

Canadian citizens and permanent residents including applicants from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have completed a B.Sc. degree in Biology or Biochemistry before starting this position. Applications should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, transcripts (unofficial), and contact information of two references. Please email applications to Dr. Sarathi Weraduwage (sweraduw@ubishops.ca). Expected start date is Summer, 2024. 

Bishop’s University implements an equal access employment / program under the Act respecting equal access to employment in public bodies and welcomes applicants who are committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and who will assist us expand our capacity for diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including Indigenous peoples, visible and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQ2+.