Join our lab!

Members of the González-Pech Lab are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of background, race, gender, identity, ideology, or any other characteristic—feels welcome, valued, and supported in their career development. 

We expect all new lab members to embrace this philosophy to help maintain a respectful, collaborative and friendly work environment. 

  • Undergraduate Research

    Are you an undergraduate student looking for opportunities to conduct scientific research? Are you hoping to gain new skills to boost your academic or professional journey? Or are you simply passionate about symbiosis and/or genomics? If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider joining our lab! 

     

    To get started, reach out to the PI (Dr. González-Pech) with a brief message outlining your specific research interests, the skills you'd like to develop, and your availability. You’re welcome to discuss joining the lab as a volunteer or enrolling for research credit. Please note that positions for undergraduate researchers may be limited and are subject to the PI’s discretion. 

  • Graduate Students

    Candidates interested in joining the lab as grad students should follow the Application Process outlined below. 

    There are 2 positions available for 2026: a Master and a PhD student. 

     

    Master student position 

    This position is open to individuals interested in analyzing a multi-omics dataset on coral disease across multiple species. Alternatively, candidates are welcome to propose their own research project, provided it aligns with the lab’s focus and is feasible within available resources. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, ecology, bioinformatics, or a related field. Experience with programming or the use of bioinformatics tools is highly desirable. Strong communication and scientific writing skills are also preferred. Funding details will be discussed with the PI during the application process. 

     

    PhD student position 

    This position is open to individuals interested in studying cnidarian–algal symbiosis from an evolutionary perspective, an ecological perspective, or both. There are opportunities to work with coral-dinoflagellate and/or Hydra-Chlorella symbiotic systems, among others. Candidates are also welcome to propose their own research projects, provided they align with the lab’s focus and are feasible within available resources. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, ecology, bioinformatics, or a related field; ideal candidates would have completed a. 

     

    Experience in aquatic invertebrate husbandry, molecular biology techniques, and bioinformatics is highly desirable. Strong communication and scientific writing skills are also preferred. Funding details will be discussed with the PI during the application process. Students bringing their own funding (e.g., NSF GRFP, Simons Foundation, etc.) are more than welcome! 

Application Process 

Prospective students should send an email to the PI González-Pech with the following information: 

  1. A cover letter summarizing the applicant's research interests, past academic accomplishments and career goals (1 page).
  2. A statement of the proposed research and how does it fit within the lab’s focus (1-2 pages).
  3. CV.
  4. Contact information of three references. Letters will be requested from the references once top candidates have been selected.


Applications received by November 1st, 2025, will receive full consideration; review will continue until the positions are filled. Questions and inquires can be directed to the PI. 

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