Faculty of Science
Research project description
The Environmental Virology and Ecology Research Group (ENVERG) led by Dr. Nissimov, studies the ecological and evolutionary relationships between microbes that are relevant to the heath of our lakes and oceans. The group's focus is on laboratory experimentation with model aquatic microbial hosts and their viruses, studying microbial host-virus interactions and diversity in their natural setting, and performing sequencing studies and employing bioinformatics on samples collected in situ and on cultured isolates.
An emerging research theme in the lab is the exploration of the natural ability of microalgae and cyanobacteria to produce bioactive compounds during growth, for the discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds. The focus so far has been on the development of methodology to rapidly screen laboratory isolates for antiviral activity against a range of different viruses that differ in their mode of infection and genomic structure. The lab is looking for a reliable, curious and highly motivated person to expand this research.
Fields of research
- Natural products discovery
- Antimicrobial research
- Microbial host-virus interactions
Qualifications and ideal student profile
Prospective graduate student researchers must meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements for the programs connected to this opportunity. Visit the program pages using the links on this page to learn more about minimum admission requirements. In addition to minimum requirements, the research supervisor is looking for the following qualifications and student profile.
- Highly motivated and detail-oriented
- Curious
- Self-driven
- Eager to learn and ask questions
- Comfortable in a lab setting with wet lab skills related to microbiology and culturing
- Strong grades (desirable)
- Demonstrated experience in independent research (i.e., undergraduate research thesis, relevant co-op experience, etc.)
- Due to funding restrictions, a limited number of international students can be considered for this opportunity
Faculty researcher and supervisor
- Jozef Nissimov
Assistant Professor, Department of Biology
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Graduate programs connected to this project
Important dates
Discovery of novel antimicrobials in algae is an open and ongoing research opportunity. Expressions of interest can be submitted for any term.