Get involved

Undergraduate students

There are many opportunities to get involved in our research. We accept a small number of serious, studious, and focused students to help our graduate students with their projects, primarily through participation in experiential courses.

Experiential courses to consider:

  • KIN 391: Research Apprenticeship
  • KIN 431/432: Research Proposal/Research Project
  • KIN 433: Senior Essay
  • KIN 472: Directed Study in Special Topics
  • BIOL 499: Senior Honours Project

Acceptance is competitive and is based both on academic excellence and enthusiasm for science, and on the supervisory capacity of our group each term. If you are interested in becoming involved in our research, please send an email to Robin Duncan including your name, year and term of study, student ID number, and a very brief statement including why you are interested in joining us. We typically conduct interviews at the beginning of each term for the next term (although an even later term could be recommended if we are over capacity). You do not need to have your own idea for a project or topic – undergraduate students join research projects that are already underway. We welcome applications from students in Term 2A or higher. Applications are encouraged from all students with a genuine interest in scientific research, but are particularly encouraged from students who are members of groups that are equity seeking and typically underrepresented in science. Please see our Lab’s statement on the "Our EDI commitment" page for more information.

Graduate students

For more information, please see the frequently asked questions below.

If you are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in this laboratory, please contact Robin Duncan directly. Please include:

  1. Your full name
  2. Your student ID number (if you are a University of Waterloo student)
  3. A brief description of prior research/lab experience
  4. A brief description of your research interests (i.e., why our lab?)
  5. Any supporting information that indicates academic preparedness or excellence (e.g. excellent academic standing, exceptional performance in related courses, co-op or other “hands on” experience, undergraduate awards or scholarships, relevant volunteer experience). A PDF of your unofficial undergraduate transcripts is helpful.
  6. Please indicate whether you have applied for, or intend to apply for tri-council scholarships (i.e., Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) or Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)) or other sources of funding. We will arrange for potential candidates to visit the lab and meet our group.

Frequently asked questions

Are we recruiting?

Yes.

What positions are open?

We are looking to recruit an MSc or PhD student, and a Postdoctoral Fellow, to study the anti-viral effects of cannabinoids.

Who should apply?

Anyone in the process of completing a BSc, MSc, or PhD degree in a biological science-based discipline is welcome to apply.

Do I need to have prior experience?

Experience is always nice, but it is not required. We will teach you. We offer a very comprehensive learning experience.

Do I get paid?

The Kinesiology PhD program has a guaranteed stipend ($27,130 for 2024/2025), and the MSc program has a recommended stipend (~$24,000), that is made up of Teaching Assistantship and Research Assistantship awards.

What if I have a scholarship?

Please contact Robin Duncan. We are always interested in speaking with exceptional students. If you hold a competitive external scholarship (for example, NSERC or CIHR), you may be eligible to receive the President’s Graduate Scholarship that would provide an additional $10,000. Depending on the level of the award, top-up funding could be provided from research grants, and you may not have to do a Teaching Assistantship.

Do I have to pay tuition?

What is it like being in the Lipid Enzyme Discovery Lab?

Fun, challenging, and supportive. We place a lot of importance on ideas, respect, and personal growth. The current members are experienced, and have an excellent track record of dedication to training new students. I am personally dedicated to growing a world-class program, and I reserve a lot of time for helping my graduate students achieve their research goals. You can expect to receive the support you need to be successful in our lab. In turn, we are looking to find individuals who are dedicated to success. We all get there together.