Join the Kruse Lab
Join the Kruse Lab
We are interested in working with students and researchers who are curious about plant metabolism, synthetic biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and related areas.
Research in the lab combines experimental and computational approaches to understand how plants make specialized metabolites and how these pathways can be reconstructed and engineered. Projects may involve molecular cloning, heterologous expression, enzyme characterization, transcriptomics, phylogenetics, and metabolite analysis.
Our mentoring approach emphasizes gradual development toward scientific independence. New lab members begin with manageable steps, clear short-term goals, and regular discussion. As experience grows, trainees take increasing ownership of experimental design, interpretation, and the broader direction of their work.
We value careful thinking, reproducibility, open communication, collaboration, and a willingness to learn beyond one’s existing skill set. A strong foundation, curiosity, reliability, and genuine interest in the research questions matter more than arriving with every technique.
Opportunities
Undergraduate research
Undergraduate students
Undergraduate students can become involved through research courses, honours projects, summer research, and other project-based opportunities. Early work usually begins with literature, the biological system, and core methods before progressing toward increasingly independent experimental or computational work.
Please send: a short introduction · CV or résumé · unofficial transcript · the project or course you are considering · expected start term. Previous research experience is helpful but not required.
Graduate research
MSc students
MSc projects suit students building a strong experimental foundation while taking increasing responsibility for their own project. Students receive close guidance at the start, followed by greater independence in planning, troubleshooting, data analysis, and communicating results.
Please send: CV · unofficial transcript · research interests · why the Kruse Lab is of interest · relevant laboratory, computational, or coursework experience · intended start term. A full proposal is not required for an initial inquiry.
Doctoral research
PhD students
PhD researchers develop into increasingly independent scientists and contribute intellectually to the direction of their work. Projects begin with a defined question and can evolve with new results, combining research design, critical reading, data interpretation, writing, presentation, and broader question development.
Please send: CV · unofficial transcript · research interests · previous research experience and skills developed · why the lab is a good fit · intended start date · relevant outputs, if available. A complete PhD proposal is not required before contacting the lab.
Independent research
Postdoctoral researchers
Postdoctoral researchers take substantial intellectual ownership of their work and contribute to the broader development of the lab’s research program. We welcome complementary expertise in plant specialized metabolism, enzyme discovery, synthetic biology, biochemical pathway reconstruction, and metabolite analysis.
Please send: CV · a brief account of previous research and scientific contributions · questions you would pursue in the lab · relevant publications or preprints · desired start date · fellowship eligibility, if applicable. Fellowship discussions are best started well before deadlines.
Research support and exchange
Research staff and visiting researchers
Opportunities for research assistants, technicians, visiting students, and visiting researchers may arise according to current projects and funding.
Please send: CV · a short message on your background and interests · desired type of position · expected timeframe.
How to contact us
Start with a thoughtful, concise email.
Use a clear subject line, such as “Prospective MSc student – [Your Name]”, “Prospective PhD student – [Your Name]”, or “Postdoctoral inquiry – [Your Name]”. Explain briefly why your interests connect with the lab. This is more useful than a long generic message.
Availability depends on current projects, supervision capacity, timing, and funding. We may not be able to respond to every inquiry individually; absence of a reply is not an assessment of your qualifications.
Contact the lab