The CEM program requires students to be matched with a potential mentor PRIOR to applying to the program. The CEM program has limited funding opportunities and openings available. Our current openings are listed below. If you are interested in any of the openings below, reach out to the professor listed.
PhD Student and GRA Beginning Fall 2026 or Spring 2027
We are currently seeking a highly motivated student to pursue a PhD degree in Comparative and Experimental Medicine under the mentorship of Dr. Joseph Jackson beginning in either Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. This position will support the research of Dr. Joseph Jackson, the head of the oncolytic virus laboratory, by performing pre-clinical animal model (mouse) experiments, monitoring animals post-surgery, performing wet lab experiments, and performing daily lab maintenance. The Jackson lab’s focus is twofold. First, we work to address the unmet need in the field of amyloidosis and develop methods that inspire myeloid cells to recognize, phagocytize, and then subsequently clear amyloid deposits safely within the body. Next, the lab studies the interaction between the human brain cancer, glioblastoma (GBM), and an oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV). We engineer oncolytic herpes simplex viruses to combat glioblastoma with the impetus on arming oHSV with immunotherapeutic payloads designed to induce anti-tumor immunity. This position will work on both projects as needed.
This position offers a four-year Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) beginning Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. The GRA position is a 50% Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) and includes:
A Stipend ($35,325 per year).
Full tuition and fee waiver
Health insurance coverage
Research mentorship in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment
Continuation of the assistantship will be contingent upon satisfactory performance.
Required Qualifications
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in science-related fields. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required on earned bachelor’s degrees.
- Recommended: Master’s degree or Professional degree in science-related fields. A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required on earned graduate or professional degrees.
- Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Prior experience in a research laboratory within an academic institution such as research internship and/or undergraduate research experience
Screening Process
Screening of candidates will begin now and continue until July 1, 2026, or until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026 (Fall 2026 semester) or January 5, 2027 (Spring 2027 semester). After the screening process, Dr. Jackson will choose 1 student to submit the formal application to the CEM program. Application deadlines must be followed after a candidate is chosen. Please submit the following to Dr. Joseph Jackson JWJACKSON@UTMCK.EDU Â
- CV
- cover Letter and personal statement
- name, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three references
