Master’s Research Position | East Tennessee State University

Institution: East Tennessee State University (ETSU)

Department: Department of Biological Sciences

Program: Master of Science (M.S.) in Biology

Research Area: Protein Folding | Protein Misfolding | Diabetes Research | Molecular Biology | Cellular Biology | Biomedical Research

The Department of Biological Sciences at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is seeking motivated M.S. students to join the Arunagiri Lab
, led by Dr. Anoop Arunagiri
, for research focused on protein folding, misfolding, trafficking, and aggregation and their contribution to diabetes and related metabolic or degenerative diseases
.

Students may begin the program in Spring 2027, Fall 2027, or potentially Spring 2028
, depending on availability and program requirements.

Investigate how protein folding and misfolding affect cellular function and contribute to disease development.

Study proinsulin folding and processing in pancreatic beta cells
, with a focus on mechanisms relevant to diabetes.

Investigate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein quality control and cellular mechanisms that respond to improperly folded proteins.

Study cellular stress responses associated with protein misfolding and impaired protein homeostasis.

Investigate protein aggregation and its potential contribution to diabetes and related metabolic or degenerative diseases.

Explore how defects in protein folding, trafficking, processing, and aggregation contribute to disease mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels.

The selected M.S. students will be expected to:

• Conduct thesis-based research in the Arunagiri Lab.
• Investigate mechanisms of protein folding and misfolding
  .
• Study proinsulin folding and processing in pancreatic beta cells.
• Investigate ER protein quality control mechanisms
  .
• Study cellular stress responses associated with protein misfolding.
• Investigate protein aggregation and its biological consequences
  .
• Learn and apply new laboratory and analytical techniques
  .
• Analyze and interpret experimental results.
• Contribute to research projects related to diabetes and metabolic or degenerative diseases
  .
• Develop scientific communication and research skills.
• Prepare and complete a master’s thesis based on laboratory research.

The Arunagiri Lab’s research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms connecting protein homeostasis and disease
, with emphasis on:

• Pancreatic Beta Cells
• Diabetes Research
• Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Protein Quality Control
• Cellular Stress Responses
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Degenerative Diseases

Applicants should:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related discipline
  .
• Demonstrate a strong interest in protein biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biophysics, or related research areas
  .
• Be motivated to conduct thesis-based research
  .
• Have a strong interest in learning new laboratory and analytical techniques
  .
• Be interested in research related to diabetes, protein folding, and disease mechanisms
  .
• Be prepared to work in a collaborative research environment.

Candidates from backgrounds including:

• Biology
• Biomedical Sciences
• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biophysics
• Related Life Science Disciplines

may be considered.

Prior research experience is preferred but not required
.

Relevant experience or interest may include:

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Diabetes Research
• Cell Culture
• Pancreatic Beta Cell Research
• Protein Quality Control
• Cellular Stress Responses
• Biomedical Research
• Laboratory Research

• Opportunity to conduct thesis-based research in protein biology and diabetes research.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory and analytical techniques
  .
• Exposure to research on protein folding, misfolding, trafficking,…