Fully Funded PhD in Molecular Parasitology – Texas State University, USA (Mukherjee Lab, Spring 2027)

Texas State University is offering a fully funded PhD position in Molecular Parasitology within the Mukherjee Lab in the Department of Biology, with a planned start in Spring 2027. The position is centred on malaria pathogenesis, specifically the molecular mechanisms that allow the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) to invade, develop within, and exit human host cells.

This is a project‑based, fully funded doctoral opportunity that combines infection biology, molecular and cell biology, and parasite genetics, and is ideal for candidates aiming for a research career in infectious diseases and global health.

Position snapshot

• Position: Fully funded PhD student in Molecular Parasitology (Mukherjee Lab)

• Institution: Texas State University, Department of Biology

• Location: San Marcos, Texas, USA

• Programme: PhD in Integrative and Applied Biology (Biology doctoral track)

• Start term: Spring 2027

• Funding: Fully funded (competitive stipend, full tuition coverage, health benefits)

• Application review from: 15 August 2026 (applications open until filled)

• How to apply: Email CV + cover letter to Dr. Sumit Mukherjee at sumit.mukherjee@txstate.edu, then complete the official Graduate College application for the PhD in Integrative and Applied Biology.

About the research project

The Mukherjee Lab focuses on understanding the molecular basis of malaria pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on membrane protein biogenesis and host‑cell interactions in Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest human malaria parasite. The appointed PhD student will join an interdisciplinary team working on questions such as:

• How malaria parasites build and maintain specialized organelles and membranes required for host‑cell invasion and intracellular development.

• The molecular mechanisms underlying host‑cell rupture and parasite egress, including the role of specific parasite proteins and pathways.

• Identification and functional characterization of parasite factors that could serve as potential drug targets or vaccine candidates.

The project leverages state‑of‑the‑art molecular and cell biology techniques, including parasite culture, genetic manipulation, protein localization, and functional assays, in a well‑equipped molecular parasitology laboratory at Texas State.

Supervisor and research environment

The PhD student will be supervised by Dr. Sumit Mukherjee, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Texas State University. Dr. Mukherjee’s research programme is funded by sources including the American Heart Association and Texas State University internal grants, and focuses on the molecular mechanisms of malaria parasite egress and organelle biogenesis.

As a doctoral student in the Department of Biology, the candidate will be part of a broader community of researchers in integrative and applied biology, with access to core facilities, seminars, and collaborations across life sciences and health‑related disciplines at Texas State.

Funding and financial support

Selected candidates will receive a fully funded PhD package, which typically includes:

• Full tuition coverage for the doctoral programme.

• A competitive annual stipend to cover living expenses.

• Health insurance support (as per university graduate assistantship benefits).

• Access to modern molecular biology laboratories, reagents, and equipment required for the project.

• Opportunities to attend and present at scientific conferences, and to publish research findings in peer‑reviewed journals.

Exact stipend levels and benefit details are typically confirmed at the offer stage, but the position is explicitly advertised as fully funded with no tuition burden for the student.

Who should apply

This position is open to domestic and international applicants with a strong background in the biological sciences and a clear interest in molecular parasitology and infectious disease research.

Academic background

Candidates are expected to hold (or be close to completing) a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in one of the following or closely related fields:

• Molecular Biology

• Cell Biology

• Microbiology

• Biochemistry

• Genetics / Biomedical Sciences

• Biology / Biotechnology

While a Master’s degree is preferred, exceptionally qualified candidates with only a Bachelor’s degree may also be considered if they have strong research experience and academic standing.

Skills and attributes

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Solid grounding in molecular and cell biology concepts and laboratory techniques.

• Genuine interest in parasitology, infectious diseases, and global health, particularly malaria.

• Ability to work independently in the lab, troubleshoot experiments, and handle complex biological systems.

• Strong written and spoken English skills (critical for scientific communication and, for international students, for meeting Graduate College requirements).

• Motivation to pursue a long‑term research career (academia, public health, biotech/pharma, or related sectors).

Prior hands‑on research experience (e.g., Master’s thesis, research assistantships, internships) is highly desirable but not strictly mandatory.

Application materials (two‑step process)

Applying for this position involves two linked steps: (1) expressing interest directly to Dr. Mukherjee, and (2) submitting a formal application to the Texas State Graduate College for the PhD in Integrative and Applied Biology.scholarnexus+2

Step 1 – Initial expression of interest to the Mukherjee Lab

Send the following directly to Dr. Sumit Mukherjee at sumit.mukherjee@txstate.edu

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarizing your education, research experience, technical skills, and any publications or presentations.

• Cover letter (1–2 pages) outlining:

  • Your research experience and key projects.

  • Your specific interest in malaria / molecular parasitology and this project.

  • Your career goals and why a PhD in this lab is the right next step.

Applications will begin to be reviewed on or after 15 August 2026, and early submission is encouraged as the position will remain open until filled.

Step 2 – Formal application to the Graduate College

If your profile aligns with the project, you will be guided to submit a formal application to the PhD in Integrative and Applied Biology through The Graduate College. Key requirements include:

• Online application via the Texas State application portal (SLATE), selecting the PhD in Integrative and Applied Biology.

• Application fee:

  • $55 standard non‑refundable fee.

  • Additional $35 International Evaluation Fee for applicants with foreign credentials.

• Academic transcripts:

  • One official transcript showing completion of a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geology, or a related natural science from an accredited institution.

  • For international applicants: two official transcripts per institution (one in the original language, one translated into English), verified and sealed by the university.

• Minimum GPA requirements:

  • At least 3.5 GPA on undergraduate work (for Bachelor’s entrants).

  • At least 3.25 GPA on graduate work (for Master’s entrants).

• English proficiency (for international applicants whose first language is not English):

  • TOEFL or IELTS scores sent directly to The Graduate College.

  • Typical minimums: TOEFL iBT around 78 or IELTS around 6.5 (check the latest Graduate College requirements).

• Supporting documents uploaded in the application system:

  • Current CV.

  • Statement of goals describing your professional aspirations and rationale for pursuing a PhD.

  • Three letters of recommendation addressing your preparation for doctoral study.

  • An “Intent to Mentor” letter from a Biology faculty member confirming they will serve as your initial dissertation adviser (in this case, Dr. Mukherjee).

It is advisable to coordinate with Dr. Mukherjee before submitting the formal application to ensure alignment on the research project and supervisory arrangement.

Deadlines and timeline

• Application review start date: 15 August 2026.

• Position status: Open until filled; early application is strongly recommended.

• Intended start term: Spring 2027 (exact start date to be agreed with the supervisor and Graduate College).

• Graduate College deadlines: Texas State uses priority and standard deadlines by term and residency status; for Spring 2027, international applicants are typically expected to apply by October 1, 2026 (priority) or November 1, 2026 (standard), but you should confirm the latest dates on the Graduate College site once your intended start term is clear.

Because the lab begins reviewing applications from 15 August 2026, candidates should aim to send their CV and cover letter to Dr. Mukherjee as soon as possible, then complete the formal Graduate College application in parallel.

Why this opportunity stands out

This PhD position offers a compelling combination of:

• A clearly defined, high‑impact research project on malaria pathogenesis, with direct relevance to global health and drug/vaccine development.

• Full funding (tuition + stipend + health benefits), removing financial barriers for both domestic and international students.

• Hands‑on training in advanced molecular parasitology methods within a supportive, research‑active lab.

• A pathway to a US PhD degree with strong publication potential and opportunities for conference participation and networking.

For candidates passionate about infectious diseases, molecular mechanisms of host‑pathogen interactions, and translational biomedical research, this is an excellent entry point into a research career with tangible global health implications.

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