Motivated applicants for postdoctoral, graduate student, and undergraduate research positions are encouraged to apply. Send an e-mail to dheva_setiaputra[at]sfu.ca with your CV and a description of your research interests and career aims. Don’t worry, we’re equally excited about applicants bound for academia, industry, medical school, or any path you decide to embark upon.

We look forward to hearing from you!

We are looking for an undergraduate summer student!

  • Undergraduate Research Opportunity – Summer 2026 Setiaputra Lab | Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

    We are looking for motivated undergraduate students to join our lab this summer to work on an exciting project investigating the DNA binding properties of DNA repair proteins. Students will gain hands-on experience purifying proteins expressed in insect cells and performing in vitro biochemistry assays.

    About the Project

    DNA repair is essential for maintaining genome stability, and defects in these pathways are linked to cancer and other diseases. In this project, students will contribute to ongoing research by expressing and purifying cancer-related DNA repair proteins using insect cell systems and characterizing how these proteins interact with DNA using biochemical approaches.

    Available Streams

    Applicants can choose between two streams:

    • Volunteer Stream (~3–4 hours/week): Ideal for students who want to learn foundational research techniques in a low-pressure setting. Students in this stream are expected to transition into a directed studies position afterward.

    • Directed Studies Stream (MBB498/491) (~10–14 hours/week): For students ready to commit to a more substantial research experience and take on a defined project.

    What You'll Gain

    • Hands-on training in protein purification and biochemistry assays

    • A deeper understanding of DNA repair biology

    • Mentorship and guidance for your academic and research career

    • The opportunity to contribute to publishable research, with potential for authorship or conference presentation

    Who We're Looking For

    • SFU Undergraduate students in MBB or a related department

    • Completion of MBB222 and 231 (MBB322 and 331 are also assets)

    • Previous wet lab experience is an asset (but not a requirement)

    • Curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn

    How to Apply

    Send your CV and unofficial transcript to Dr. Dheva Setiaputra at dheva_setiaputra@sfu.ca with the subject line "Summer Research Application – [Your Name]."

    Application deadline: April 14, 2026.

    We look forward to hearing from you!

  • Interested trainees are always invited to contact us! Our lab welcomes diverse professional goals and aim to facilitate your career progression as much as possible.

    Broadly speaking we are interested in projects involved with:

    • Mammalian DNA repair and its role in cancer therapeutic sensitivity

    • Genomics approaches to monitor DNA processing

    • Factors mediating CRISPR-based gene editing outcomes

    • In vivo and in vitro biochemistry of nucleic acid-associated proteins

    • Computational methods to predict protein binding and dynamics

    What we offer:

    • Expertise in mammalian cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, cell biology assays, genomics (wet and dry), CRISPR-based techniques, protein purification, and nucleic acid biochemistry approaches

    • A dynamic and interdisciplinary team working together in pursuit of excellent science

    • A commitment to working with trainees to both pursue world-class research and cultivate soft skills necessary for individual career goals