Opportunities — Volunteer roles, research opportunities

We offer different roles around the year, including adminstration, leadership, mentorship, and as general member.

Opportunities Await

Every opportunity begins with a moment of curiosity — the decision to step forward, to learn, and to build something new. At UTGEC, we open doors to experiences that bridge science, innovation, and leadership. Whether you’re seeking research roles, internships, or collaborative projects, each opportunity helps you turn knowledge into impact.

The future of genetics and biotechnology depends on young innovators like you. These programs are designed not just to prepare you for a career, but to empower you to create one — where curiosity leads the way.

Pathways to Get Involved

Opportunities at UTGEC are designed as clear, practical pathways. You can join research assistantships with labs, apply for short industry-style projects, contribute to science communication & policy, or explore bioinformatics build sprints. Each track pairs you with mentors, milestones, and a peer group so you’re never starting alone.

Here’s how it works: discover open roles, submit a lightweight application, get matched with a project or mentor, then build toward a final deliverable (poster, repo, brief, or demo). Along the way you’ll get feedback, resources, and community support—so you can grow skills and ship work you’re proud of.

  • Research Assistantships
  • Industry Mini-Projects
  • Science Writing & Policy
  • Bioinformatics Sprints
  • Mentorship Pods
  • Community Outreach

Types of Opportunities

Choose what fits your goals—quick wins, recurring roles, or a term-long build.

Research

Research Assistantships

Shadow a lab, collect data, help analyze results.

Wet-Lab

Wet-Lab Volunteers

Pipetting, plating, record-keeping with mentors.

Computational

Bioinformatics Pods

Build reusable notebooks and tiny datasets.

Communication

Science Writing

Blog posts, interviews, event recaps for our site.

Outreach

Outreach & Comms

Design, socials, and partnerships.

Funding

Grants & Funding

Co-write micro-grants; manage small budgets.

Build

Competitions

Hackathons, case comps, synbio challenges.

Mentor

Mentorship / TA

Host office hours or weekly mini-lessons.

Upcoming Opportunities

All the upcoming opportunities will be posted here

Contact Us

Questions, collaborations, or membership? Send us a note and we’ll get back to you.

Connect

By contacting us, you agree to our community code of conduct and lab safety policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of opportunities are available in the club?

We offer a variety of roles including executive positions, director roles, volunteer opportunities, and mentorship programs. Each provides unique ways to get involved and grow your skills.

How can I apply for executive or director roles?

Applications open at the beginning of each semester. Details are posted on our Instagram, mailing list, and website. We encourage students from all years and backgrounds to apply.

Do I need prior experience to apply?

Not necessarily! While some leadership roles may prefer prior involvement, passion, commitment, and willingness to learn are the most important qualities we look for.

What do volunteers do?

Volunteers support events, outreach, and communications. It’s a flexible, low-commitment way to contribute while gaining valuable experience and meeting like-minded peers.

What is the mentorship program about?

Our mentorship program connects students with experienced mentors who provide guidance on research, academics, and career pathways in genetics and synthetic biology.

Can first-year or international students join?

Absolutely! We value diverse perspectives. First-year and international students are encouraged to get involved through volunteering, mentorship, or applying for team roles.

How much time commitment is expected?

Time commitment varies by role. Executive and director positions may require 3–5 hours per week, while volunteers and mentees can participate more flexibly depending on availability.

Where can I learn about open opportunities?

All open positions and programs are announced on our Instagram, mailing list, and the opportunities page of this website.