Available positions

We are a diverse group of ecologists, physiologists, biochemists and molecular biologists; The MacMillan lab uses a variety of techniques to address questions at a several levels of biological organization. We all do best to foster an environment that celebrates diversity and is highly collaborative. Anyone who does not share our values of tolerance and mutual cooperation and kindness is not welcome. We welcome inquiries from talented scientists at any level of training. People who identify with groups that are underrepresented in STEM fields are particularly encouraged to connect with us - a diversity of backgrounds leads to a diversity of opinions, and that's what we want!

Postdoctoral fellows: Prospective postdoctoral fellows with a strong publication record should contact me. I have sporadic funding to support postdocs on predefined projects, but many postdocs who join the lab are able to do so because they secured their own funding. If you are considering applying for funding and are interested in joining the lab, shoot me an email. I can get excited about pretty much anything in the realm of integrative physiology, and we have a diversity of tools at our disposal, so bring your own research program to the lab and let’s work to develop it together.

Graduate students: Positions are often available in the lab for enthusiastic and motivated PhD and MSc students who are, or are prepared to be awesome. Please see the Research page to get a sense of the kinds of projects going on in the lab. You do not need to currently hold a scholarship, but you should have a record that could lead to one, and be ready to work hard trying. Send me a copy of your CV and and unofficial copy of your transcripts to start the discussion.

Honours thesis students: Students planning to do an honours thesis should contact me to discuss opportunties, and consider getting some exposure to the lab ahead of time as a volunteer or project student (e.g. BIOL 4901). Honours projects in the lab are varied and fun, and frequently lead to first author publications if students are sufficiently motivated. See our publications page for examples of honours students who have done just that.

Volunteers/Work Study/BIOL 4901: Undergraduate students who are interested in assisting us in the lab or doing an independent project should send me an email. Typically, undergrads start in the lab with low-risk and low-excitement jobs, and progress to more engaging and critical positions once they have proven themselves reliable. Be prepared to  cook fly food or clean up bug poop for a while before you get your hands on a pipette or design your own experiment. Undergraduates are encouraged to use any opportunity to engage with the more senior members of the lab (e.g. attend lab meetings) to make the most of their time with us.