1 · Work with us

Join the Pan Lab

We welcome inquiries from motivated students and researchers interested in plant membrane signaling, lipid biology, and how plants respond to environmental change. We aim to build an inclusive and supportive research community where everyone feels respected and can grow intellectually and academically.

To get in touch, email Xue Pan with your CV and a short note about your research interests and goals.

Research environment

Research at the University of Toronto Scarborough

The Pan Lab is based in the Department of Cell and Systems Biology at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), one of the University of Toronto’s three campuses. Located in Toronto’s east end, UTSC combines a research-intensive university environment with a campus known for its green space, collaborative community, and emphasis on experiential learning.

The Department of Cell and Systems Biology offers MSc and PhD training across cell, molecular, and systems biology. Its interdisciplinary research environment spans areas including genetics, cell biology, developmental biology, proteomics, and computational biology.

About UTSC CSB graduate programs

Campus environment at the University of Toronto Scarborough

Buildings and green space at the University of Toronto Scarborough

Laboratory equipment used for plant research

Early research experience

Undergraduate students

Undergraduate students at the University of Toronto may enquire about volunteer research, paid positions, or research courses for academic credit. Students at other institutions may be eligible to apply for summer research programs such as NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA), ASPB-SURF, or Mitacs Globalink.

Ways to get involved

Volunteering

We welcome inquiries from students interested in volunteering. The lab typically reviews applications in February for summer opportunities and in June for fall–winter opportunities.

Research courses

BIOB98 and BIOD98/99 provide opportunities to conduct undergraduate research for course credit. Check course requirements and contact Xue well in advance.

Work-study

Eligible undergraduate students may be able to take part in paid research, usually around 9–12 hours per week. See the Career Learning Network for program details.

Summer research awards

NSERC-USRA and UTEA

Competitive awards support full-time summer undergraduate research. Award duration, stipend, eligibility, and deadlines vary by program and year, so check the current official guidance. Students planning to apply are encouraged to contact Xue early for advice on preparing their applications.

NSERC-USRA information

ASPB-SURF

The American Society of Plant Biologists’ summer research fellowship supports eligible undergraduate students pursuing plant biology research. Program dates, benefits, and eligibility should be confirmed on the official website. Contact Xue early if you are considering an application.

Mitacs Globalink

This program supports eligible international undergraduates from partner institutions undertaking research internships in Canada. Partner countries, application windows, and host-lab availability can change, so check current program details and contact Xue to ask whether the lab is able to host a student in the relevant year.

What to include in your inquiry

Please read the program criteria carefully to confirm your eligibility, then email Xue with:

Your CV
Your unofficial transcript
A short motivation letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and career goals
Contact information for at least two references

MSc and PhD training

Graduate students

The Pan Lab is part of the Department of Cell and Systems Biology (CSB), which offers MSc and PhD programs. Admission requires a faculty member who agrees to supervise and fund the student’s research, so prospective students should contact Xue in advance to discuss research fit and potential opportunities.

Application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility requirements are set by the department and the University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies and may change by intake. Please consult the official pages before applying.

Please note: the Department of Cell and Systems Biology does not consider applications from international students to its MSc program. International applicants should review the department’s current admission requirements before deciding which program to apply to.

Prospective graduate students Application process Graduate scholarships and awards

What to include in your inquiry

Your CV
Your unofficial transcripts
A short motivation letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and career goals
Contact information for at least two references

Independent research

Postdoctoral fellows

We do not currently advertise a fully funded postdoctoral position. However, we welcome inquiries from motivated and creative researchers who may be competitive for external fellowships. We are happy to discuss potential projects and develop fellowship proposals with candidates well in advance of application deadlines.

Please first check the eligibility and current status of fellowships that may fit your background, then contact Xue with:

Your CV, including a list of publications
A short motivation letter describing your research interests, relevant experience, and career goals
Contact information for at least two references
A list of fellowships for which you may be eligible

Potential fellowship programs

Fellowship names, eligibility rules, and application cycles may change. Please confirm current information with each program.

Interested in joining?

Let’s talk about research

Tell us a little about your background, the research questions that interest you, and what you hope to learn next.

Contact Xue Pan