We’re always looking for motivated and curious individuals to join our research group, whether you are an undergraduate or pursuing a post graduate career as a graduate student or postdoc. The research in the lab pulls on multiple different biological disciplines including molecular biology, marine microbial ecology, virology, genomics, and oceanography and we encourage those with diverse interests and backgrounds to explore opportunities in our lab. We aim to foster a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and pursue innovative research projects.
If you're interested in joining, here's how you can get involved:
Undergraduates: Students with all levels of research experience are are welcome to join the lab. There are a range of potential projects that can meet individual interests including microbiology, genomics, computational biology, oceanography, and ecology. Undergraduate researchers work on independent projects in collaboration with other researchers in the lab and can expect to dedicate 10 or more hours each week doing work in lab. New students are generally on boarded at the beginning of Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Please reach out to Dr. Carlson via email with a brief introduction and your CV/resume, and why you're interested in research in this lab.
Graduate Students: The Carlson Lab accepts students through the CSULB Department of Biological Sciences for a Masters of Science in either Biology or Microbiology. Prospective students should email Dr. Carlson a CV, academic transcript, and a brief description of your research background, interests, and career goals. Please contact Dr. Carlson well before the application deadline to discuss potential opportunities and funding options. Below are listed some internal and external funding opportunities for post graduate work at CSULB.
Postdocs: Postdoctoral researchers who are interested in advancing their research in marine microbiology, microbial genomics, and oceanography are welcomed to reach out for opportunities in the lab. If you’d like to collaborate with us, please send a CV, a brief description of your proposed research, and potential funding sources.
Joining the lab means becoming part of a dynamic team working to push the boundaries of microbial ecology in the ocean. We look forward to hearing from you!
Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards
CSULB Graduate Center as a resource to search for funding:
Internal Funding Opportunities: https://www.csulb.edu/graduate-center/campus-funding
External Funding Opportunities: https://www.csulb.edu/graduate-center/external-funding
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education.
The GRFP provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education.
NSF actively encourages submission of applications from the full spectrum of diverse talent that society has to offer which includes underrepresented and under-served communities.
The SMART Program offers students pursuing a STEM degree a full scholarship, annual stipend, summer internships, and guaranteed employment at a DoD lab or facility upon graduation. Students can apply and participate while working toward their bachelor’s, master’s or Ph.D.
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans (PD Soros)
You can apply when you're applying to graduate or professional school, or when you're in the first two years of the academic program you're seeking funding for.
You must be 30 or younger as of the deadline to apply.
Each Fellowship supports one to two years of graduate study in any field and in any advanced degree-granting program in the United States.
Each award is for up to a total of $90,000. Here is the financial break down: Each Fellow receives $25,000 in stipend support a year (all stipend awards are capped at $50,000 per year), as well as 50 percent of required tuition and fees, up to $20,000 per year, for one to two years. The first year of Fellowship funding cannot be deferred
Hertz Foundation Fellowship – Deadline to apply is November 1, 2024 at 11:59PM Pacific
The fellowship includes up to five years of funding, valued at up to $250,000, and the freedom to pursue innovative projects wherever they may lead.
All eligible applicants must:
be college seniors, first-year graduate students, or in a gap period preparing to apply to graduate school;
intend to pursue a PhD in the applied physical and biological sciences, mathematics, or engineering;
intend to direct their studies toward understanding and solving major, near-term problems facing society; and
be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program
The Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program provides support for master’s and doctoral degrees in oceanography, marine biology, maritime archaeology—these may include but are not limited to ocean and/or coastal: engineering, social science, marine education, marine stewardship, cultural anthropology, and resource management disciplines—and particularly encourages women and members of minority groups to apply.
Sally Casanova Pre-Doctoral Scholars Program
Sally Casanova scholars receive a $5,000 stipend that allows them to explore and prepare to succeed in PhD/doctoral programs in their chosen field of study. They also have the opportunity to apply for a fully funded summer research experience if they are not already enrolled in a PhD program by the fall after their scholarship year.
CSULB State University Grant (SUG)
The State University Grant (SUG) program provides need-based awards to eligible undergraduate and graduate/postbaccalaureate students who are California residents or otherwise determined as eligible, such as AB 540-eligible students. When you apply for financial aid via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application (CADA) you are considered for a SUG by your campus.