About the position

Two PhD positions are currently available in the Laboratory of Zoonotic Viruses and Comparative Immunology at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. The positions are ideal for students interested in emerging zoonotic viruses, virus–host interactions, innate immunity, comparative immunology, vaccines, and antiviral therapeutics.

The research will be conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Arinjay Banerjee, Canada Research Chair in Zoonotic Virus and Animal Reservoirs and Principal Investigator at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), University of Saskatchewan.

PhD Positions at a Glance

About the Research Laboratory

The Laboratory of Zoonotic Viruses and Comparative Immunology at VIDO, University of Saskatchewan, studies how emerging zoonotic viruses interact with their hosts and uses this knowledge to develop improved antiviral countermeasures.

The laboratory’s research follows three interconnected themes:

1. Wildlife Reservoirs and Comparative Immunity

The laboratory investigates virus–host interactions in wildlife reservoir species, particularly bats.

Research focuses on understanding how reservoir animals respond to emerging zoonotic viruses and how their antiviral innate and intrinsic immune mechanisms differ from those of other species.

This comparative approach can help researchers understand why some animals tolerate viral infections while others develop severe disease.

2. Zoonotic Virus Spillover and Human Disease

A second research theme examines how zoonotic viruses interact with human cells and tissues following spillover.

The laboratory uses a range of experimental models and advanced technologies, including:

• Primary cell cultures

• Immortalized cell lines

• Air–liquid interface cultures

• Organoid models

• Functional multi-omics

• In vivo models

• Virus–host interaction studies

These approaches are used to understand how emerging viruses cause disease and how they suppress protective antiviral immune responses.

3. Vaccines and Antiviral Therapeutics

The laboratory also translates discoveries from virus–host interaction studies into the development of next-generation vaccines and antiviral therapeutics.

This provides PhD students with an opportunity to work on research spanning fundamental virology through to potential applications in infectious disease prevention and treatment.

Key Research Areas

The two PhD students will work at the intersection of several research disciplines, including:

•  Emerging zoonotic viruses

• Virus–host interactions

• Innate antiviral immunity

• Comparative immunology

• Viral pathogenesis

• Vaccine development

• Antiviral therapeutic development

• One Health and emerging infectious diseases

The laboratory’s current research includes emerging viruses such as coronaviruses and investigates viral interactions with reservoir species and spillover hosts.

Why Consider This PhD Opportunity?

This opportunity may be particularly attractive to students who want to build interdisciplinary expertise in virology, immunology, infectious disease biology and comparative biology.

Students joining the laboratory would have the opportunity to work within a research environment combining experimental infection models, advanced cell and tissue systems, organoids, multi-omics and animal models.

The laboratory is also an active research group with PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working across zoonotic virus and comparative immunology projects.

About Dr. Arinjay Banerjee

Dr. Arinjay Banerjee is a virologist and Canada Research Chair in Zoonotic Virus and Animal Reservoirs. He is a Principal Scientist at VIDO and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at the University of Saskatchewan.

His research focuses on zoonotic virus discovery and pathogenesis, virus–host interactions in reservoir and spillover species, mechanisms of virus persistence, and the discovery of novel antiviral responses.

His laboratory has published research on emerging viruses and host antiviral responses, including recent work involving SARS-CoV-2 and other zoonotic virus research.

Eligibility / Ideal Candidate

The announcement is seeking highly motivated PhD students who are excited about interdisciplinary research at the intersection of virology, immunology and comparative biology.

Applicants with a strong interest or academic background in areas such as the following may find the opportunity particularly relevant:

• Virology

• Microbiology

• Immunology

• Molecular biology

• Infectious diseases

• Biomedical sciences

• Veterinary sciences

• Biotechnology

• Cell biology

• Comparative biology

Important: The announcement does not provide a specific degree, GPA, language-score or other formal eligibility requirement. Applicants should therefore review the relevant University of Saskatchewan graduate-program requirements before applying.

Documents Required

Interested candidates are asked to submit:

1. Full CV

2. Unofficial academic transcripts

3. One-page tailored letter of motivation

The letter of motivation should explain your research background, relevant skills, research interests and why you are interested in joining the Banerjee Laboratory.

Because the laboratory receives a large number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their application materials directly to:

Dr. Arinjay Banerjee
Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO)
University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Email: [email protected]

The laboratory also provides a contact route for prospective students and researchers interested in available positions.

Official Laboratory Website

For more information about the laboratory’s research, publications, team and current projects:

Laboratory of Zoonotic Viruses and Comparative Immunology

Application Tips

Before contacting the PI, prospective applicants should:

• Tailor the motivation letter specifically to the Banerjee Laboratory.

• Clearly explain their previous research experience.

• Highlight relevant laboratory techniques.

• Connect their research interests with zoonotic viruses, virus–host interactions or antiviral immunity.

• Mention relevant experience in virology, immunology, molecular biology, cell culture, animal models, omics or related fields where applicable.

• Keep the motivation letter focused and within the requested one-page limit.

• Combine the required documents into a professional application package.

Important Note

The original announcement does not specify a funding amount or application deadline. Applicants should confirm these details with the laboratory or the relevant University of Saskatchewan graduate program before making application decisions.

Quick Summary

Opportunity: 2 PhD positions
Research: Emerging zoonotic viruses and virus–host interactions
Specializations: Virology, immunology, innate immunity and comparative biology
Institution: University of Saskatchewan
Research center: Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO)
Country: Canada
Supervisor: Dr. Arinjay Banerjee
Application: CV + unofficial transcripts + one-page tailored motivation letter
Apply by: Email to [email protected]
Deadline: Not specified in the announcement

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD focused on emerging infectious diseases, zoonotic viruses, antiviral immunity or vaccine and therapeutic development, this could be a strong opportunity to consider.