Answers to FAQs from Applicants to the PhD Grad Program via the Nemes Lab

• Q: Does the Nemes Lab take applications? Will the Nemes Lab have an open position?
  A: We are always looking for talented and motivated applications, who are unafraid to work at the interface of Chemistry and Biology. You do not need to confirm open positions with Dr. Nemes, as we have open positions. While a significant portion of our research develops novel instruments and methods to advance bioanalytical mass spectrometry ‘omics (proteomics, peptidomics, metabolomics), all members of the Nemes lab conduct research also in biology. Working with live animals is a requirement. We provide training in chemistry and biology; prior expertise is not required in these fields to apply, but a willingness to work at the interface in chemistry and biology is an expectation.
• Q: Which program should I apply to? Which program is best for me?
  A: Our Department has 2 PhD programs: One issues PhD in Chemistry, and the other issues PhD in Biochemistry. These programs differ from each other in course requirements and programmatic milestones. As Dr. Nemes (and so the Nemes Lab) is affiliated with both PhD programs, applications are welcome from either program.
• Q: How should I obtain information on specific requirements to the PhD program(s)? Which PhD program is “right” for me?
  A: The programmatic requirements are detailed for Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Departmental Website. Applicants can also directly contact the UMD Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Office (chem-gradoffice at umd dot edu).
• Q: When should I apply? When does the PhD program start? 
  A: The deadline for applications is outlined at the Departmental Website. The UMD PhD programs start exclusively in the Fall  semester. If you miss the application deadline, you are encouraged to apply in the next application cycle.
• Q: How do I join the Nemes Lab?
  A: Admission to the Nemes Laboratory is a two-step process.
  • The applicant must first be accepted into a PhD program at UMD (Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology). Decisions on admissibility into PhD programs are made by an independent body of reviewers (not by Dr. Nemes), who make a holistic evaluation of each application. Each applicant to the Nemes Lab is advised to explicitly discuss in their application package already existing research experience (e.g., presentations at conferences, scientific publications, research in the lab), interest to gain further research experience (what motivates the candidate in research and career and why?), and mention faculty the applicant could see themselves working with. Applicants are also encouraged to comment on potential background in biology.
  • Next, the PhD programs require all potential candidates to rotate through up to 3 different labs in the Department.
  • During the rotation through the Nemes lab, the applicant and members of the Nemes Laboratory make a mutual evaluation of one another. Rotation does not mean automatic admission to the group. All candidates are welcome to rotate through the laboratory; there are no caps. Rotations will be arranged by the Department; there is no need to contact Dr. Nemes re: rotation ahead of time.
• The Nemes Lab conducts productive research at the interface of (bio)analytical chemistry (e.g., development of methods and technologies, building instruments) and cell and developmental neurobiology (e.g., single-cell analysis, hearing impairment, developmental processes). Each student in the group usually has 2-to-3 projects covering these areas based on mutual preference.
• The lab is highly interdisciplinary and productive in chemistry-biology fields, providing candidates with outstanding opportunities in careers including from Industry, Academia, and Government (meet the Alumni from the group). If you are interested in interdisciplinary research (chemistry and biology), we are pioneers in the field and you are encouraged to apply.