Finding a Bioinformatics Project After Coursework Completion

Once you have completed your coursework as a master’s student in Bioinformatics, the next step is to find a project that will make the most of your skills and knowledge. Here are some steps and resources to help you get started.

Identify Potential Institutions and Supervisors

By now, you should have applied for numerous opportunities. However, to ensure a successful project, make a comprehensive list of institutions and organizations where you would like to work. Each of these places has different research foci, so it's important to identify the professors or scientists whose areas of expertise align with your interests. Research their career profiles and current projects.

Tips:

Use online databases and university websites to gather information about potential supervisors. Review recent publications to gauge the scope and demand of their research. Check if they have ongoing projects in bioinformatics that could be suitable for your interests.

Once you have identified a suitable supervisor, prepare an email requesting the opportunity to work with them. Include your CV and a cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the project.

Email Template Example

Hi [Professor's Name], I am a master’s student in Bioinformatics and have completed my coursework. I am very interested in the research you are conducting, specifically [specific area of research]. I would like to know if there is an opportunity for me to work on a smaller aspect of a larger PhD project under your supervision. I am highly motivated and would be glad to contribute my skills. Please find my CV and cover letter attached. I look forward to your response.

Check for Project Funding

Before applying for any project, ensure that the institute does not charge for project training. If a charge exists, find out the exact amount and whether there are any funding opportunities available.

Training Fellowships:

Government organizations such as the Indian Academy of Sciences, IITs, etc., offer training fellowships. These fellowships screen student applications based on academic records and provide a stipend for a certain period. Check the eligibility criteria and requirements for these fellowships on the respective organization's website.

Prepare for Accommodation and Food

Before joining an institute, gather all the necessary information about accommodation and food. Some institutions have facilities for these needs, while others expect you to manage them on your own.

Tips:

Ask the institution about accommodation options and the process of securing one. Inquire about meal plans or kitchen facilities. Apply for accommodation and meal plans well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Places to Look for Training:

Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow National Botanical Research Institute (NBSRI), Lucknow Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), Lucknow IIT Kanpur Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, Trivandrum National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune National Centre for Cell Sciences (NCCS), Pune Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad Indian Genome Stability Centre (IGIB), New Delhi International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi

Research these institutes to find a project that aligns your goals and interests.

All the very best in your future endeavors and may your research projects lead to groundbreaking discoveries in bioinformatics.