Are you interested in joining our team?

The Sapkota Lab at the University of Kentucky is currently in its early stages of setup and not yet accepting graduate students or postdoctoral researchers. However, we will soon be recruiting new lab members as we establish our research programs in fruit and vegetable crop improvement.

In the meantime, if you're excited about plant breeding, genomics, and computational biology—and want to get involved—we welcome inquiries from prospective volunteers, especially those interested in bioinformatics, data analysis, or contributing to exciting genomic projects. Whether you're an undergraduate, a student exploring research options, or someone with a passion for applying computation in plant science, we’d love to hear from you.

Stay tuned for updates on future positions and opportunities as the lab grows!

Preferred Interests and Backgrounds:

• Bioinformatics and Genomic Data Analysis
• Statistical Genetics
• Plant Breeding and Genetics
• Computational Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Metabolomics and Plant Biochemistry
• Horticultural Crop Research

Dr. Manoj Sapkota
Assistant Professor, Horticulture Crop Breeding for Nutrition
Department of Horticulture
University of Kentucky
401B Plant Sciences Building, Lexington, KY
Lexington, KY 40546
Email: manoj.sapkota@uky.edu

Current Opportunities

Undergraduate Research Assistant (Federal Work-Study Position)

Application deadline: December 31, 2025
Hourly rate: $12.00–$13.75/hour
Location: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
🔗 Apply here 

The Sapkota Lab is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join our team.
This position provides hands-on experience in horticultural genetics, genomics, and germplasm characterization, with opportunities to work in both laboratory and greenhouse settings.

Eligibility:
Applicants must be currently enrolled undergraduate students at the University of Kentucky and have Federal Work-Study (FWS) eligibility.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collecting and preparing plant tissue samples for DNA extraction and genetic analysis
• Assisting with genotyping and molecular characterization
• Maintaining experimental records and data organization
• Supporting greenhouse and field tasks such as fruit harvest, seed extraction, and inventory
• Participating in data entry, basic analysis, and team research activities

Ideal candidates will have:

• An interest in plant biology, horticulture, genetics, or biotechnology
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
• The ability to work collaboratively and follow lab safety protocols

This opportunity offers valuable research training for students considering graduate school or careers in plant science, genetics, or biotechnology.