Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Since 1968, our mission has been to provide the highest quality research and education possible in the interdisciplinary fields of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics. Microbiology & Molecular Genetics About Us Message from the Chair Giving Jobs Contact Us People Faculty Members Project Scientists & Specialists Graduate Students Postdoctoral Scholars Research Education & Training Medical Education Graduate Program Postdoctoral Training Seminars Resources Home Research Microbiology & Molecular Genetics: Home Faculty Researchers Students Community Get to Know Our People & Programs Our department takes pride in being ranked among the top microbiology departments in the country. We work together as scientists, educators and students to identify and address the most relevant problems in microbial pathogenesis, host cell biology and immune defense, and the host-pathogen interface. About Us Meet Our People Research Education & Training Resources Giving Excellence in Mentoring: Gina Lee Award Established The Gina Lee Award for Excellence in Mentoring Basic Science Research Trainees was established in 2025 in honor of our late colleague, Gina Lee, PhD, to recognize faculty who demonstrate outstanding commitment to trainee mentorship. Congratulations to the 2025 inaugural awardee, Cholsoon Jang, PhD (Biological Chemistry). Jang was selected for continuing Lee's scientific legacy — RNA metabolism and kidney cancer research — and upholding her dedication to mentoring research trainees at all levels. Seminars in Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Our seminars provide a platform for leading researchers to share cutting-edge findings, facilitate intellectual exchange and collaboration among faculty and students, and allow the broader scientific community to connect and learn from each other. View Seminars Join Our Team Explore current academic career opportunities in our department and apply today. Open Positions News Jun 09, 2026 | UC Irvine School of Medicine Celebrating Excellence and Unabated Productivity: The Sixth Annual Research & Faculty Mentoring Awards Features & Briefs UCI School of Medicine Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Medicine Physiology & Biophysics Medicine – Hematology/Oncology Anatomy & Neurobiology Urology Emergency Medicine Biological Chemistry Orthopaedic Surgery Surgery Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Plastic Surgery Research Academic Affairs May 15, 2026 | UC Irvine School of Medicine UC Irvine Researchers Discover Cellular ‘Tug-of-War’ That Shapes How Our Genes Are Expressed — With Potential Implications for Cancer Drug Safety Press Release UCI School of Medicine Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Research Apr 27, 2026 | NPR A Controversial Genetic Test Will Return to the LA Olympics. It Also Happened in '84. In the News UCI School of Medicine Pediatrics – Genetic and Genomic Medicine Microbiology & Molecular Genetics Medicine – General Internal Medicine and Primary Care View All News Events There are no upcoming events. View Past Events