The Institute of Molecular Biology -- the IMB -- is a group of biologists, chemists, and physicists at the University of Oregon who have pooled their expertise to tackle fundamental questions in molecular biology. What are the underlying principles that define life? How do organisms develop and respond to their environments in an organized fashion? How does life evolve? How can we translate our molecular understanding into novel therapies?

To address these questions, the IMB boasts a highly collaborative faculty with expertise in genomics, cell biology, biochemistry/biophysics, systems biology, microbiology, and evolutionary biology. Our researchers use a wide variety of biological systems, from germ-free zebrafish to in vitro-reconstituted molecular machines to computational models. As a result, students enrolled in our PhD program come away with the broad conceptual and technical skills necessary to succeed in modern biological research. Further, our state-of-the-art facilities and excellent support staff allow members of the IMB community to focus their efforts on science.

The Institute of Molecular Biology strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment to scientists of all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic and other backgrounds. Systemic, even murderous, racism has resulted in centuries-old barriers to Black scientists in particular. We are committed to the difficult work of tearing down these barriers. IMB leadership fully acknowledges that our past, present and future role as gatekeepers to science places the responsibility on us to work toward correcting these inequities. We also recognize our success depends on engaging with and learning from faculty, staff, trainees and the broader community to design and implement genuine solutions. We invite you to share your thoughts and join us in confronting racism and bias. Together, we will cultivate an institute that nurtures diversity to improve society while enabling bolder and more creative science.