Gap-Year Research Programs (2025) - Buck Institute

The Buck Institute offers two Postbaccalaureate Programs for recent college and university graduates to take a 1- or 2-year break after graduation before continuing their research career. Please click on this LINK for information on the programs.

1. The Buck Postbaccalaureate Research Program offers recent graduates a 2-year opportunity to investigate insights into critical molecular and biological drivers of aging as well as translation of that research into new therapies to improve healthspan and combat diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and diabetes. The position will entail research assistant duties as well as training opportunities, which will include a mentored research project. International students are eligible to apply via OPT.
2. The Support and Preparation for an Alzheimer’s Research Career (SPARC) Program is a 1-year training opportunity for recent graduates that focuses specifically on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Using an interdisciplinary approach, SPARC participants will study processes governing aging that contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology to develop novel approaches to treatment. Participation is limited to US citizens and permanent residents.

Postbaccalaureate Research Program Application Process
There are five components to the Postbaccalaureate Research Program application. To apply, complete the online application in its entirety. Failure to answer the required fields completely may result in delayed consideration of your application. When you have completed the online application, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation or if you experience any technical issues with the application, please alert HRRequests@buckinstitute.org.

Program Details

• The position will be salaried between $50,000 and $60,000 with benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement.
• Travel support will be provided.

If you have any questions about the application or either postbaccalaureate program, you may email Senior Program Manager of Education, Dr. Gregory Chin at gchin@buckinstitute.org.

Postbaccalaureate Research Application Form

• Starred (*) fields must be answered.
• CV or Resume - Please limit your CV or resume to 2 pages. Highlight any prior laboratory or research experience. A brief 1- or 2-line description of your specific contribution to each research project is particularly helpful. For instance, the statement "created the expression construct that allowed us to determine protein localization" quickly clarifies your role in the project compared to simply listing the lab and protocols performed.  You can delve into the specifics of your research in the scientific statement.
• Personal Statement - Please explain your interest in the Buck Institute and the Postbaccalaureate Research (2-year) and/or SPARC (1-year) Programs. Additionally, explain your interest in the research projects you selected above. Highlight any relevant skills to your chosen projects and/or connection between past research experiences and your selected projects. Limit your personal statement to a maximum of 2 pages. You may choose whatever font and spacing you desire, provided the printed document is legible.
• Scientific Statement - We would like to get a sense of you as a researcher. Please highlight your prior research experience. Note that it is more helpful to spotlight your specific contribution to the success of one or two projects rather than simply list procedures that you have performed from all of your projects. Your CV or resume will provide a comprehensive list of all prior research and skills. Explain your contribution to the project both experimentally and intellectually (for instance, what data did you collect and what conclusions did your data produce?). The scientific statement should not exceed 2 pages. You may choose whatever font and spacing you desire, provided the printed document is legible
• Unofficial Transcript - Please provide a copy of your most recent transcript(s) in PDF format. An unofficial transcript is sufficient. The transcript should list grades from all your completed coursework to date, including those from the 2024 Fall term (semester or quarter) if applicable. If Fall 2024 grades are not available at the time of submission of the application, make sure the transcript lists courses enrolled for the Fall 2024 term.
• Letter(s) of Recommendation - At least one letter of recommendation must be submitted on your behalf. You may request one additional letter (a maximum of two total letters) be submitted on your behalf. Please download the Letter of Recommendation Directions PDF and give it to each recommender. The directions will instruct your recommender to email your recommendation to studentrecs@buckinstitute.org  by the application deadline - noon PST on Friday, February 21, 2025 (noon PST 2/21/25). Be sure to ask your recommenders well in advance, so they have plenty of time to meet the deadline. Letters of recommendation sent by the applicant will not be accepted. In case we need to connect with any of your recommenders, please list their names and email addresses as requested on the Postbacc Application form. Note that letters do not need to be submitted twice if you are applying to both programs.

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