2027 Buck Institute Postbaccalaureate Research Programs
Virtual Informational Sessions
Interested in learning more about the Buck’s postbaccalaureate and undergraduate summer research programs? Join us for a one-hour Zoom informational session to learn more about the programs, eligibility requirements, application process, and research opportunities.
Sessions will be held:
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. PT
- Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. PT
https://buckinstitute.zoom.us/j/87622293432
Meeting ID: 876 2229 3432
Program Overview
The Buck Institute for Research on Aging offers two one-year postbaccalaureate programs for recent college and university graduates to take a 1-year break after graduation before continuing their research careers. The programs emphasize laboratory and communication skills training to develop well-rounded future scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Participants will strengthen their laboratory, critical thinking, and scientific communication skills through a mentored research project. Other highlights include full employee benefits, career development/networking opportunities, and a flexible schedule for interviews.
Please visit https://www.buckinstitute.org/education-training/undergraduate-postbacc/ for complete program information, including eligibility requirements.
Program Descriptions
The Support and Preparation for an Alzheimer’s Research Career (SPARC) Program is a 1-year training opportunity for recent graduates focused specifically on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Using an interdisciplinary approach, SPARC participants will study aging processes that contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology in an effort to develop novel approaches to treatment.
The Buck Postbaccalaureate Research Program offers recent graduates a 1-year opportunity to investigate critical molecular and biological drivers of aging and translate that research into new therapies to improve healthspan. Postbaccalaureate Researchers will conduct biomedical research to combat diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and diabetes. The position includes research assistant duties as well as training opportunities, including a mentored research project. International students with appropriate OPT work authorization are eligible to apply.
Program Learning Objectives:
Participants will:
1. Plan and execute a mentored research project.
2. Learn new technical skills.
3. Explain scientific concepts to a lay audience.
4. Write a simple project proposal.
5. Give a formal research presentation to scientists.
Job Qualifications:
Applicants must:
- Be a recent university graduate from 2025, 2026, or 2027.
- Be legally able to work in the United States (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, OPT, or similar work authorization).
- Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Specific laboratory skills will vary by research project, but applicants should have some prior biological or computational research experience.
Application instructions:
A link to the online application and full descriptions of each research project will be available on November 2, 2026.
Completed applications will be accepted by noon PST on Tuesday, January 19, 2027 (12 pm PST 1/19/27). Only applications submitted through the Buck website will be considered.
Requested Documents:
All requested documents must be submitted through the online application. Letter(s) of recommendation must be submitted separately by recommenders.
Compensation Details:
Salaried position between $50,000 and $60,000 with full benefits.
Contact
Dr. Gregory Chin
Senior Program Manager, Education