Description
2026 Gap-Year Research Programs Overview
Job description
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. You can click on this LINK for information on the programs.
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 the processes governing aging that contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology to develop novel treatment approaches. Participation is limited to US citizens and permanent residents.
The Buck Postbaccalaureate Research Program offers recent graduates a 1- to 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.
Program Learning Objectives:
- Plan and execute a mentored research project.
- Learn new technical skills.
- Learn how to explain scientific concepts to a lay audience.
- Learn how to write a simple grant proposal.
- Give a formal research presentation to scientists.
INFORMATION SEMINAR: January 5, 2026 @ 4:30 pm PST
Check the Buck website on or after December 19, 2025, for the link.
Requirements
Job Qualifications:
Please be sure to review the full Program Eligibility Requirements and Research Project descriptions at https://www.buckinstitute.org/education-training/undergraduate-postbacc/ before applying. Briefly, each applicant must:
1) Be a recent university graduate from 2024, 2025, or 2026.
2) Legally be able to receive a stipend (U.S. citizen, OPT, or similar work authorization).
3) Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Applicants should have prior experience in biologically or computationally relevant research.
Application instructions:
The application is available at this link: https://buckinstitute.applytojob.com/apply/uNMr7abz8v/GapYear-Research-Programs-2026?source=SACNAS. Applications must be submitted to the Buck website by noon PST on February 2, 2026.
