Description
2026 Gap-Year Research Programs Overview
Job description
The Buck Institute for Research on Aging 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. The programs emphasize both laboratory and communication skills training to develop well-rounded future scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Participants of these programs will have the opportunity to improve their laboratory, critical thinking, and scientific communication skills within the context of a mentored research project. Positions include full benefits, career development/networking opportunities, and a flexible schedule for interviews.
The Buck Postbaccalaureate Research Program offers recent graduates a 1-2-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. Postbaccalaureate Researchers will conduct biomedical research to combat diseases of aging, 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. Other highlights include directly joining a lab and that international students are eligible to apply via OPT.
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. Other highlights include lab matches after an initial boot camp.
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.
Requirements
Job Qualifications:
Please be sure to review the full Program Eligibility Requirements 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 some prior biologically or computationally relevant research experience.
Application instructions:
The application and research project descriptions are available at this link: https://www.buckinstitute.org/education-training/undergraduate-postbacc/ Applications must be submitted to the Buck website at noon PST on 2/2/2026.
