JAX Postdoctoral Scholars

The JAX Scholars Program supports promising early-career postdoctoral associates conducting cutting edge biomedical and basic biological research at The Jackson Laboratory. Candidates should demonstrate promise as future leaders in these areas and focus their research on the advancement of scientific understanding and human health. The JAX Scholars Program offers an intellectually rigorous opportunity for postdoctoral scientists to advance their scientific training for careers in scientific research, policy, education and beyond. The Program encourages innovative, state-of-the-art research by which the Scholar establishes themself as an independent researcher under the mentorship of one of JAX’s exceptional JAX faculty members.

AWARD

Generally, two scholars are awarded annually, each for an initial one-year term with an available second year if approved by the institutional Training Committee. The review will take place approximately nine months into the Scholar tenure and will consist of a standard career development review, written progress report, and open seminar.

In addition to the benefits afforded to all postdocs at JAX, JAX Scholars will receive one year of salary support commencing January 1, 2026, and a $10,000 discretionary research and travel budget. The specific amount of salary support will be determined after the FY26 budget is approved and will be clarified in early December. A second year of funding may be awarded upon review of progress.

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates will hold recent Ph.D., M.D., M.D.-Ph.D. or equivalent degrees by the time of their JAX Scholar appointment. If candidates have questions about doctoral degree equivalencies, contact us at [email protected].

Candidates need to have less than two years of postdoctoral experience at JAX, and less than three years of cumulative postdoctoral experience. Postdocs are eligible to apply regardless of country of citizenship.

Candidates will be nominated by a faculty member (either at their home institution or at JAX) most familiar with the candidate’s abilities and career prospects. Candidates may also self-nominate.

APPLICATION

Your complete application must be submitted by December 1 and include the following components: 

1. Cover letter (1 page) expressing interest in the position and motivation for applying.  
2. Nomination letter from PI on letterhead.  
3. C.V. that includes a full list of scientific publications.  
4. Research statement (< 1,000 words) describing their significant scientific work to date. Tables and figures are allowed.  
5. Training plan (< 1,000 words) describing direction of future research, career plan and timeline, and proposed budget for the $10,000 discretionary fund.  
6. Leadership statement (< 1,000 words) describing their past leadership roles and achievements.   
7. Two recommendation letters from individuals other than the nominator on letterhead. One letter should be from the PhD supervisor. (If the PhD supervisor is not available/appropriate, please provide justification for the alternate recommendation submitted). 

All documents should be submitted as a single .pdf file in the order described above attached to an email sent to [email protected] with the subject line "JAX Scholar Award" by the December 1 deadline. Award announcement will be made by December 31. Please reach out to Meredith Theeman ([email protected]) with questions.     

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee comprising representatives of the research faculty and JAX leadership, in consultation with the JAX President and CEO.

Review criteria include:

• Consistent record of research productivity, independent and creative thinking, and the ability to identify important problems in biomedicine, as evidenced by publications, invited talks, and/or fellowships awarded
• Promise as an exceptional scientist and thought-leader, as evidenced by recommender’s and nominator’s comments and the research statement
• Demonstrated evidence of leadership, initiative, and community engagement

Short-listed applicants will be invited to visit JAX and present their current and future research aims and meet with JAX faculty and Scholar selection committee members. An interview is required before a Scholar award will be considered.

COMMITMENT

JAX Scholars are expected to seek external funding for their research through federal and/or foundation fellowship opportunities. If a Scholar is awarded an external fellowship during their Scholar tenure, they will remain at their JAX Scholar stipend and retain access to their research and travel budget until the original amount awarded is spent.

JAX Scholars are expected to engage with JAX leadership and promote JAX’s mission within the institute and beyond. In this role, Scholars will participate in the recruitment of subsequent JAX Scholars. Additionally, Scholars should create or participate in existing leadership opportunities appropriate to their interests and goals. Broadly, there are existing frameworks for teaching, mentoring, committee service, advocacy, and outreach; the Postdoctoral Program Office can advise on opportunities.

JAX Scholars are expected to take full advantage of the training opportunities at JAX, including attendance of relevant scientific Courses & Workshops offerings, Data Science classes, Trainee Talks, and monthly Science Forum discussions.

Advance your independent research career as a JAX Scholar. Apply by December 1.