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MD-PhD Postbac Fellows

A full-time research experience with professional development training to prepare you for a career as a physician-scientist.

About the Program

MD-PhD programs are looking for exceptional candidates who are ready for medical training and laboratory research. Through our two-year, structured training program, Postbac Fellows can immerse themselves in independent research projects with direct ties to human health and disease: from addiction to obesity, from cancer to fertility. The program also supports the professional development of each trainee through:

  • Development of an independent research project
  • Access to JAX courses and conferences
  • A travel stipend to attend a scientific conference
  • Personalized planning for the graduate school application process
  • Feedback on essay drafts and interview practice sessions
  • Financial support for MCAT preparation and test registration
  • Opportunities to strengthen scientific communication through Trainee Talks and the annual JAX Scientific Symposium

Participants also benefit from:

Program participants earn an annual stipend of over $41,000 and health benefits to defray cost-of-living expenses and training costs.

Meet Some of the Postbac Fellows

Jonathan Kanyinda

Jonathan Kanyinda

Undergraduate Institution: Minnesota State University Moorhead

Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & Health and Medical Sciences with a minor in Neuroscience

JAX PI: Gareth Howell, Ph.D.

Research Focus at JAX: Investigating the TNF alpha (TNFa) pathway to determine its implications in the causation of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Blake Neiderlander

Blake Neiderlander

Undergraduate Institution: Allegheny College

Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry with a minor in Philosophy

JAX PI: Karolina Palucka, M.D., Ph.D.

Research Focus at JAX: Investigating the molecular mechanism of how lung epithelial cells modulate immunity in the context of aging and response to viral infection. Within the lab, I am currently working on elucidating the roles that lung epithelial cells play in antigen presentation at various points of post viral infection.

Deja Robinson

Deja Robinson

Undergraduate Institution: Marshall University 

Undergraduate Degree: Biology and Biochemistry with a minor in Pre-Professional Health

JAX PI: Mary Teena Joy, Ph.D.

Research Focus at JAX: Using mouse models to study and map the morphology of pyramidal neurons in the cortex after ischemic stroke. This work has the potential to re-contextualize how neuroplasticity is viewed after stroke.

Eligibility

The Postbac at JAX Program supports academically ambitious individuals considering enrollment in an MD-PhD training program.

Eligible applicants:

  • have completed a Bachelor's degree (e.g., BA, BS, BSc) within the past 12 months, or will complete a Bachelor's degree (e.g., BA, BS, BSc) by June, with a strong foundation of coursework in the biological sciences, neuroscience, computer science, statistics and/or other relevant field.
  • are US workers, or international students completing their undergraduate degree at an accredited US academic institution who can obtain Optional Practical Training (F-1) status through their undergraduate institution.
  • have a compelling reason as to why additional research experience is needed prior to pursuing MD-PhD studies.

Please note that we are not currently taking applications for the MD-PhD Postbac Fellows program.

One Program, Two Campuses

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor Campus

Farmington, Connecticut

Farmington Campus
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