MD-PhD Postbac Fellows

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:

• JAX’s reputation as a leader in genetics & genomics research
• Dedicated, world-class faculty
• State-of-the-art research resources
• Comprehensive scientific services
• Vibrant community of doctoral students and postdocs

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

Meet Current Postbac Fellows

Eligibility

The Postbac at JAX Program supports academically ambitious individuals from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, individuals with a disability that limits major life activities and/or individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds on the path to applying to and enrolling 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 OPT through that institution.
• identify with one of more of the following: (a) a member of a group underrepresented in biomedical research (URM) as detailed by the National Institutes of Health, (ie., African American, Latinx, Native American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander); (b) have a disability that inhibits one or more major life activities; or (c) come from a disadvantaged background, including individuals who meet at least two of the following characteristics detailed by the NIH (NOT-OD-20-031).
• have a compelling reason as to why additional research experience is needed prior to pursuing MD-PhD studies.

How to Apply

The 2023 cycle recruiting for Bar Harbor, Maine-based applicants closed on February 15, 2023. The application for the 2024 program will open in the fall of 2023.

Submit the following documents through the online application:

1. Your CV or résumé indicating educational, training, and employment histories.
2. Academic transcripts from all undergraduate academic institutions attended. Note that unofficial copies are accepted, and will be verified if selected.
3. A 300-500 word statement describing previous experiences in biomedical research. Did you complete an independent research project in college? Did you participate in a biomedical research experience as an undergraduate? If not, why? If so, why are you seeking additional (or different) biomedical research experience through this postbaccalaureate training program?
4. A 200-250 word description of your interest in research.
5. Three brief statements responding to each of the following prompts (max. 300 words each):
   • What fascinates you?
   • Share an experience that demonstrates your ability to think creatively and/or use problem solving skills to address a problem or phenomenon.
   • Talk about a time when you stood up for something you believed in or when you exhibited resilience in the face of adversity.
6. The names and contact details of 3 people who will write letters of reference on your behalf. At a minimum, submit two letters: one letter from someone who can speak to your academic performance in an academic setting (i.e., course instructor), and one letter from a person with whom you have a non-academic relationship, (i.e., work supervisor, or mentor), who can speak to your motivation for and potential to succeed in a biomedical career.
   
   Note that after listing your references and submitting your application, referees will receive a request directly from the application system, and will receive instructions regarding letter submission. If your referee does not receive the letter request (which can sometimes get caught by SPAM filters), you can request that they instead submit their letter via email to PBJ@jax.org. All letters of reference must be received by February 15.

Applications for the 2023 program are now closed.

Send questions regarding the MD-PhD Postbac Fellows program and application process to PBJ@jax.org.