Research & Training

Let the PostBacc at JAX help you stand out. MD-PhD programs are looking for exceptional candidates who are ready for medical training and laboratory research. Through our one to two year structured training program, postbaccs immerse themselves in an independent research project with direct ties to human health and disease: from addiction to obesity, from cancer to fertility. The program also supports the professional development of trainees through:

• Development of an independent research project
• Access to JAX courses and conferences
• Individualized patient-centered experiences with local hospitals
• 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

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 trainees

The PostBacc at JAX program supports academically ambitious individuals on the path to applying to, and enrolling, in an MD-PhD training program, who are from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences, have a disability that limits major life activities and/or come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Program participants receive an annual stipend of $36,000 to defray cost-of-living expenses and training costs.

Life at JAX

Postbaccs are matched with JAX PIs for training and mentoring, become valued members of their lab, and join a community of trainees at various stages of their careers. In addition to research, postbaccs attend trainee-specific workshops and events, and have free access to JAX courses (both online and in-person). As a research institution with 2,500 staff, JAX has a wide range of scientific interest groups and social communities that help forge connections between colleagues.

Eligibility

The PostBacc 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:

• earned a Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS, or equivalent) from an accredited academic institution no more than 24 months prior to applying for this program, with a strong foundation of coursework in the biological sciences, computer science and/or mathematics.
• 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 2021 cycle recruiting for Bar Harbor, Maine based applicants opens February 1, 2021.

Submit the following documents through the online application by March 26, 2021:

1. Your CV or resumé 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 one or two areas of research.
5. Three brief statements responding to each of the following prompts (max. 250 words each):
   • Describe how you have dealt with failure, and how you have bounced back from it?
   • Describe how you express creativity. Note that creativity can manifest itself in many ways, such as through athletic performance, the arts, and innovative thinking and problem-solving.
   • Provide an example of how you have used your particular skills or talents in your personal life, school, or work.
6. The names and contact details of 2-3 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 (ie., 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 April 2.
Apply Now

Send your questions regarding the Post-Baccalaureate at JAX program and application process to PBJ@jax.org.