PostBacc at JAX

Have you recently graduated from college or university but want to gain research experience before applying to medical or graduate school? Join us for the Post-Baccalaureate at JAX, a one- to two-year scientific training program on our Bar Harbor, Maine, campus. Postbaccs will conduct an independent research project under the guidance of one of JAX's outstanding scientists

RESEARCH & TRAINING

From aging and obesity to behavior and epigenetics, postbaccs will explore an area of biomedical research with direct ties to human health and disease. Discover what projects are available for postbacs here. In addition to laboratory research, postbaccs will benefit from a formal education program including MCAT / GRE prep, advising to identify the right graduate program and assemble a competitive application, practice interview and communication skills, and programs to prepare them for success in medical or graduate school. Postbaccs will have access to our ongoing career and professional skills training as well as JAX's stellar Courses & Conferences programs. Graduate-level courses are available to postbaccs who wish to refresh or enhance their undergraduate coursework. All postbaccs will attend at least one national or international scientific conference and will present their research at a JAX research symposium.

The Post-Baccalaureate at JAX program provides an annual stipend of $29,000 to defray cost-of-living expenses and training costs.

Advantages of the Post-Baccalaureate at JAX:

• Training and mentoring by dedicated, world-class faculty
• Unparalleled access to state-of-the-art research resources
• Technical expertise of JAX’s comprehensive scientific services
• Collegial community of peer postbaccs and graduate students
• Support and training throughout the medical or graduate school application process
• Programmatic help and guidance from the JAX Genomic Education office
• Academic research environment within a renowned, biomedical research institution

LIFE IN BAR HARBOR

Bar Harbor, Maine, is a small town on Mount Desert Island, about 175 miles northeast of Portland, Maine. Bar Harbor is a hugely popular destination in spring, summer, and fall, in large part because it is the gateway to Acadia National Park, which occupies the majority of the island. The winters in Bar Harbor are quieter but continue to offer movie theaters, restaurants and cafés, and plenty of outdoor opportunities. JAX's Bar Harbor campus is located within a short walk or bike ride from the center of town and the Village Green. JAX has short-term accommodations available for postbaccs on a first-come basis, but spaces are limited. Postbaccs are responsible for finding their own long-term accommodations - either in Bar Harbor or elsewhere in the area. Note that there is limited public transportation on the island, so having a car is strongly recommended. The Post-Baccalaureate at JAX program will provide local information and resources.

ELIGIBILITY

Students should have completed a Bachelor's (or equivalent) degree by the time they begin the program but not more than two years prior, with a strong foundation of courses in the biological sciences, mathematics, and/or computer sciences. Students should intend to pursue an advanced degree after the postbacc, either in medical or veterinary school or in a Ph.D. program in the natural sciences. Students must be able to articulate a need for research experience beyond what they may have completed during their undergraduate studies. Applicants must have demonstrated motivation and aptitude for a biomedical career. US citizens, permanent residents, and international students who can obtain OPT through their university are eligible for the program.

APPLICATION

Submit through the online application:

• CV or resumé indicating educational, training, and employment history.
• Self-reported STEM transcript, including course titles and grades, and a narrative explanation of performance or challenges.
• Summary of prior research experience, if any, submitted through the online application.
• A brief description of one or two areas of research you are most interested in; or a list of up to three faculty members with whom you would like to conduct research, including your rationale.

Submit separately, by email:

• Two letters of reference from professors, instructors, employers, or others who can speak to your motivation for and potential to succeed in a biomedical career (sent by the referee to PBJ@jax.org).

Deadline:

The PBJ application system will be available in late January. The application deadline is late February. Participants will be notified of the status of their application by the end of April at the latest. Admitted participants are expected to begin the program in early July.

APPLICATION WILL BE AVAILABLE by February 1, 2019

If you have questions about the Post-Baccalaureate at JAX, the application process, or want to learn more, contact us at PBJ@jax.org.