- Pay
- $50–60k
- Where
- Novato, CA, United States
- Level
- Mid
Program Overview
The Buck Institute offers two Postbaccalaureate Programs for recent college and university graduates to take a gap year after graduation before continuing their research career. You can click on this LINK for information on the programs. The Support and Preparation for an Alzheimer’s Research Career (SPARC) Program is a 1-year training opportunity for recent graduates that focuses specifically on Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Using an interdisciplinary approach, SPARC participants will study the processes governing aging that contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology, aiming to develop novel treatment approaches. Participation is limited to US citizens and permanent residents.
The Buck Postbaccalaureate Research Program offers recent graduates a 1-year opportunity to investigate insights into critical molecular and biological drivers of aging as well as translation of that research into new therapies to improve healthspan and combat diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and diabetes. The position will entail research assistant duties as well as training opportunities, which will include a mentored research project. International students are eligible to apply via OPT.
Application Process
There are five components to the Postbaccalaureate Research Program application. To apply, complete the online application in its entirety. Failure to answer the required fields completely may result in delayed consideration of your application. When you have completed the online application, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation or if you experience any technical issues with the application, please alert HRRequests@buckinstitute.org .
Program Details The position will be salaried between $50,000 and $60,000 with benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
Travel support will be provided.
If you have any questions about the application or postbaccalaureate program, you may email HRRequests@buckinstitute.org .
Virtual Information Sessions
Join us for a one-hour Zoom informational session to learn more about the programs, eligibility requirements, application process, and research opportunities.
Sessions will be held: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. PT
Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. PT
https://buckinstitute.zoom.us/j/87622293432
Meeting ID: 876 2229 3432
Postbaccalaureate Research Application Form
Starred (*) fields must be answered. CV or Resume - Please limit your CV or resume to 2 pages. Highlight any prior laboratory or research experience. A brief 1- or 2-line description of your specific contribution to each research project is particularly helpful. For instance, the statement "created the expression construct that allowed us to determine protein localization" quickly clarifies your role in the project compared to simply listing the lab and protocols performed. You can delve into the specifics of your research in the scientific statement.
Personal Statement - Please explain your interest in the Buck Institute and the SPARC and/or Postbaccalaureate Research programs. Additionally, explain your interest in the research projects you selected. Highlight any relevant skills to your chosen projects and/or connections between past research experiences and your selected projects. Limit your personal statement to a maximum of 2 pages. You may choose whatever font and spacing you desire, provided the printed document is legible.
Scientific Statement - We would like to get a sense of you as a researcher. Please highlight your prior research experience. Note that it is more helpful to spotlight your specific contribution to the success of one or two projects rather than simply list procedures that you have performed across all your projects. Your CV or resume will provide a comprehensive list of all prior research and skills. Explain your contribution to the project both experimentally and intellectually (for instance, what data…