Gap- Research Programs

Postbaccalaureate Programs Overview

The Buck Institute offers two Postbaccalaureate Programs for recent college and university graduates to take a 1- or 2-year break after graduation before continuing their research career. You can click on this LINK for information on the programs.

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. Once completed, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation or encounter technical issues, please alert HR Requests.

• 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 either postbaccalaureate program, you may email HR Requests.

Check the Buck website on or after December 19, 2025 for the link.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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. The scientific statement should not exceed 2 pages.
• Unofficial Transcript – Please provide a copy of your most recent transcript(s) in PDF format. An unofficial transcript is sufficient. The transcript should list grades from all your completed coursework to date, including those from the 2025
  
  Fall term (semester or quarter) if applicable. If Fall 2025 grades are not available when you apply, make sure the transcript lists courses enrolled for the Fall 2025 term.
• Letter(s) of Recommendation – At least one letter of recommendation must be submitted on your behalf. You may request one additional letter (a maximum of two total letters) be submitted on your behalf. Please download the Letter of Recommendation Directions PDF and give it to each recommender. Note that the Buck Institute will not request the letter from your recommender(s). The directions will instruct your recommender to email your recommendation to studentrecs by the Final date to receive applications – noon PST on Monday, February 2, 2026.
  
  Be sure to ask your recommenders well in advance, so they have plenty of time to meet the deadline. Letters of recommendation sent by the applicant will not be accepted. In case we need to connect with any of your recommenders, please list their names and email addresses as requested on the Application form. Note that letters need not be submitted twice if you are applying to both programs.