Buck Summer Scholars Program
The Buck Summer Scholars Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to investigate insights into the critical molecular and biological drivers of aging as well as translation of that research into new therapies which will improve healthspan. Summer Scholar participants will conduct biomedical research to combat diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes. Under the guidance of a scientific mentor, each Summer Scholar will be responsible for their own research project. The Program emphasizes both laboratory and communication skills training to develop well-rounded future scientists, healthcare professionals, and policy makers.
The Summer Scholars Program is unique among internship programs with its focus on the development of scientific communication as well as laboratory and critical thinking skills. Throughout the summer, students participating in the program will be guided through writing assignments that simulate research explanations scientists often must provide other scientists, financial supporters, or the general public. The communication training will culminate with presentations of their work to peers, mentors, and other scientists. Other program highlights include a flexible start date and the ability for international students and graduating seniors to participate.
- Plan and execute an independent research project.
- Learn new technical skills.
- Learn how to explain scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience.
- Learn how to write a simple grant proposal.
- Give a formal research presentation to scientists.
If you have any questions, please email Senior Program Manager of Postsecondary Education Gregory Chin at gchin@buckinstitute.org.
This program is designed for undergraduate students. Only students who are currently pursuing an undergraduate degree or students who received their degree during the fall, winter, or spring terms of the 2023-2024 academic year are eligible for the 2024 Buck Summer Scholars Program.
- There are no restrictions to class standing. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and fifth year seniors are all eligible to apply.
- Students currently enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, medical, or similar postgraduate degree granting programs are ineligible to apply. Any applicant who has already earned a degree prior to the 2023-2024 academic year is also ineligible.
- Students enrolled in a dual undergrad/grad program are eligible provided no degree has been conferred by the start of the internship.
- The applicant must be enrolled at a college or university in the United States. Special circumstances, such as established exchange programs, will be considered on case-by-case basis. U.S. citizens studying abroad also are eligible to apply.
Applicants must be eligible to receive a stipend. International students who are studying abroad in the U.S. will need to participate in the Summer Scholars Program through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for off-campus employment. Unfortunately, due to the length of time required for approval, Optional Practical Training (OPT) for off-campus employment cannot be accepted. You can learn more about CPT requirements here.
- Applicants should have some biologically or computationally related prior research experience.
- GPA 2.0 or higher.
- There are no specific major requirements. Students of any major may apply, provided they have relevant prior biological or computational research experience.
- Please review the research project descriptions for more specific experience desired by each lab.
- The program can accommodate both semester and quarter system students. As such, the start date will vary between May and June.
- Internships will last between 10 and 12 weeks.
- Stipend rates will be based upon levels used by government agencies, such as the NIH and NSF.
- The Buck Institute will be able to provide housing during June and July. Advice and suggestions can be provided to aid participants in locating their own housing for the remainder of the internship.
- Travel support will be provided.
Research project descriptions for 2024 will be updated in October.
- The online application will be available by October 31.
- Completed applications are due at NOON on Friday, January 19, 2024 (12 pm PST 1/19/24). Be sure to ask for your letter of recommendation(s) well in advance to provide sufficient time for it to be submitted.
- Applicants should download the Letter of Recommendation Instructions and give them to recommenders.
- Finalists will be contacted by March 4, 2024.
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Theresa 
2022 Buck Summer Scholars—Back Row: Zhixin Zhang, Seth Talyanski, Varun Sridhar, Brennen Keuchel, Grace Qi Front Row: Kaitlyn Hung, Alexa Schlotter, Caroline Voorhis, Theresa Fitzgibbon
Buck Postbaccalaureate Research Program
The Buck Postbaccalaureate Research Program offers undergraduate students the opportunity to investigate insights into the critical molecular and biological drivers of aging as well as translation of that research into new therapies which will improve healthspan. Postbaccalaureate Researchers will conduct biomedical research to combat diseases of aging, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes. Under the guidance of a scientific mentor, each Postbaccalaureate Researcher will be responsible for his or her own research project. The Program emphasizes both laboratory and communication skills training to develop well-rounded future scientists, healthcare professionals, and policy makers.
The Postbaccalaureate Research Program is designed to offer recent college and university graduates the opportunity to participate in a two-year immersive program before continuing their research career or pursuing a graduate degree. Participants of the program will have the opportunity to improve their laboratory, critical thinking, and scientific communication skills within the context of a research project. Other program highlights include the ability for international students to participate and a flexible schedule for interviews.
Postbacc Researchers will:
- Plan and execute an independent research project.
- Learn new technical skills.
- Learn how to explain scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience.
- Learn how to write a simple grant proposal.
- Give a formal research presentation to scientists.
If you have any questions, please email Senior Program Manager of Postsecondary Education Gregory Chin at gchin@buckinstitute.org.
This program is designed for recent college and university graduates, who have earned their degree within the past two years prior to the start date of the program. Thus, graduates of the classes of 2022, 2023, and 2024 will be eligible to apply to the 2024 Postbaccalaureate Research Program.
- Students currently enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, medical, or similar postgraduate degree granting program are ineligible to apply. Similarly, any applicant who has already earned a postgraduate degree is ineligible to apply.
- Participants in the program must be able to legally work in the U.S. via citizenship, permanent residency, or optional practical training (OPT). Note that only international students who can use OPT work authorization can apply. Similar programs that fulfill the work visa requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis, but international students from abroad are ineligible for this program.
We strongly encourage students using OPT work authorization to consult their on-campus advisors prior to submitting the application to ensure that the OPT application is submitted in a timely fashion to avoid a delayed start to the program should an offer be made. You can learn more about OPT authorization here
- Applicants should have some biologically or computationally related prior research experience.
- GPA 2.0 or higher.
- There are no specific major requirements. Students of any major may apply, provided they have relevant prior biological or computational research experience.
- Please review the research project descriptions for more specific experience desired by each lab.
- The program has a flexible start date between May and August of 2024.
- The duration of the program will be 2 years.
- The position will be salaried with benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement.
- Travel support will be provided.
Research project descriptions for 2024 will be updated in October.
- The online application will be available by October 31.
- Completed applications are due at NOON on Friday, February 23, 2024 (12 pm PST 2/23/24). Be sure to ask for your letter of recommendation(s) well in advance to provide sufficient time for it to be submitted.
- Applicants should download the Letter of Recommendation Instructions and give them to recommenders.
- Finalists will be contacted by April 1, 2024.
Gregory Chin, PhD
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