Buck Institute

Gap-Year Research Programs 2026

Internship Programs - Novato, CA - Full Time

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.
  1. 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.
  2. The Buck Postbaccalaureate Research Program offers recent graduates a 1- to 2-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 [email protected].

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 either postbaccalaureate program, you may email [email protected]. 

INFORMATION SEMINAR: January 5, 2026 @ 4:30 pm PST
Check the Buck website on or after December 19, 2025, for the link.

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 did you collect and what conclusions did your data produce?). The scientific statement should not exceed 2 pages. You may choose whatever font and spacing you desire, provided the printed document is legible
  • 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 [email protected]  by the application deadline - noon PST on Monday, February 2, 2026 (noon PST 2/2/26). 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.
Apply: Gap-Year Research Programs 2026
* Required fields
First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Phone number*
Street Address*
City*
Zip*
Work Authorization*
Visa Type*
Indicate which program(s) you are applying to.*
How did you hear about the Postbaccalaureate Program?*
If you selected "Other" please indicate how you heard about our program.
Please indicate your current university or college.*
What is your major?*
What is your GPA?*
In what month will you graduate?*
In what year will you graduate?*
What is your preferred start date for the program?*
If you are applying to the SPARC Program, please indicate the labs where you would most like to work. We encourage you to select more than one lab. You may also choose to apply to both the SPARC Program and the Postbaccalaureate Research Program. Please refer to each program’s page on the Buck website for eligibility requirements.*
If you are applying to the Postbaccalaureate Research Program (PRP), please indicate the labs where you would most like to work. We encourage you to select more than one lab. You may also apply to both the SPARC Program and the Postbaccalaureate Research Program. Please refer to each program’s page on the Buck website for eligibility requirements.*
Please provide the name and email address for at least one reference. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK YOUR REFERENCE TO SEND A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION PER THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS.*
If you'd like, please provide the name and email address for a 2nd reference. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK YOUR REFERENCE TO SEND A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION PER THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS.
REQUIRED CV/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.*
REQUIRED PERSONAL STATEMENT - Please upload your Personal Statement here. You may use any font you like and your statement should not exceed 2 pages.*
REQUIRED SCIENTIFIC STATEMENT - Please upload your Scientific Statement here. You may use any font you like and it should not exceed 2 pages.*
REQUIRED UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT - Please provide a copy of your most recent transcript(s) in PDF format.*
If you have a second transcript file to include with your application, you may upload it here.
The following questions are entirely optional.
To comply with government Equal Employment Opportunity and/or Affirmative Action reporting regulations, we are requesting (but NOT requiring) that you enter this personal data. This information will not be used in connection with any employment decisions, and will be used solely as permitted by state and federal law. Your voluntary cooperation would be appreciated. Learn more.
Gender
Race/Ethnicity
Human Check*