Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program

Scheduled Hours 40 Position Summary This is an immersive laboratory experience designed to provide recent college graduates with additional research experience to make them competitive for advanced careers in biomedical science. This program is focused on providing research experience in developmental biology, cell biology, and/or regenerative medicine. Postbaccalaureate researchers will also participate in career development workshops and seminars. This program is designed to primarily be a research-focused program, where the participants will spend most of their time in the laboratory of a selected mentor. However, it will also provide additional training and opportunities for participants to achieve readiness in three main areas: readiness for research, readiness for academics, and readiness for self-presentation. This will be accomplished through a curriculum that provides educational opportunities in addition to training in the laboratory. Among these will be opportunities to attend tailored workshops, seminars, research forums, and graduate-level classes. A major focus in the second year will be workshops on preparing a Curriculum Vitae and applying to graduate school. This program is intended to provide research experience for those individuals intending to pursue research oriented biomedical science degree programs, such as those offering the PhD or MD/PhD degrees. The program does not provide additional preparation for those seeking to pursue an MD or other health-related degrees. It is expected that the participant will perform research and analysis, as well as technical aspects of studies and experiments, including documentation and preparation of materials. Individuals accepted into the program will be designated as salaried employees for a period of up to two years and will be eligible for university sponsored benefits, including health insurance. Job Description Full details of the program can be found at Primary Duties & Responsibilities * Works under the supervision of senior personnel on research project/s providing independent complex research support.
* Presents results of research activities to peers and supervisors in written and/or verbal presentation or form.
* Through active research and analysis gains proficiency in essential aspects of research, which may include some or all of the following: conducting experiments, assays, collection of data, preparation of solutions, tissue culture, animal care and maintenance, and set-up and maintenance of equipment.
* Complies with established safety procedures and maintains required documentation on laboratory and specimen conditions.
* Attends meetings, educational workshops and seminars to prepare for advanced study.
* Performs data entry and maintains data files on research.
* Other duties as assigned. Working Conditions This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals. Preferred Qualifications * Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills with ability to communicate with laboratory staff and investigators.
* Ability to maintain complete and organized records/reports.
* Demonstrated ability for attention to detail; effective analysis skills. Applicant Special Instruction This opportunity is funded by the NIH grant NIGMS R25 PREP which strongly encourages candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply. Please review the full application instructions on our website: Application opens December 1, 2023. All application materials should be submitted by March 15, 2024 for full consideration. Applications submitted after this date, but before April 30, 2024, will be considered for rolling admissions if spots are available. Please save your resume and the following supplemental documents as a single file and upload it where you are asked for your resume. * Curriculum vitae or resume: Include education history, relevant research experience, volunteer or community service activities, teaching or mentoring experience, leadership experience, honors, awards, publications and anything else that you believe is pertinent. No more than 5 pages.
* Personal Statement: Provide an overview of your research interests, career goals, and why you wish to participate in this program. If you have not had previous research experience and/or scientific education, you may address it here. Please also briefly address your interest in developmental biology, cell biology, and/or regenerative medicine. You may also list any faculty mentors or targeted research areas that you are interested in, but this is not required. No more than one page, 11 point font (Arial or Times New Roman), one inch margins, single spaced.
* Unofficial Transcript: Provide a copy of your unofficial transcript. Two letters of recommendation must also be provided. If letters are not provided, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed. Please have your letters of recommendation sent to by your letter writers. They should be received by March 15, 2024 for full consideration, or April 30, 2024 for rolling admissions. April - May, 2024 - Interviews and notification of decisions. August, 2024 - Program begins (specific start date TBD). Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree required. Grade 00 Accommodation If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request. Pre-Employment Screening All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening. Benefits Statement Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at to view a summary of benefits. EEO/AA Statement Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University's policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Diversity Statement Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment - fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.