Job Summary: The Postbaccalaureate Fellow position is a fixed-term position for individuals with a 4 year Bachelors or equivalent degree with an emphasis on the natural sciences (incl. biology, chemistry, physics), computer science, or mathematics/statistics looking to advance their scientific/research training before pursuing an advanced degree in an accredited MD, Ph.D., MD-Ph.D., MPH, or similar program. The duration of this training position will be defined at the start of the assignment and will be at least 10 months and no more than 24 months from the start date. It is expected that incumbents will matriculate into their advanced degree program immediately following their tenure at JAX and will thus not be eligible to apply for a permanent position at JAX in the subsequent two years except under acute circumstances. The Postbaccalaureate Fellow is a member of the Postbac at JAX (PBJ) training program and works under the supervision of a PI – professor (all ranks), Research Scientist, Senior Research Scientist – to plan, execute, and assess a series of experiments aimed at addressing an important unanswered question within the context of the research laboratory’s larger goals. The PI may assign senior laboratory personnel (advanced Predoctoral Associate, Postdoctoral Associate, Associate Research Scientist) to directly supervise the Fellow. Postbaccalaureate Fellows will spend at least 50% of their time on a novel research project for which they will need to develop increasingly sophisticated skills and be allowed to demonstrate ever more responsibility and independence as the project progresses. Postbaccalaureate Fellows will spend approx. 25% of their time participating in training and professional development activities under the guidance of their mentor and as part of PBJ program activities. It is imperative that no more than 25% of the Intern’s time is spent on general laboratory work (e.g. performing general lab duties, assisting other lab members on routine procedures, etc.). Postbaccalaureate Fellows will develop an understanding of the context and implications of their research in order to apply and interpret theoretical knowledge in one or more scientific disciplines. The range of duties includes but is not limited to: project planning, experimental design and execution, methods development, data collection and analysis, synthesis of results, and communication of project progress and outcomes. Interns will be expected to regularly develop and deliver presentations at lab meetings and according to the PBJ program curriculum. The Postbaccalaureate Fellow and the mentoring PI will develop a training plan that outlines the Intern’s research and professional development goals with clear timelines and milestones and shall agree, in writing, to adhere to this plan. Documented and repeated failure to reach training milestones due to lack effort will be grounds for termination. Postbaccalaureate Fellows will participate fully in PBJ programming, including scientific, professional, and community components. Postbaccalaureate Fellows will demonstrate mental concentration, visual attention and manipulative skills. If applicable the Postbaccalaureate Fellows will learn all aspects of proper animal care handling, colony management and biomethods. Postbaccalaureate Fellows are able to work flexible shifts to meet the demands of the position that may include evenings, week-ends and/or holidays. The Postbaccalaureate Fellows will meet at least weekly with the PI or direct supervisor mentoring their internship.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions: Expand subject matter expertise and understanding of effective study design and project leadership through investigation of the primary literature, attendance at seminars, and discussions with experts. (10%)
Independently plan and execute experiments to answer a significant original question in biomedicine, with guidance from supervisor and including operation and troubleshooting of highly specialized equipment; recognize and implement quality control measures where needed. (20-30%)
Document results, analyze data, and synthesize and report on outcomes; modify and adapt methodologies as required; ensure compliance with regulatory standards. (15-25%)
Prepare research proposal, reports, and manuscripts; develop and deliver oral presentations at lab meetings, interest group(s), at one or more scientific professional society meeting or conference, and at the annual postbaccalaureate symposium (10%).
Improve readiness and competitiveness for advanced training in the natural science, health, or medical disciplines through participation in professional development activities including but not limited to individual development plan preparation, GRE/MCAT test preparation, graduate school admissions preparation, and subject-matter coursework (15%).
Contribute to efficient operation of the laboratory working environment by carrying out general lab duties, such as replenishing common solutions or supplies, tidying common areas, or maintaining common equipment (not to exceed 25%)
Other Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, computational sciences, mathematics/statistics, or related discipline; or Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated discipline but with evidence of substantial coursework in the natural sciences, computational sciences, and/or mathematics/statistics
Minimal to no prior biomedical research experience; or a demonstrable change in research area that would benefit from additional training
Commitment to pursue advanced studies in biomedical research a medical or health-related profession and to complete eligibility requirements for admissions to an applicable training program
Ability to work in a demanding, fast paced, team-oriented environment, while maintaining a high-level of professionalism
Good safety practices, as demonstrated by a history of safe conduct and continued safety training and review
Ability to interact in a productive, professional and positive manner to enhance the outcome of the goals of the research program
Demonstrated team player with professional, positive attitude and willingness to be flexible
Maintenance of a positive work environment
Demonstrated ability to positively influence the behavior of teammates
Ability to work flexible hours, as demanded by project needs (evening/week-end/holiday)
Regular, reliable and consistent attendance in the laboratory and at PBJ programming


Education Required: Bachelor's Degree
Education Preferred: Bachelor's Degree
Experience Required: none required
Experience Preferred: none required

About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,400 employees. Headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, it has a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in Augusta, Maine, a genomic medicine institute in Farmington, Connecticut, and facilities in Ellsworth, Maine, Sacramento, California, and Shanghai, China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

JAX employees work in a collaborative, value-driven, and team-based environment where the focus is on advancing science and improving patients’ lives. Researchers apply genetics to increase the understanding of human disease and advance treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging, and heart disease. JAX was voted among the top 15 “Best Places to Work in Academia” in the United States in a poll conducted by The Scientist magazine!