UT Southwestern-Postbaccalaureate to PhD (PB2PHD) Program

Program Description

The UT Southwestern-Postbaccalaureate to Ph.D. (PB2PHD) Program is intended to serve recent college graduates who are interested in pursuing graduate research training (Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D.) in the biomedical sciences and who will benefit from additional research training. The PB2PHD Program will provide scholars with a year-long, faculty-mentored research experience and an academic and professional development plan to strengthen their skills and increase their competitiveness for graduate school or M.D./Ph.D. admission, preparing them for the rigors of PhD training and a successful transition to the STEM workplace.

PB2PHD Scholars will be placed in a laboratory that matches their scientific interests, and they will perform full-time research throughout the program. CRI and Biochemistry Sholars will also be enrolled in graduate-level courses and will receive formal training in responsible conduct of research. Additionally, scholars will participate in academic and professional development activities tailored to their specific individual needs (scientific seminars, scientific writing, interview skills, etc.). The program will culminate with the scholars presenting their work at both UT Southwestern and at a national scientific conference. PB2PHD Scholars will have access to existing programs and initiatives on campus, the Medical Scientist Training Program and the Office of Graduate Career Development.

Faculty Mentors and Areas of Research: Scholars will have access to 350+ full-time faculty who maintain active labs and research programs in disciplines that include genomics, cancer biology, computational biology, developmental biology, biomedical engineering, molecular genetics, structural biology, cell biology, chemical biology, systems biology, pharmacology, microbiology, neurosciences, immunology, and organic chemistry.

Applicants who have an interest in stem cells, cancer biology, and genetic and metabolic diseases should consider applying for a “CRI Postbaccalaureate Scholar” position and look at the profiles and labs of faculty in Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI): CRI Scientist & Physician Researchers. Please indicate your interest for consideration as a CRI Postbaccalaureate Scholar on your application.

Applicants who have an interest in biochemistry should consider applying for a “Biochemistry Postbaccalaureate Scholar” position and look at the profiles and labs of faculty in the Biochemistry Department at UT Southwestern Biochemistry Department - Scientist Researchers. Please indicate your interest for consideration as a Biochemistry Postbaccalaureate Scholar on your application.

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in the PB2PHD Program, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
• Have a baccalaureate degree in a biomedically relevant science from an accredited college or university awarded no more than 36 months prior to applying. Students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program who will complete the degree before starting the PB2PHD program are eligible to apply.
• May not be enrolled in a degree program while participating in the PB2PHD program.
• Students from underrepresented populations in biomedical science as defined by the NIH (https://diversity.nih.gov/about-us/population-underrepresented) are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete and submit the online application by March 1, 2025. The Admissions Committee will begin reviewing completed applications in January and extend interview offers on a rolling basis. There is no application fee.

To be considered for the PB2PHD program, candidates must submit:

• Electronic copy of transcript(s) from all post-high school institutions attended.
• A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
• A personal statement detailing career goals, research experiences and interests, and how the PB2PHD program will help the applicant achieve academic and career goals.

• Three letters of recommendation submitted electronically. Please have the names and email addresses of your three references before you begin the application. Once the application is submitted, recommenders will receive an email with a link to upload their recommendation letter.

Important Dates

• October 1, 2024: Applications Open
• March 1, 2025: Application Deadline
• March–April 2025: Interviews and offers made
• June 2, 2025: Program begins

Stipend/Research Assistantship

Throughout the course of the program all scholars receive a competitive stipend/research assistantship of $37,000 per year, individual health insurance, support to attend a scientific conference, and tuition and fees. Students may apply for a second year in the program, contingent on performance during the first year and availability of funding.

Contact the Postbaccalaureate Program