Embark, Gladstone’s Presidential Postdoctoral Program, supports exceptional early-career scientists who are ready to make an impact in biomedical research.

Embark is designed for postdoctoral researchers whose backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives will help strengthen the scientific community. Fellows receive personalized mentorship, robust career and professional development support, and an annual $10,000 supplement throughout their training.

Since launching in 2021, the program has welcomed a cohort of outstanding scholars and continues to grow as a cornerstone of Gladstone’s commitment to scientific excellence.

Eligibility

Candidates must:

  • Hold a MD, and/or PhD, or equivalent in a biomedical, or related field;
  • Demonstrate high potential for independent research;
  • Show a commitment to supportive research environments and broadening participation in science;
  • Be a postdoctoral candidate being recruited by Gladstone; Current Gladstone postdocs are not eligible.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who:

  • Have experienced socioeconomic disadvantage or educational hardship;
  • Are first-generation college graduates;
  • Were educated in historically under-resourced institutions or communities;
  • Show strong research potential and accomplishments;
  • Demonstrate alignment with the mission of their host lab and Gladstone;
  • Are United States citizens or permanent residents.

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Program Details

  • Scientific Research and Environment
    Gladstone provides a dynamic and collaborative research environment, with emphasis on rigorous scientific training, personalized attention and mentoring, supplemented by close interactions with our colleagues at nearby universities, such as UC San Francisco, UC Berkeley, and Stanford.
  • Career and Professional Development
    Gladstone’s postdoctoral program is built to prepare researchers for a transition into an independent career, providing training in technical, professional, and leadership skills. Through courses offered at Gladstone, participants will be able to expand their skills in data science, leadership and management, scientific and grant writing, and communication, in addition to receiving individual career counseling and guidance. Gladstone also hosts a number of events and programs for trainees to explore career opportunities in academics, industry, or nonprofits. Learn more about Gladstone’s postdoc program.
  • Community Building
    Gladstone is home to many community groups that provide opportunities for leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and science education outreach to the local community. The Gladstone Postdoc Action Committee(GPAC) aims to provide peer support and community among the postdocs at Gladstone. Outside of the postdoc committee, Gladstone has a number of community groups that connect individuals across labs and teams.
  • Mentoring
    Mentoring is a central part of Gladstone’s mission and essential to our culture. Researchers will receive personalized mentorship and will be able to develop their own skills as a mentor. In addition to Gladstone’s mentoring and training programs, participants in the Embark program are invited to grow their skills as a mentor by signing up to be a PUMAS mentor. All postdocs also have access to personalized career advising sessions with Gladstone’s Postdoc Office.
  • Salary and Benefits
    Participants will receive a postdoctoral salary based on years of experience, Gladstone’s full benefits package, and a stipend of $10,000 per year for the period of the program (which is taxable).

Learn More about Gladstone’s Postdoc Program

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How to Apply

Mutual interest between the candidate and investigator must be established before applying to the program. Contact an investigator directly to see if they have open positions. Interested postdocs can also search open positions on our careers page.

Applicants must provide:

  • CV that outlines education, scientific contributions, funding, publications, and professional activities, including activities that support broadening participation in science.
  • Cover letter (optional)
  • Personal statement no longer than two pages. Personal statement should outline:
    1. Interest in the Gladstone Institutes
    2. Interest in the Embark program and alignment to the program goals
    3. Experience in leadership or mentoring
    4. Long-term research goals, including the name of the preferred Gladstone investigator
  • Three letters of recommendation (suggested that one letter come from your PhD advisor)
 

“Science is a collaborative endeavor and we most effectively tackle scientific challenges when we bring together people from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines.”

Deepak Srivastava, MD
President, Gladstone Institutes

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee with representatives from Gladstone’s scientific and administrative leadership. The candidates will be selected based on:

  • Proven record of excellence in academic and scientific pursuits to date
  • Commitment to research as seen through scientific publications
  • Leadership skills and potential to be a successful independent scientist

How to Contact Us

If you have questions about the program or how to apply, reach out to Sudha Krishnamurthy, director, office of postdoctoral and graduate student affairs

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