Academic Training
The Salk Institute plays an important role in training the next generation of biomedical researchers. The training includes not only instruction in the knowledge and skills needed to pursue basic research, but also exposure to Salk faculty who embody the intellectual and personal qualities that promote creativity and scientific excellence.
Salk is interested in bringing recent PhD graduates from broad disciplines to the Institute to trigger innovation and perpetuate the collaborative spirit upon which Salk was founded. Interdisciplinary interactions amongst the Fellows and faculty will substantially change the approach to science and create future intellectual leaders in the biological sciences. Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. This program aims to build and sustain a strong biomedical research pipeline to advance the Institute’s mission for training the next generation of bold, innovative scientists.
View information about the Fellows Program »
Part of the mission of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies is to train individuals for careers in scientific research. The expectation is that trainees will study in the many new fields developed by Institute faculty, learn the research techniques they have created and go on to positions of leadership in other prominent scientific institutions.
For a list of available postdoctoral opportunities, review the postdoctoral positions.
View information about the Society of Research Fellows »
The Salk Institute provides an outstanding environment for graduate training. Approximately 100 students are currently pursuing PhD or MD/PhD degrees with Salk faculty. These students come to Salk laboratories via admission to graduate programs within the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and receive a degree from UCSD. The Salk Institute participates in an affiliated graduate program with the Division of Biological Sciences.
View information about the Society of Research Fellows »
Our programs connect mentors and mentees with professional development opportunities and an enhanced support network. Postdoctoral mentees have the opportunity to develop new skills, approaches, networks, and greater confidence as they prepare to take the next step in their careers. We also offer Entering Mentoring, an evidence and cohort-based, interactive mentorship training seminar developed by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research. The Entering Mentoring curriculum is based on research conducted at the University of Wisconsin and funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Its goal is to provide faculty, trainees, graduate students, and scientific staff with support and techniques for effective, culturally-responsive mentorship. Additionally, in 2021 the Office of Community & Engagement team and Postdoctoral Office launched Salk’s Alumni Mentoring Program which will continue thanks to a broad pool of mentors who are Institute alumni.
Salk’s faculty, postdoctoral students, and staff participate in regional and national scientific meetings where students and scientists of all backgrounds are represented, in an effort to recruit quality candidates into the STEM pipeline. By participating in efforts such as the NDiSTEM Conference and the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists, Salk aims to increase the visibility of Salk and to open dialogues about Salk as a training opportunity. Salk’s goal is to recruit postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, recent undergraduates who may wish to work for several years before moving on to graduate or medical school, and current undergraduates, including those interested in scientific support roles.
In addition, Salk faculty have affiliations with a number of other graduate programs at UCSD:
(Interested individuals should contact either one of our faculty members or the appropriate UCSD department).
