mission

Science is the key to solving critical problems in the world, such as in clinical, agricultural, and conservation settings. To meet these societal challenges, we need a well-trained, diverse, and ethical workforce of scientists collaborating in a context that includes and supports their perspectives and contributions, thus increasing the potential for discovery and innovation.

The Bay Area RaMP Program in Microbiome Sciences

exists to increase potential for scientific advances by

training towards an inclusive and diverse workforce in microbiome research.

Our program trains post-baccalaureates who were unable to gain

meaningful research experience during their undergraduate careers

and develops mentors in inclusive practices of leadership and support.

Microbiome sciences, a rapidly emerging field of paramount importance, is uniquely positioned for interdisciplinary collaboration across all fields of biology, earth and environmental sciences, and engineering. With the rapid translational pipeline to industry and clinical application, there are ample career opportunities within microbiome sciences across academic, educational, government and industry sectors.

Progress in microbiome sciences requires successful integration across: (a) scales, including from genes to ecosystems, from micro- to macro-ecological and evolutionary timescales, and from taxonomic to functional diversity; (b) disciplines, ranging from biochemistry and bioengineering, to molecular and cell biology, ecology, and evolution, to biotechnology and data sciences; (c) systems, embracing both the commonalities and specificities of microbiome processes where generalizable laws can be derived or new theories emerge; (d) approaches, from development and testing of fundamental theory to natural observations across system and timescales, to new technology coupled with novel bioinformatics tools with which to interpret these new data. By developing a training network of researchers across multiple institutions, our program will promote collaboration and cross-talk among labs, fields, and disciplines, which is key to true progress.

Our training efforts are focused on increasing access to and supporting progression along a science career path for post-baccalaureates who were unable to gain meaningful research experience during their undergraduate careers. We specifically aim to recruit those who transferred from community college prior to completing a four year degree program. Students who have numerous demands on their time while in college–whether due to prioritizing the completion of prerequisite courses and degree requirements post-transfer, financially supporting their own studies and/or their families, or other life circumstances–are often unable to secure or devote time to laboratory positions. This is exacerbated for first generation and/or historically marginalized students who often have less experience navigating academic science. Recent educational research, however, indicates that research participation can be one of the strongest factors aiding in the retention and success of these students (Chamely-Wiik et al. 2021). Thus, our mission is centered on offering a supportive research experience.

In order to promote postbac scholar success during the program and develop leaders who will shape the larger workforce culture of inclusion and support in the future, our program is also dedicated to mentor training. RaMP advisors–principal investigators (PIs) of network labs–invite a member of their lab, often a post-doctoral researcher or graduate student, to participate as a mentor. Mentor selection is based on demonstrated research strengths within the microbiome field as well as their commitment to growth in mentoring and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Every Path Matters

Each participant–advisors, mentors and scholars–enters the network via a unique path. Connecting and collaborating with one another will create opportunities for growth, developing pathways toward career goals and cultivating a more inclusive culture within microbiome sciences.

highlights

The program is made up of a network of scientists conducting microbiome research within several institutions across the San Francisco Bay Area. It is funded by the National Science Foundation to "create strong evidence-based, inclusive and culturally-aware mentorship programs that will advance the goal of creating a competitive and highly representative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce in the U.S. with a focus on the biological sciences." Postbac scholars accepted into this program commit to a paid 10-month full-time research training and mentoring experience.

Upcoming Cohort

• The postbac appointment term is August 5, 2024 - June 13, 2025

• Scholars receive a $42,000 stipend over the 10-month term

• Additionally, scholars receive $5,000 for relocation and/or insurance expenses

Eligibility Requirements

• Recent graduate (May 2020-July 2024) of a 4-year degree program (BA or BS) at an accredited institution

• Must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National or Permanent Resident of the United States

• Must not be currently enrolled in a graduate program

• Preference will be given to community college transfers

• Complete application submitted by the deadline: April 24, 2024