Bay Area RaMP Program in Microbiome Sciences
Bay Area RaMP Program in Microbiome Sciences
The 2025-2026 cohort is full. More information about future cohorts will be released early 2026.
The upcoming cohort has 10 positions available. If selected, applicants must commit to:
Full-time, in-person participation August 4, 2025 - June 12, 2026
Attending all required cohort training and development activities
Being an engaged, proactive, and collaborative partner in their own and other program participants' development
Scholars will receive the following financial support:
A stipend totalling $42,000
A $5,000 stipend to assist with insurance and/or relocation, paid in August
Scholars will also have access to research support funds ($10,000/scholar) for expenses related to their projects, conference expenses, etc.
In order for an applicant to be considered, they must verify they meet the following eligibility requirements:
Recent graduate (May 2021-July 2025) 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 applicants who:
Attended community college and/or can demonstrate encountering significant barriers to getting the independent research experience needed to progress on their desired career path
Express a strong interest in pursuing a career in STEM research
Indicate enthusiasm and/or curiosity toward microbiome sciences
Step One: Apply
Submit an application (April 4-27): Applications closed April 27, 2025, 11:59pm EST (8:59pm PST)
Step Two: Interview
Applicants will be notified via email if selected for an interview by May 16
Zoom interviews will be held May 20-22
Step Three: Accept Offer
Applicants will be notified via email of selections on May 28
Selected applicants must accept the offer by June 2 or the position will be offered to another candidate
I have some research experience. Can I still apply?
The purpose of this program is to provide a path for those who did not receive the research experience needed to take the next step toward their career goals (e.g. graduate school, industry position, etc.). Many of our scholars had some experience that was limited by time (e.g. a summer research program) or scope (e.g. assisted with research but did not conduct an independent project). Some of our scholars had experience in other research areas and wanted to gain experience in microbiome sciences in order to shift career trajectories. If you have no or limited research experience due to barriers you faced during college (e.g. transferred from community college and could not obtain a position in a lab before graduating, work or family responsibilities, lab closures during COVID, etc.) we encourage you to apply.
What will my employment status be?
For technical reasons, scholars are neither students or employees. Scholars will have an affiliate appointment at the campus of the lab they are placed in (for ID, access, email, etc.), and they will be set up as an independent contractor at UC Berkeley (for payment). Because scholars are not able to receive employee benefits, the program includes an additional one-time stipend to help with the cost of health insurance. The stipend may be used for other expenses related to participating in the program, such as relocating, if not needed for insurance (see "Participation" above).
Will taxes be deducted from the stipends?
No. Scholars will be responsible for paying any taxes owed. For more information, see IRS Topic 421 on fellowship grants.
What do you mean by "full-time"?
Though exact work schedules and time off will vary by lab, project and other factors, scholars are expected to work on average 40 hours per week. Work in a research environment encompasses far more than physical presence - extending to independent, guided reading of the literature, attendance at seminars, workshops, lab meetings, field trips, training in and out of the lab, professional development and - of course - working in the lab and/or on a computer to collect and analyze data.
What does it take to succeed in this program?
Because this program is designed to help scholars progress along their desired career path, success is defined in relation to the goals of individual participants as much as the goals of the program. Success is a partnership: the program provides training, support and resources to develop scholars' knowledge, skills and practice; scholars contribute through how they engage. The scholars who benefit most from the program are those who approach their work with curiosity and enthusiasm, are willing to lean into opportunities for growth, and are able to take ownership of their own progress.
Does the program provide housing? Do I have to live in the Bay Area?
The program does not provide housing (and scholars are not eligible for student housing). Scholars are expected to be able to work in person at the lab in which they are placed. We strongly encourage scholars to consider commute options and time when deciding where to live while participating in the program. This is a demanding program, and long or difficult commutes can impact one's ability be present and engaged. Scholars will have access to a Slack workspace where they can get suggestions and communicate with others in the network about housing near their lab's campus. To assist with the expense of moving/housing, scholars receive a one-time stipend that can be used for relocation (see "Participation" above).
Does the program provide a laptop?
No. Though labs may provide access to desktop computers for use in the lab, scholars will have to use their own laptops for the duration of the program. Our NSF grant does not allow research support funds to be used for devices such as laptops. However, scholars may use their stipend for any personal expenses (there are no limitations, as it is equivalent to a paycheck).
What career paths will this program prepare me for?
The microbiome sciences cut across both basic and applied research, which means that researhcers trained in this field will be highly valued in both the public and private sectors. Whether you are considering graduate school, a career in industry, or even patent law or clinical work, this program will give you the knowledge of the field required to understand and choose among these paths, and increase your competitve ability to enter the workforce regardless of the path you choose.