Our Mission is to strengthen the next generation of the scientific workforce by providing research experiences and career development opportunities for postbaccalaureate scholars.  We’re especially interested in scholars that can expand the perspectives that currently exist in science, as well as those with a demonstrated commitment to leadership and community building in science with the larger community, to create a scientific workforce truly representative of the Bay Area.

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Overview

PROPEL is a 1-2 year paid post-baccalaureate research opportunity serving post-bacs in pursuit of a career in the sciences by connecting them with faculty hiring managers. We also offer career and professional development training sessions, networking opportunities, and laboratory mentorship. Scholars must be employeed full-time at UCSF and all funding must be provided by the host lab.  In this way our program is supported by institutional wealth and scales with community need here at UCSF! 

Introduction

• Post-baccalaureate research opportunities are critical for the preparation and competitiveness of many aspiring PhD students. These opportunities can be particularly impactful for students from backgrounds who cannot afford the time to volunteer in laboratories during their undergraduate coursework, and students attending schools that provide a high quality education but no well-funded research lab experiences.
• UCSF’s singular focus on postgraduate health sciences is a strength, but the absence of undergraduate degree programs demands increased outreach and recruiting efforts to capture the attention of outstanding prospective students that may not easily imagine themselves studying and working at our institution.

UCSF Matchmaking Event

To match scholars with hiring faculty mentors, we host a virtual event every year.  Our next event will be held in January 2026. To register visit justice.ucsf.edu.