We are pleased to announce the second annual Rising Stars Symposium at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. This symposium is intended to recognize the accomplishments of outstanding postdoctoral trainees in the scientific workforce and to develop novel opportunities to increase the diversity of faculty at the Institute.

The dates for the symposium are May 13-14, 2025.

The selected candidates will visit Salk and will be provided with opportunities to: 

• Present their novel research in a symposium setting and interact with other trainees and colleagues who are at the forefront of their respective fields.


• Engage with and meet with Salk faculty one-on-one and over dinner and be paired with a Salk faculty member for mentorship following the symposium.


• Learn about the Institute, expose them to the ongoing developments at Salk, and inform them of upcoming faculty recruitment opportunities.

All costs associated with attending the symposium will be covered by the Salk Institute.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Eligibility This opportunity is open to current postdoctoral fellows who are at least 1-2 years from entering the job market. Trainees who identify as underrepresented according to the NIH  or consider themselves underrepresented in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply.  

Application instructions, please submit the following required details below:

• CV


• Project abstract/description (250 words)


• Career goals (250 words)


• Diversity statement (250 words)


• Letter of support from their postdoctoral advisor (1 page).
  Please note that letters of recommendation are sent manually by our talent acquisition team after the application has closed, and allow for 1-2 weeks for a request to be sent. If you have any questions, please send an email to jobs@salk.edu
  

Please review the links below before starting application questions.

• 
  Salk Rising Stars Rubric Score
  

Application The application deadline to be considered for the Rising Stars Symposium is January 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Post-doctoral trainees are welcome to apply with or without a nomination. All applicants will be required to submit a 1-page letter of recommendation from their postdoctoral advisor by January 24, 2025. A link to upload the letter will be sent to the advisor’s email provided on this application form. 

Nomination If you are a Principal Investigator and would like to nominate a post-doctoral trainee, please email  oei@salk.edu. Send us their name, contact information, and a brief statement (4-5 sentences) about their current work and potential as an independent investigator. Include details about how the trainee would benefit from the Rising Stars Symposium which is focused on developing opportunities and relationships with aims to increase diversity at the Salk Institute.