Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Salk Edge Summer Research: CRISPR, Neuro & Bioinformatics
Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
Overview
Salk Edge Summer Program is a two‑week, technique‑intensive summer initiative designed to equip PhD students with advanced research skills and professional development tools for successful careers in science. Participants receive round‑trip travel, lodging, and a
$1,500 pilot grant
to implement new technologies at their home institution.
Program Dates August 17, 2026 – August 28, 2026
Primary Program Goals
Provide participants with high‑quality instruction and innovative research techniques.
Enhance soft skills needed to succeed in postdoctoral positions.
Allow access to cutting‑edge scientific equipment.
Offer networking opportunities with Salk faculty.
Program Tracks Genome Editing in Cancer During this two‑week hands‑on session at The Salk Institute, students learn CRISPR/Cas9 techniques to create genome‑edited cell lines in culture and apply them to their thesis projects, supported by the $1,500 pilot grant.
Computational Neuroscience Students learn cutting‑edge computer vision and deep learning tools for analyzing large‑scale neural and behavioral data, gaining basic Python programming skills applicable to their projects, with pilot grant support.
Bioinformatics of Immune Cells Students analyze transcriptional expression data from RNA‑seq of immune cell populations, perform flow‑cytometry sorting, library preparation, and bioinformatics analyses, utilizing the $1,500 pilot grant to support their home research.
Eligibility Requirements
Current PhD student who has identified a thesis advisor and an active thesis project.
Able to commit to the full program dates in person.
Travel from within the United States.
Application Materials
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
Project abstract
Broader Impacts statement
Pilot funding application
Letter of support written by primary thesis advisor (1–2 pages). The letter should include:
Written on institutional letterhead signed by the advisor
Relationship and length of relationship
Recommendation of candidate for program
Likelihood of pursuing postdoctoral position
Support for full participation in program
Agreement to pilot funds terms & conditions
Additional Information
Edge Rubric Score
Salk Edge Summer Research Programs Terms & Conditions
Deadline for applications is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 8:00 am PST.
Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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$1,500 pilot grant
to implement new technologies at their home institution.
Program Dates August 17, 2026 – August 28, 2026
Primary Program Goals
Provide participants with high‑quality instruction and innovative research techniques.
Enhance soft skills needed to succeed in postdoctoral positions.
Allow access to cutting‑edge scientific equipment.
Offer networking opportunities with Salk faculty.
Program Tracks Genome Editing in Cancer During this two‑week hands‑on session at The Salk Institute, students learn CRISPR/Cas9 techniques to create genome‑edited cell lines in culture and apply them to their thesis projects, supported by the $1,500 pilot grant.
Computational Neuroscience Students learn cutting‑edge computer vision and deep learning tools for analyzing large‑scale neural and behavioral data, gaining basic Python programming skills applicable to their projects, with pilot grant support.
Bioinformatics of Immune Cells Students analyze transcriptional expression data from RNA‑seq of immune cell populations, perform flow‑cytometry sorting, library preparation, and bioinformatics analyses, utilizing the $1,500 pilot grant to support their home research.
Eligibility Requirements
Current PhD student who has identified a thesis advisor and an active thesis project.
Able to commit to the full program dates in person.
Travel from within the United States.
Application Materials
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
Project abstract
Broader Impacts statement
Pilot funding application
Letter of support written by primary thesis advisor (1–2 pages). The letter should include:
Written on institutional letterhead signed by the advisor
Relationship and length of relationship
Recommendation of candidate for program
Likelihood of pursuing postdoctoral position
Support for full participation in program
Agreement to pilot funds terms & conditions
Additional Information
Edge Rubric Score
Salk Edge Summer Research Programs Terms & Conditions
Deadline for applications is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 8:00 am PST.
Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr