Salk Institute Office of Technology Development
Salk Edge Summer Program
Salk Institute Office of Technology Development, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
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Salk Edge Summer Program
role at the
Salk Institute Office of Technology Development .
Salk Edge 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. This program focuses on training students in cutting‑edge laboratory techniques while also offering soft‑skill workshops on topics such as grant writing, networking, and scientific communication. Participants engage directly with Salk faculty and labs, helping build valuable postdoctoral connections.
In addition to round‑trip travel and lodging accommodations, students will receive a
$1,500 pilot grant
to implement new technologies in their home institution’s PhD lab.
Primary Program Goals
Provide participants with high‑quality instruction and innovative research techniques.
Help enhance soft skills needed to succeed in postdoctoral positions in top‑tier labs.
Give access to cutting‑edge scientific equipment needed to carry out scientific research.
Provide networking opportunities with Salk faculty.
Program Dates August 17, 2026 – August 28, 2026
Who We Are The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.
Salk Values The Salk Community, scientists and administrators together define values that support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. The acronym “I CARE” helps remember each value.
Track Options The Salk Edge program offers three tracks. Each focuses on track‑specific curriculum in the morning, followed by broader trainings in the afternoon. Please rank which program track(s) would best support your current thesis project in your application.
Genome Editing in Cancer : Students learn CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, create genome‑edited cell lines in culture, and apply these skills to their thesis projects.
Computational Neuroscience : Students learn cutting‑edge computer vision and deep‑learning tools for analyzing neural and behavioral data, and develop basic Python programming for scientific analysis.
Bioinformatics of Immune Cells : Students learn RNA‑seq analysis, flow‑cytometry sorting, and bioinformatics pipelines for immune cell populations.
Eligibility Requirements
Be a current PhD student who has chosen a lab for their thesis work.
Be able to commit to the full program dates in person.
Be traveling from within the United States.
Application Materials To have a strong application, students should (1) identify a thesis advisor and thesis project and (2) submit the following materials:
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
Project abstract
Broader impacts statement
Pilot funding application
Letter of support from primary thesis advisor (1‑2 pages, signed on institutional letterhead, describing relationship, recommendation, postdoc prospects, and confirmation of funds usage).
Submission Deadline Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 8:00 am PST.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Salk Edge Summer Program
role at the
Salk Institute Office of Technology Development .
Salk Edge 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. This program focuses on training students in cutting‑edge laboratory techniques while also offering soft‑skill workshops on topics such as grant writing, networking, and scientific communication. Participants engage directly with Salk faculty and labs, helping build valuable postdoctoral connections.
In addition to round‑trip travel and lodging accommodations, students will receive a
$1,500 pilot grant
to implement new technologies in their home institution’s PhD lab.
Primary Program Goals
Provide participants with high‑quality instruction and innovative research techniques.
Help enhance soft skills needed to succeed in postdoctoral positions in top‑tier labs.
Give access to cutting‑edge scientific equipment needed to carry out scientific research.
Provide networking opportunities with Salk faculty.
Program Dates August 17, 2026 – August 28, 2026
Who We Are The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values all members of our scientific community. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces perspectives across discipline, professional acumen, and unique life experiences, fostering innovation and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.
Salk Values The Salk Community, scientists and administrators together define values that support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. The acronym “I CARE” helps remember each value.
Track Options The Salk Edge program offers three tracks. Each focuses on track‑specific curriculum in the morning, followed by broader trainings in the afternoon. Please rank which program track(s) would best support your current thesis project in your application.
Genome Editing in Cancer : Students learn CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, create genome‑edited cell lines in culture, and apply these skills to their thesis projects.
Computational Neuroscience : Students learn cutting‑edge computer vision and deep‑learning tools for analyzing neural and behavioral data, and develop basic Python programming for scientific analysis.
Bioinformatics of Immune Cells : Students learn RNA‑seq analysis, flow‑cytometry sorting, and bioinformatics pipelines for immune cell populations.
Eligibility Requirements
Be a current PhD student who has chosen a lab for their thesis work.
Be able to commit to the full program dates in person.
Be traveling from within the United States.
Application Materials To have a strong application, students should (1) identify a thesis advisor and thesis project and (2) submit the following materials:
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
Project abstract
Broader impacts statement
Pilot funding application
Letter of support from primary thesis advisor (1‑2 pages, signed on institutional letterhead, describing relationship, recommendation, postdoc prospects, and confirmation of funds usage).
Submission Deadline Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 8:00 am PST.
#J-18808-Ljbffr