Ragon Institute About
The Catherine Othieno Sempa Memorial Post Baccalaureate Scholars Program engages talented graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Puerto Rican universities in a comprehensive, immersive experience. The program aims to diversify the field of academic research by providing recent graduates with the opportunity to work as full-time research technicians at the Ragon Institute under the mentorship of principal investigators or postdoctoral fellows. Scholars gain hands-on experience in immunology research while benefiting from a competitive salary, full benefits, and a $3,000 travel allowance. The program is named in honor of Dr. Catherine Othieno Sempa, an immunologist at Makerere University in Uganda who worked in affiliation with the Partners AIDS Research Center, the predecessor to the Ragon Institute, on the first vaccine trial to be conducted in Africa in the early 1990s. Dr. Sempa and her husband were killed in a tragic accident in 1998.
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Program Benefits
- Full-Time Employment: Scholars work as paid, full-time research technicians
- Competitive Salary and Benefits: Consistent with research technician positions at the Ragon Institute
- Mentorship: Supervision and guidance from a Ragon Institute principal investigator or a designated postdoctoral fellow
- Professional Development: Engagement in academic and professional development activities, including:
- An individualized training plan
- Scientific communication training
- Participation in seminars and workshops
- Full participation in lab meetings and Ragon affinity groups
- Graduate school preparation
- Conference Sponsorship: Travel sponsorship to a national conference, including a $3,000 travel allowance
Eligibility Requirements
This program is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or the University of Puerto Rico
- Must have U.S. citizenship or permanent residency and be eligible to work in the U.S.
- Must have completed a college or university degree (four or more years in duration) no more than one year before the program start date
- Must have majored in biological sciences or biological engineering
- A minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Must have previous experience in scientific research
- A demonstrated interest in pursuing a graduate degree in a research field (MS, MA, PhD, or MD/PhD)
Note: This program is not designed for students primarily interested in clinical practice.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: February 14, 2025
- Start Date: June-August, 2025
How to Apply
Candidates can apply using the following link. Applications will undergo an initial screening by the Ragon Institute Office of Education and Outreach. The Ragon Institute selection committee will then review applications and interview prospective candidates. Selected candidates will be matched with labs that have open positions for final appointments.
Contact Information
For more information or questions about the program, please contact:
Ragon Institute Office of Education and Outreach
Email: [email protected]
Education and Outreach
The Office of Education and Outreach supports the Institute’s mission and its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by offering programs such as RISE and PRISM to students from the Greater Boston community — setting a foundation for the next generation of researchers.
Career Opportunities
Whether you are an early-career scientist looking for the next step in your career, or a seasoned administrative professional — The Ragon is committed to bringing the best and brightest together.