Semmes Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow

Job Description:

We are recruiting two full-time Semmes Postbaccalaureate Research Fellows for a one-year appointment designed to provide recent graduates of Trinity University an intensive, mentored research experience to strengthen applications for graduate, medical, or other advanced professional programs.

Fellows will work directly with an approved faculty mentor on an active research project, participate in laboratory/field work, and engage in professional development activities to build skills in research design, data analysis, scientific communication, and graduate/medical school preparedness.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on research under the direct supervision of an approved faculty mentor, including experiment planning, data collection, analysis, and laboratory/field maintenance.
• Participate in regular one-on-one meetings and progress reviews with the faculty mentor.
• Contribute to scientific writing: prepare components of abstracts, posters, presentations, and draft or co-author manuscripts as appropriate.
• Present research results at departmental seminars and at least one regional or national conference if possible.
• Complete professional development modules/workshops (e.g., responsible conduct of research, statistics, grant writing, application preparation, CV/ personal statement workshops, interview skills).
• Maintain accurate research records and comply with institutional safety and ethical standards.
• Assist with outreach or teaching activities (e.g., undergraduate mentoring, lab training) as determined by mentor and program needs.

EDUCATION

Required:

• Bachelor's degree by May 2026 from Trinity University in a relevant science discipline.
• Prior experience working with the proposed faculty mentor on research or closely related academic work preferable (course-based research, independent study, or lab employment).
• Demonstrated commitment to pursuing graduate or medical education.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to commit full-time to the program for the duration of the appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior laboratory or field research experience with evidence of technical competency.
• Experience presenting research or contributing to publications.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving ability, and ability to work collaboratively.

EXPERIENCE

Required:

• 6 months of experience working at an institution of higher education; this may include experience being a part of student organizations and/or student leadership positions

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Required:

• May work under pressure to meet office/project deadlines.
• Ability to take on assigned tasks with a high level of creativity, independence, critical thinking, and initiative
• The ability to supervise student workers, including facilitating weekly team meetings and managing student employee data
• Ability to maintain an appropriate degree of confidentiality
• Ability to cooperate and collaborate in the spirit of teamwork and collegiality and to work with faculty, staff, and students with confidence, patience, and integrity
• Ability to connect with others across differences of perspective and background and serve as a professional representative of The Collaborative in all meetings/interactions
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License and have a good driving history.
• May not have more than two moving violations in a three-year period.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• All jobs require a current Criminal Background Check (CBC).
• Willingness to travel on behalf of Trinity University.
• Occasionally, required to pick up or deliver information to an off-campus office.
• Overtime may be required during peak periods that include year-end and other special projects.

Application Materials

Applicants should submit:

• A letter describing research interests, career goals, and how the fellowship will support those goals.
• A proposed research plan (1-2 pages) for the year appointment including expected outcomes (papers, conference presentations
• Current CV/resume.
• Letter of support from the proposed faculty mentor confirming willingness to mentor and outlining a brief mentoring plan (1- 2 pages).
• Transcript (unofficial acceptable).
• Contact information for one additional academic reference (besides the mentor).

Selection Process & Timeline

• Review of applications will begin on 24 April 2026.
• Selected candidates will be invited for interviews with the mentor and program committee.
• Final decisions communicated by 1 May 2026. Start date 18 May 2026.