K. Lisa Yang Post-Baccalaureate Program

Are you passionate about the brain but need more research experience before applying to graduate school? The K. Lisa Yang Post-Baccalaureate Program at MIT offers an immersive, two-year, fully funded neuroscience research experience designed to help exceptional recent college graduates build the skills, confidence, and mentorship networks they need to thrive in top-tier PhD programs. Talented graduates who lacked access to research opportunities during college are especially encouraged to apply.

Applications open December 1, 2025

Apply now to the Research Scholars Program through MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences.

K. Lisa Yang (center) with former postbacs Ajani Stewart (left) and Maya Taliaferro (right). After completing the postbac program, Stewart went on to pursue a PhD at MIT’s Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences while Taliaferro continued her studies in the PhD program at New York University. Photo: Steph Stevens

What to expect

Join a cutting-edge MIT lab

You’ll be carefully matched with a laboratory that aligns with your scientific interests. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor and day-to-day support from a postdoc or graduate student, you’ll design and carry out experiments, analyze data, and contribute to publications.

Grow as a scientist and scholar

Attend weekly lab meetings, high-impact seminars, and technical workshops; practice public speaking and scientific writing; and get hands-on guidance on preparing graduate school applications.

Learn without limits

Scholars can audit MIT classes to deepen knowledge and connect with professors across the institute.

Community and professional development

You won’t be alone — you’ll join a close-knit cohort of eight scholars and be part of a vibrant neuroscience community in MIT’s iconic Building 46. Together, you’ll explore science, share discoveries, and have fun along the way.

  • Weekly postbac meetings to share research and sharpen skills (plus snacks!)
  • Neurolunch and CogLunch weekly seminars with Building 46 graduate students and postdocs
  • Social gatherings: off-campus fall social & spring retreat
  • Access to a rich schedule of world-class neuroscience talks and events
  • Outreach activities with public school students in the Boston area
Photo collage
          The 2025-2026 K. Lisa Yang Post-Baccalaureate Scholars enjoy a night together at a local pool hall.

Why it matters

The K. Lisa Yang Post-Baccalaureate Program is more than a bridge — it’s a launchpad. Our scholars leave with authored papers, strong letters of recommendation, deep technical training, and a network of peers and mentors that lasts for years. Past scholars have gone on to PhD programs at MIT, Stanford, Princeton, NYU, and Harvard Medical School.