Salk - California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Shared Resource Laboratory (CIRM SRL) Course/Program

The Salk- California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Shared Resource Laboratory (CIRM SRL) is offering a comprehensive two-week training course designed for trainees at a wide range of career stages who are interested in stem cell biology. This program provides hands-on experience and conceptual grounding in stem cell culture and transdifferentiation methods, drawing on the expertise of Salk's researchers specializing in stem cell and neurodifferentiation technologies.

Course goals:

• The course begins with foundational training in cell culture, covering essential skills and core principles of stem cell biology, including stem cell characteristics, culture history, and current best-practice protocols.
• The second module introduces genome-editing technologies, highlighting both established methods and recent innovations.
• The third module focuses on direct transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into neurons, a powerful approach for retaining age-related cellular features in derived neuronal populations.

This course welcomes participants at multiple training levels, including advanced undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, early career faculty, and core facility personnel.

Salk CIRM-SRL provides the following:

• Roundtrip travel to the Salk Institute from within California
• Housing accommodations and dining will be provided

2026 Course Dates: July 6 to 17, 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.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community has many talented individuals from varied backgrounds, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk's pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym "I CARE" provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be able to commit to the full program dates in person. July 6 to 17, 2026
• Be traveling from within California.

To have a strong application, interested candidates must complete an online application and complete the information below:

• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
• Research Project
• Career & Program Goals

Please review the links below before starting the application questions.

• CIRM Course Application Rubric

Deadline for applications is Monday, March 1, 2026, 8:00 am PST.

CIRM Course Application Informational Session - Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM PST - Use the following registration link to register for the workshop