Graduate studies at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology are delivered through two programs, the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California, and the University of Florida’s Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences. Both have distinct application processes.
UF Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences
Start research your journey here!
The UF Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute provides and promotes biological literacy in key chemical, biological and genetic principles using molecular, cellular and physiological approaches, and promotes scholarship in biomedical science through mentored, original research. Deadline to apply: December 1
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute
Do you have a passion for scientific discovery and a vision for advancing human health? The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute’s Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Sciences (BMS) offers a rigorous and rewarding path toward a doctorate degree, designed for students eager to explore the frontiers of basic research, drug discovery, and medical innovation.
Program Highlights:
- Interdisciplinary Training: Engage in cutting-edge research that bridges molecular biology, pharmacology and translational medicine.
- Mentorship and Collaboration: Work alongside world-class faculty and researchers committed to your academic and professional growth.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Access advanced laboratories and resources that support innovative biomedical research.
- Career Preparation: Develop the skills and experience needed for impactful careers in academia, industry and beyond.
Application Deadline: December 1
We invite motivated students from diverse academic backgrounds to apply. Begin your journey toward becoming a leader in biomedical science.
Program Details
The mission of the Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Sciences (BMS) at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute is to provide a predoctoral educational experience that will train experimentalists and scholars for a wide range of careers. This program is dedicated to training highly skilled and independent biomedical researchers who will drive innovation and discovery. This is achieved by providing a rigorous curriculum, fostering an innovative and collaborative research environment, and equipping students with critical thinking, experimental design, and communication skills necessary to make significant contributions to scientific knowledge. The program also emphasizes cutting-edge research methodologies, ethical considerations, and effective translation of findings into impactful advancements in health and medicine.
The University of Florida’s Gainesville campus has been the home of the BMS Ph.D. program for more than 25 years. The hallmark of the BMS Program is the strong cadre of faculty mentors across a wide breadth of fields, and thus includes members from several different departments, colleges, and campuses. These faculty mentors coordinate their efforts for the common goal of providing outstanding training, career development and mentorship, where they are constantly striving to challenge our students and provide the opportunity for discovery.
As of 2025, this includes opportunities to be enrolled at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology in Jupiter or the University of Florida’s Gainesville campus. Applicantions to both programs are to be submitted through the same admissions portal. However, review, consideration and enrollment to the Wertheim UF Scripps Institute BMS Program will occur separately.
Therefore, to indicate your interest in studying at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, please clearly specify this on your Personal Statement within the application.
You are also encouraged to send an email to Rosie G. Albarran-Zeckler, Ph.D., at albarranzecklerr@ufl.edu to inform our team that you are applying. If you are interested in applying to both campuses’ programs, this should be indicated in your Personal Statement. (Pending SACSCOC approval.)
What Makes Graduate Studies at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute in Jupiter, FL Unique?
We asked current students to tell us what makes graduate studies here in Palm Beach County special and unique.
Here’s what they told us:
- There’s a tightly coupled relationship among the chemistry, biology and drug discovery experts here that makes every research project a collaborative one. Biomedical research requires this kind of cross-disciplinary thinking.
- Students enjoy a great quality of life here in South Florida. The institute is just a few miles from the beach, and Jupiter is a tropical, walkable and bikeable place. The stipend is among the highest of similar programs, while the state tax burden is lowest, with no city tax.
- You’re digging into research in the lab from day one, with more emphasis on experimentation and less on textbook learning than some other programs.
- Studying at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute brings unique benefits, such as the ability to tap into the expertise and resources at the neighboring Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience.
- As part of UF Health , The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute is connected to ten hospitals and three veterinary hospitals; impressive clinical programs such as UF Health’s Center for Brain Tumor Research and the UF Health Cancer Institute, as well as one of the fastest supercomputers in academia, HiPerGator. All work closely with Wertheim UF Scripps faculty and their graduate students.
Get to Know the Jupiter Campus
Meet Our Scientists
View Centers of Excellence
See Scientific Cores
Learn About Our Impact
Graduate Program Contact
Rosie Albarran Zeckler