In order to apply to OHSU PROPEL, you must first connect with a potential OHSU research mentor who is interested in hiring a Research Assistant (RA). To help facilitate networking opportunities, we encourage prospective PROPEL applicants to sign-up for the multi-site Matchmaking Event, taking place virtually on January 30, 2026. This will allow prospective postbac scholars to meet with faculty at OHSU and at other PROPEL sites who are interested in hiring an RA for their lab.

After that date, we encourage you to visit OHSU hiring page (https://careersat-ohsu.icims.com/jobs/search?ss=1&hashed=-435594533) and search for "Research Assistant" positions to identify labs that may be hiring. Generally, recent college graduates are hired at the Research Assistant 2 level. 

Alternatively, you can contact faculty of interest to directly inquire about their hiring plans for the lab. We recommend sharing an up-to-date CV that's been reviewed by a trusted mentor. 

If you're unsure where to start, please feel free to reach out to us via email at preptograd@ohsu.edu

There are numerous resources online about how to identify and apply to postbaccalaureate programs like PROPEL.  One resource we recommend is Científico Latino's Youtube video of a presentation titled Overview of Post-bac/NIH-PREP Programs in the Biosciences. If you have any questions for OHSU PROPEL, please contact us at preptograd@ohsu.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!

The goal of OHSU PROPEL is to provide individuals who are interested in pursing research-oriented graduate degrees (Ph.D. or dual degree M.D.-Ph.D.). However, please be aware that OHSU PROPEL programming is specifically focused on preparation for research careers.

If you are interested in physician-specific postbaccalaureate programs, please visit the programs linked in the non-exhaustive list below.

• Wy'east Postbaccalaureate Pathway -  This program supports American Indian and Alaska Native scholars intent on becoming physicians. The Wy’east program provides a holistic, culturally-specific framework for the successful recruitment, training, retention, and graduation of AI/AN learners pursuing medical school.
• Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) database of Postbaccalaureate Premedical Programs
• University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine - Postbaccalaureate Program
• California Postbaccalaurate Consortium
• Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - Doctoral Diversity Program

OHSU PROPEL does not provide housing to scholars. However, we do provide recommendations on places to live as well as public transportation options. Additionally, we have had incoming scholars find housing with other incoming scholars and graduate students.

 Below are some places to start a housing search:

• OHSU Housing Postings a public link to OHSU affiliated housing offers
• Craigslist is a common forum to post classifieds in the U.S., separated by city and state. Under the "housing" section, you can find apartments and roommates
• Trulia housing search
• Zillow housing search
• Apartment List housing search