Earn your PhD in Jupiter, Florida
Launchpad for Great Science Careers
Acceptance into our doctoral program is the first step toward high-impact careers in biomedical research. You’ll ask hard questions, gather data and publish research while working in state-of-the-art laboratories alongside leaders in their fields.
Graduate studies at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology in Jupiter, Florida are delivered in partnership with the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California.
Laura Solt, Ph.D.
Letter from the Associate Dean
Greetings from sunny Jupiter, Florida, where we’re conducting groundbreaking research just a few miles from the beautiful sandy beaches and tropical blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean! Our institute is part of the University of Florida, while graduate education is delivered in partnership with the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California. Our graduate program blends the best of both worlds, allowing our students access to the Nobel laureates and unique expertise of Scripps Research and the benefits of the vast resources of the University of Florida, including one of the world's fastest supercomputers, HiPerGator. This is a collegial, highly collaborative campus where scientists pursue a diverse range of research topics aimed at improving human health and wellbeing. The graduate program provides broad foundational training in the biomedical sciences, in an environment that is interdisciplinary, innovative, and inclusive. To learn more, I encourage you to start in our graduate program faculty directory. Read about our talented faculty and their cutting-edge research programs. Peruse their most recent studies. Let loose your curiosity, reach out to faculty, and ask questions. With so many recent advances in biochemistry, like immune therapy, next-generation mRNA vaccines, and new treatments for neurological and metabolic disorders, it is an exciting time to start your career in the biomedical sciences. Read on and envision yourself with us, working at the forefront of this scientific quest of discovery.
Important Dates
- December 1 — Application Deadline
- December 15 — Three letters of recommendation or more due
- December to January, 2024 — Interview invitations sent
- February 15 – 18, 2024 — Interview weekend event
- Late February to mid-March, 2024 — Admissions decisions are sent
- April 15, 2024 — Decision day
Program Details
In April 2022, the University of Florida and Scripps Florida completed integration to create a research powerhouse poised to accelerate biomedical discoveries that benefit patients. This integration blends the clinical expertise of a top 5 public university with the creative energies of one of the world’s leading biomedical research organizations. Graduate education here at The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology is delivered in partnership with the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California.
The Skaggs Graduate School program is ranked ninth in the nation in biological sciences overall—sixth in organic chemistry, sixth in biochemistry and sixth in chemistry. It offers students here the opportunity to attend classes taught by Nobel laureates; members of the National Academies of Sciences, Medicine and Engineering, and pioneers in RNA drug discovery, natural products chemistry, and neuroscience.
Working at the Jupiter, Florida campus means you will have access to leading biomedical research technologies including cryo-electron microscopy; robotic high-throughput molecular screening, one of the world’s fastest academic supercomputers, including artificial intelligence resources. The campus is also home to one of the world’s largest collections of bacterial natural products, a historic collection on track to become a leading repository of curated bacterial genomes, available for your exploration and discovery.
Your faculty mentors based at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute share your passion for accomplishing big things. They pursue original research that addresses significant biomedical questions. They excel across multiple fields of basic and translational science, in areas including chemistry, neuroscience, immunology, microbiology, structural biology, drug discovery, information sciences, and enabling technologies.
The program is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Learn more here.
Admission is highly competitive, with a 16% acceptance rate as of the 2022 cycle. The student body as of 2020 consisted of 400 students across both campuses: La Jolla, California and Jupiter, Florida. The program is dedicated to inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds.
What Makes this Graduate Program So Different?
We asked current students to tell us what makes the graduate program here in Palm Beach County, Florida 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. The stipend is highest among similar programs. The state tax burden is lowest, and there is no city tax.
- You’re digging into research in the lab from day one, with less emphasis on classroom/textbook learning than some other programs.
- Studying on the Florida campus brings unique benefits, such as the ability to tap into the expertise and resources at the neighboring Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience as well as the University of Florida, and its health science center, UF Health.
- UF Health partners with Scripps Research’s Skaggs Graduate School to run the graduate program. UF Health has ten hospitals and three veterinary hospitals; impressive clinical programs such as UF Health’s Center for Brain Tumor Research and the UF Health Cancer Center, as well as one of the fastest supercomputers in academia, HiPerGator. All work closely with Wertheim UF Scripps faculty and their graduate students.
- The program is committed to increasing diversity among research scientists, especially among people who have been traditionally underrepresented in the sciences.
- Students enjoy career support and mentoring from the faculty and staff of Scripps Research, including Nobel Laureates, Wolf Prize recipients, National Academy of Science members and job placement services. The career opportunities for our graduates are outstanding. Graduates are sought-after for roles in biotechnology and pharma, academia, government, business and more.
How to Apply
Skaggs Graduate School
How to Apply
In addition to completing an online application, all applicants are asked to submit a written statement, transcripts and at least three letters of recommendation.
Watch a Virtual Admissions Seminar
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Contact Information
Paolo Garcia Castillo – Admissions Coordinator, pgarcia@scripps.edu
Morayma James – International Student and Scholar Advisor, mjames@scripps.edu