If you know nothing about databases, then I would say that this is the most important thing to learn. Setup MySQL, create a bunch of tables. Do this by hand as well as with GUI tools like SequelPro. Write some SQL. That should take you a week. The next two to three weeks, learn about concurrent access/locks. Learn how to use a cloud computing environment as well. E.g. Amazon web services. They give micro vms for free btw.
Regarding researcher vs research programmer, think about what job you are applying for. Since you want to apply for a programmer position, it makes sense to sell that aspect of the work as much as possible :-)
If you are really getting desperate, I'll make two more suggestions:
1) Go to meetups/hackathons in your area and network with people. I have a very strong CV and a few degrees from some top schools but even I get called for 1 out of 3 positions that I apply for "in the cold". Networking just means talk to people in a position to hire you or people who know people who can hire you.
2) This is a controversial suggestion so take it with a grain of salt. Consider getting some certifications in an area you want to focus in. I did these when I was younger and it definitely helped. Don't waste money taking classes IMHO. Your 6 week break is enough to get certified in one thing ... be it Java or databases or whatever.