The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is now accepting applications for the Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program.
The program supports postdoctoral scientists who show exceptional promise as future research leaders, equipping them to pursue bold and creative scientific research as they transition to independent faculty careers.
Hanna Gray Fellows receive up to two years of salary or stipend support, additional support to cover certain expenses associated with their Fellowship, and tailored professional development, including personalized support for their faculty search. Fellows who secure a qualifying tenure-track faculty position during their term will be appointed as Freeman Hrabowski Scholars.
In addition to financial and professional development support, Fellows join HHMI’s thriving community of scientists across career stages through events such as HHMI Science Meetings and retreats. The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program reflects HHMI’s philosophy of supporting “people, not projects,” and Fellows are expected to be models of scientific excellence and inclusive lab leadership, and to recruit, mentor, and inspire a wide range of trainees.
Program Benefits
- Salary or stipend commensurate with experience plus yearly funds to cover certain expenses; personalized guidance for the faculty job search
- Up to two years of support (one-year term, renewable for a second year)
- Flexibility to continue postdoctoral training at your current institution or, with HHMI approval, move to a different institution in the United States or overseas to acquire additional training or technical expertise
- Personalized career transition support for your faculty search through workshops and individual advising
- Tailored professional development through workshops, retreats, and HHMI Science Meetings
- A pathway to becoming a Freeman Hrabowski Scholar is open to Fellows who start a qualifying faculty appointment within two years, if other program requirements are met; otherwise, they forfeit this opportunity
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Hold a PhD and/or MD degree (or equivalent)
- Have no more than 7 years of postdoctoral training experience by December 15, 2026, including gaps between research positions
- Conduct research in the basic biological and biomedical sciences in any of the scientific disciplines that HHMI supports
- Are currently in a mentored postdoctoral research position at an HHMI eligible institution; or, if you are currently in medical training, will have completed all your clinical residencies and are scheduled to transition to a mentored postdoctoral research position at an HHMI eligible institution by May 1, 2028
- Intend to start your first independent tenure track (or equivalent) faculty position at an HHMI eligible institution no later than May 1, 2030
- Are authorized to work in the US or are eligible to obtain a work authorization for the duration of your appointment
Competition deadline December 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET.
Learn more and apply: www.hhmi.org/programs/hanna-h-gray-fellows
Informational Webinar
Watch the HHMI webinar that provides information about eligibility, applications for the new competition, and benefits of the programs.
