HHMI Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program

Job Description

The Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program supports postdoctoral scientists as they launch careers in academic science, equipping them to pursue scientific research at the highest levels and to recruit, mentor, and inspire future generations.

The HHMI Hanna H. Gray Fellows 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. Beginning with the 2028 competition — opening November 3, 2026 — the Hanna H. Gray Fellows and Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Programs will select scientists through a single, combined competition. (Applicant review is specific to career stage.)

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 obtain a qualifying tenure-track or equivalent faculty position 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. 

HANNA H. GRAY FELLOWS PROGRAM SNAPSHOT

• Competition: Every other year; next competition opens November 3, 2026
• Who’s Eligible: Postdoctoral scientists at HHMI eligible institutions with no more than 7 years of postdoctoral experience as of December 15, 2026, including gaps between research positions
• Compatible Positions: Only mentored postdoctoral research training positions. All independent positions, irrespective of type and institution, are incompatible
• What Counts for 7-Year Limit: All research experiences you have had following your doctoral degree, irrespective of position type, institution, or country
• Support Includes: Salary or stipend commensurate with experience plus yearly funds to cover certain expenses; personalized guidance for faculty search
• Duration: Up to two years (one-year term, renewable for a second year)
• Pathway: Fellows who start a qualifying faculty appointment within 2 years become Freeman Hrabowski Scholars, if other program requirements are met; otherwise, they forfeit this opportunity
• Publications Required: Between 1 and 3 original research articles in which you are the first, co-first, corresponding, or co-corresponding author, published in a journal or preprint server
• Recommendation Letters: None are required, but your mentor will complete a questionnaire to help us evaluate your readiness for independence
• Compatible Funding: This varies by award. If selected, HHMI will work with you to determine what funding sources are compatible

KEY DATES

• Applications Open:
  Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET
• Applications Close:
  Tuesday, December 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
• Semifinalists Notified:
  August 2027
• Semifinalist Leadership Interviews:
  September–October 2027
• Semifinalist Recorded Presentations Due:
  October 2027
• Finalists Notified:
  November 2027
• Finalist Scientific Interviews:
  January 2028
• Selectees Notified:
  February 2028
• Acceptance Letters Due:
  Two weeks after notification
• Appointments Begin:
  May 1–August 31, 2028