[Howard Hughes Medical Institute](https://www.hhmi.org)

September 2026 (Full application deadline)

Seven-year renewable appointment; full salary, benefits, generous research budget, and capital equipment funds provided by HHMI.

Long-term, flexible support for established researchers to pursue transformative research in the biological and biomedical sciences.

--- ## Description The HHMI Investigator Program provides substantial, long-term support to established scientists whose research has the potential to fundamentally transform our understanding of biology. Investigators are appointed as HHMI employees while maintaining their academic appointments and running their laboratories at eligible US institutions. The program supports a wide range of basic biological and biomedical science disciplines and fosters an inclusive, collaborative research environment. Investigators receive full salary, benefits, research budgets, and access to capital equipment funds, as well as membership in a vibrant community of leading scientists. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Initial appointment is for seven years, renewable indefinitely based on scientific review. - HHMI provides: - Full salary and comprehensive benefits for the Investigator. - Generous annual research budget for laboratory operations and personnel. - Access to capital equipment funds. - No indirect costs are paid; HHMI makes direct occupancy payments to host institutions for research and office space. - Budget levels are standardized and increase after the first year and after the first seven-year review. --- ## Eligibility - Open to individuals holding a PhD and/or MD (or equivalent). - Must hold a tenured or tenure-track position (assistant professor or higher), or an equivalent appointment at an eligible US institution (see [Eligible Institutions](https://www.hhmi.org/programs/eligible-institutions)). - Federal government employees are not eligible. - Must be principal investigator on one or more active, national, peer-reviewed research grants (minimum three-year duration; mentored awards and training grants do not qualify). - Applicants must have a minimum of seven years in an independent faculty position; there is no upper career-stage limit. - Must devote at least 75% of professional time to direct research; those with significant administrative duties must reduce these before appointment. - Research must be in basic biological or biomedical sciences (including plant biology, evolutionary biology, biophysics, chemical biology, biomedical engineering, computational biology); health education, health care delivery, or health services research are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted electronically via the [HHMI Application and Review Channel](https://arc.hhmi.org) (application portal opens with each competition cycle). - No nomination or institutional endorsement is required. - Application components include: - Summary of major research contributions. - Abstract and detailed description of ongoing and planned research. - Five significant publications (including recent preprints). - Bibliography, list of current research support, education, and training history. - Employment and professional activities. - Letters of recommendation are not required or accepted. - Review process includes evaluation by distinguished scientists; semifinalists are invited to present at a symposium at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus. - Appointments are made at the institution where the applicant holds a qualifying position at the time of application, or at a new eligible institution if certain conditions are met. --- ## Additional Information - Investigators become full-time HHMI employees but retain faculty status at their host institution. - Investigators may continue to receive government and nonprofit research funding, provided arrangements are compatible with HHMI policies. - Up to 25% of professional time may be spent on teaching, administration, or consulting (subject to HHMI approval). - Intellectual property developed as an HHMI employee is assigned to the host institution with specific rights retained by HHMI. - HHMI emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from individuals with backgrounds underrepresented in the biological sciences. --- ## External Links - [HHMI Investigator Program Overview](https://www.hhmi.org/programs/investigators) - [Eligible Institutions List](https://www.hhmi.org/programs/eligible-institutions) - [Science Supported by HHMI](https://www.hhmi.org/programs/science-we-support) - [Meet Current Investigators](https://www.hhmi.org/search/people/investigators) - [Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)](https://www.hhmi.org/sites/default/files/investigator2021-faq.pdf) - [Program Announcement (PDF)](https://www.hhmi.org/sites/default/files/investigator2021-program-announcement.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact HHMI](https://www.hhmi.org/contact-us) | | Eligibility/Policy | sciencecomp@hhmi.org (as listed in FAQ) | ---

Mid-Career & Senior Faculty Program

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