The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) stands as a premier nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing biomedical research and science education. Founded in 1953 by industrialist Howard Hughes, HHMI invests over $800 million annually in research, supporting more than 250 investigators at over 60 institutions across the United States. Unlike traditional universities, HHMI does not operate its own large campus for teaching but focuses on funding exceptional scientists to conduct groundbreaking work at host universities and its Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia. In New York, HHMI supports researchers at leading institutions like Rockefeller University and New York University, making it a key player in the city's vibrant biomedical scene.
HHMI's mission is to accelerate discovery and innovation in biomedical science, tackling fundamental questions in biology that lead to medical breakthroughs. Jobs at HHMI span research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, technicians, and administrative roles, all united by a commitment to rigorous, creative science. The organization is known for its long-term funding model, providing stability so investigators can pursue high-risk, high-reward projects without the pressure of short-term grants.
Established with an initial endowment from Howard Hughes, HHMI began as a tax-exempt medical research entity. In the 1980s, under President P. Roy Vagelos, it shifted to competitively selecting investigators based on scientific excellence. By 2007, HHMI launched Janelia Research Campus, a hub for interdisciplinary neuroscience and imaging technology development. Today, under President Erin K. O'Shea, HHMI continues expanding its impact, including programs like the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars for inclusive excellence in STEM. This evolution has positioned HHMI as a leader in funding transformative research, with alumni earning numerous Nobel Prizes.
HHMI offers diverse roles tailored to advancing biomedical discovery. Key positions include:
For more on university job types, including research-focused positions common at HHMI, explore our guide.
Research roles typically require a PhD, MD, or equivalent in life sciences, physics, or computational biology. Investigators must hold a tenure-track faculty position at a host institution. Postdocs need a PhD awarded within the last 4 years. Technicians often hold bachelor's or master's degrees in biology or chemistry. Advanced degrees are essential for competitive edge, as HHMI prioritizes candidates with doctoral training from top programs.
HHMI prioritizes curiosity-driven research in areas like genetics, neuroscience, cell biology, and immunology. Expertise in CRISPR gene editing, single-cell sequencing, or neural circuit mapping is highly sought. At Janelia, focus on fly brain connectomes and machine learning for imaging. New York-based grantees often specialize in structural biology or cancer research, aligning with local strengths at NYU Langone or Memorial Sloan Kettering.
Candidates with 3-5 years of postdoctoral experience, first-author papers in top journals (e.g., Science, PNAS), and independent funding (e.g., K99/R00) stand out. For investigators, a track record of transformative discoveries is key. Technicians should have 2+ years in lab techniques like flow cytometry or animal models. Mentoring underrepresented students boosts applications.
Technical skills include bioinformatics (R, MATLAB), microscopy, and grant writing. Competencies like creative problem-solving, collaboration, and communication are vital for HHMI's team-science model. Ethical conduct in data sharing and reproducibility is non-negotiable, reflecting HHMI's open science ethos.
Visit HHMI's careers site to apply. For investigators, submit proposals via host institution nomination. Postdocs apply directly to labs. Tips: Customize your cover letter with research fit, quantify impacts (e.g., 'Led project resulting in 5 publications'), request feedback from mentors, and prepare for interviews on future vision. See academic CV guide for formatting.
HHMI's Hanna H. Gray Fellows supports 25+ underrepresented postdocs annually with $1.5M over 8 years. The Inclusive Excellence Initiative funds faculty from minority-serving institutions. Janelia offers family-friendly policies and ERGs for women in science and LGBTQ+ researchers, with 40% women investigators surpassing field averages.
HHMI promotes balance with unlimited PTO, sabbaticals, and childcare subsidies. Janelia features modern labs, gyms, and free meals, fostering a collaborative village-like atmosphere. New York grantees enjoy urban vibrancy with flexible remote work. Employees report high satisfaction due to autonomy and support.
HHMI Investigator: A funded scientist with lab resources for independent research, renewed every 7 years based on achievements.
Janelia Research Campus: HHMI's Virginia facility for basic neuroscience and imaging tech development.
Hanna H. Gray Fellows: Program for diverse early-career scientists in biomedical research.
Jobs at Howard Hughes Medical Institute offer unparalleled opportunities in biomedical research. From investigators shaping science to postdocs gaining expertise, HHMI supports excellence. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com.
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