The HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholars and Hanna Gray Fellows competition supports postdoctoral researchers and early-career faculty pursuing fundamental biological and biomedical discoveries, including cancer biology. Applications opened on November 3, 2026.
The combined competition offers postdoctoral support followed by substantial funding for independent laboratories. Faculty scholars receive salary, benefits and research budgets through renewable appointments, allowing them to pursue ambitious scientific questions while developing their leadership and mentoring skills.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must conduct basic biological or biomedical research; cancer biology is an eligible discipline.
- Applicants must meet HHMI’s eligible-institution requirements.
- Postdoctoral candidates should be within two years of pursuing an independent, tenure-track faculty position.
- Faculty candidates may have up to seven years of independent faculty experience.
- Physician-scientists conducting eligible basic research may apply.
- Candidates should demonstrate scientific leadership potential and a commitment to inclusive mentoring and research environments.
Funding Details
- Freeman Hrabowski Scholars: $500,000 annual research budget during the first five-year term.
- Renewed term: $600,000 annually for a second five-year term, subject to successful review.
- Additional faculty support: Salary, benefits and access to capital equipment funding.
Deadline
- Application deadline: December 15, 2026.
- Closing time: 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.