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The HHMI Presidential Fellow Program 2026 is now accepting applications from exceptional early-career professionals worldwide. The program offers a unique opportunity for exceptional early-career professionals to work directly in the Office of the President and contribute to some of the institute’s most important strategic initiatives.
The fellowship is designed for outstanding recent graduates and professionals with up to five years of experience. Each year, only a small cohort of two to three fellows is selected, making it one of the most selective leadership opportunities in the United States. Fellows work closely with senior leadership and take ownership of high-impact projects across science, artificial intelligence, education, finance, communications, technology, and institutional strategy.
WhatsApp ChannelAbout the HHMI Presidential Fellow Program
The Presidential Fellows Program places participants at the center of decision-making within HHMI, one of the world’s largest private supporters of biomedical research. Unlike traditional rotational fellowships, fellows are entrusted with leading projects, engaging with senior executives, and helping shape organizational priorities.
The role is modeled after the Special Assistant to the President positions found in the U.S. federal government, offering significant responsibility, access, and leadership exposure.
- Application Status: Open
- Location: United States
- Host Organization: Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)
- Duration: 2–3 Years
- Salary: $150,000–$200,000 per year
- Deadline: Open until filled
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Fellowship Location
- Chevy Chase, Maryland, United States
- Primarily on-site at HHMI Headquarters
Duration
- Fixed-term appointment of 2 to 3 years
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Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- Annual salary ranging from $150,000 to $200,000
- Comprehensive health benefits
- Retirement plans
- Paid time off
- Wellness and recognition programs
- Direct access to HHMI’s executive leadership
- Opportunity to build a high-impact portfolio of strategic work
- Professional network spanning academia, government, philanthropy, and industry
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Responsibilities
Fellows will:
- Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives
- Manage projects involving science, AI, education, communications, finance, and operations
- Develop and oversee AI agent and large language model workflows
- Analyze complex organizational challenges and recommend solutions
- Handle confidential and sensitive matters
- Spend up to 10% of their time on self-directed projects approved by HHMI leadership
Eligibility Criteria of HHMI Presidential Fellow Program 2026
Applicants must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree at a minimum
- Have 0 to 5 years of professional experience
- Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Show experience working across multiple disciplines
- Possess strong written and verbal communication skills
- Be comfortable working in fast-paced and ambiguous environments
- Have familiarity with AI tools and large language models
- Display intellectual curiosity across science, technology, policy, and strategy
Candidates with advanced degrees such as MBA, MPP, PhD, JD, or equivalent qualifications are also encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official HHMI careers portal. Applications are reviewed competitively, and only a small number of fellows are selected annually.
Why Apply?
The HHMI Presidential Fellow Program offers rare access to executive-level leadership within one of the world’s leading scientific philanthropies. Participants gain hands-on experience managing strategic initiatives while developing leadership, policy, technology, and organizational management skills in a high-impact environment.
