Theory Fellow

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, Virginia, where scientists pursue fundamental questions in the life sciences. Our integrated teams of biologists, computational scientists, and tool-builders innovate research practices and technologies to solve biology’s deepest mysteries. HHMI launched Janelia in 2006, establishing an intellectually enriching environment for scientists to do creative, collaborative, hands-on work. We share our methods, results, and tools with the scientific community.

HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus is recruiting Theory Fellows to use computation and theory to tackle fundamental questions in biology. The ideal candidates will have interest in one or more of the following topics: computational and mathematical biology, machine vision and learning, biophysics, and theoretical neuroscience. For more information on the Theory Fellow appointment, please visit .

About the role:

The Theory Fellow position offers an opportunity to focus your time, energy, and creativity on what you enjoy doing most — science! We encourage applications from postdocs, graduate students, or other early career scientists. We also encourage applications from scientists working in industry and individuals who have taken a hiatus from science.

What we Provide:

1. A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive benefits
2. 100% internal funding
3. A highly collaborative environment with mentorship from Janelia group leaders
4. A generous computer and travel budget and access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure
5. Appointment for 3 years

What you’ll do:

1. Initiate collaborations with experimental groups, with the goal of testing their ideas by guiding the design and execution of new experiments
2. Contribute to the interdisciplinary research environment at Janelia
3. Balance working independently with collaborating broadly

What you bring:

1. A Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (not required at time of application)
2. An interest in pursuing scientific questions with potential for transformative impact

Applications include:

1. Research statement
2. Optional: up to three publications
3. Three letters of reference

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

We highly encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet every listed qualification.

Applications are due November 3, 2025.

Learn more and apply at .

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity when making job offers.

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires .

Contact us at [email protected] if you require an accommodation related to completing the job application. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

[OB1]@Zipperer, Megan I added this as it should be included in all job postings

[ZM2] Banner-is this language still OK? We cannot include salary range.

[OB3]@Zipperer, Megan I linked this to our EEO section of our careers page, like we do on all other job postings

[OB4]@Zipperer, Megan This is new language as of May 2025 that we add into all job postings