Group Leader - Computation & Theory

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.

The Computation and Theory research area at Janelia seeks exceptional Group Leaders to advance our understanding of complex biological systems through theory, computational modeling, multi-modal data integration, and interpretable machine learning. For more information on the Group Leader appointment and research topics, please visit janelia.org/groupleader .

About the role:

The Group Leader position offers an opportunity to focus your time, energy, and creativity on what you enjoy doing most — science! We are looking for someone who is ready to start their own lab. We encourage applications from graduate students, postdocs, or early-career principal investigators. 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, with no teaching or grant writing requirements
3. A highly collaborative environment with mentorship from senior advisors
4. Appointment for up to 10 years with a review at 5 years
5. Support teams run by professional staff that provide a range of high-level research services

What you’ll do:

1. Lead a C&T lab in Janelia’s inspiring and supportive atmosphere
2. Pursue long-term projects through collaborative, interdisciplinary work
3. Make progress in your research area through collaboration and mentoring
4. Develop new tools, methods, or innovative approaches to study scientific problems

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

Application materials:

1. Vision, mentorship, collaboration, and open science statements
2. Up to three scientific contributions (not required)
3. Three letters of reference

Applications are due November 4, 2025.

Learn more and apply → janelia.org/groupleader .

Physical Requirements:

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.

Compensation and Benefits

HHMI applies a non-negotiable salary scale for our Group Leaders. The salary in the initial and subsequent years will be determined by this salary scale, which HHMI adjusts periodically. The salary scale uses third-party benchmark data and reflects transparent and competitive salary rates.

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.

Apply today at janelia.org/groupleader .