The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has opened applications for its highly competitive Presidential Fellow Program, an exceptional opportunity designed for outstanding early-career professionals who want to work at the highest levels of leadership, strategy, innovation, and scientific philanthropy.

Based at HHMI Headquarters in Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA, the fellowship places a small cohort of only 2–3 fellows per year directly within the Office of the President. Unlike traditional fellowships that focus primarily on observation or rotations, HHMI Presidential Fellows are entrusted with leading strategic projects, engaging with senior executives, and helping shape the future direction of one of the world’s most influential scientific organizations.

With a salary ranging from $150,000 to $200,000 annually, this fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity for ambitious young professionals interested in science, technology, artificial intelligence, policy, philanthropy, education, communications, and organizational leadership.

About Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)

Howard Hughes Medical Institute is one of the world’s largest private funders of biomedical research.

The organization supports:

• Scientists at leading universities
• Research institutes
• Hospitals
• Science education initiatives
• Film and media projects
• Artificial intelligence-enabled research programs

HHMI is widely recognized for making long-term investments in talented individuals whose work has the potential to transform science and society.

Its headquarters, located in Maryland near Washington, D.C., houses experts from numerous disciplines, including:

• Biomedical sciences
• Investments
• Communications
• Human resources
• Technology
• Digital production
• Operations
• Strategic planning

Through these efforts, HHMI contributes to groundbreaking discoveries and educational initiatives that impact people around the world.

What is the HHMI Presidential Fellow Program?

The Presidential Fellows Program is a prestigious leadership fellowship that places selected fellows directly in the Office of the President.

Fellows work under the guidance of:

• The President of HHMI
• The Vice President
• Chief Operating Officer (COO)
• Senior Advisor to the President

The fellowship is modeled after the Special Assistant to the President role in government, providing participants with high-level exposure, responsibility, and influence.

Rather than observing projects from the sidelines, fellows actively lead strategic initiatives and contribute directly to organizational decision-making.

Why This Fellowship Stands Out

Very few fellowships offer young professionals the opportunity to operate at the intersection of:

• Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Philanthropy
• Education
• Media
• Technology
• Institutional Strategy

Participants gain direct access to senior leadership while developing skills that are highly transferable across academia, government, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and the private sector.

What Presidential Fellows Will Do

Selected fellows will take ownership of important organizational projects and initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Lead Cross-Functional Strategic Projects

Fellows will manage projects across multiple departments, including:

• Science programs
• Artificial intelligence initiatives
• Finance
• Human resources
• Communications
• Technology
• Science education
• Film and media

2. Drive Strategic Decision-Making

Participants will:

• Analyze complex issues
• Scope challenges
• Develop strategic options
• Coordinate stakeholders
• Support executive decision-making

Their role is to move initiatives from concept toward implementation.

3. Manage AI-Powered Workflows

A unique feature of this fellowship is its focus on artificial intelligence.

Fellows will:

• Utilize AI agents
• Coordinate Large Language Model (LLM) workflows
• Accelerate institutional projects through emerging technologies

This makes the fellowship particularly attractive to candidates interested in AI and innovation.

4. Handle Sensitive Executive-Level Projects

Fellows will frequently work on confidential matters requiring:

• Professional judgment
• Discretion
• Strategic thinking
• Executive communication

5. Pursue Self-Directed Projects

One of the most attractive aspects of the program is the opportunity to dedicate:

10% of work time

to approved self-directed projects aligned with the fellow’s interests and professional goals.

Who Should Apply?

HHMI seeks intellectually curious individuals who can quickly learn across disciplines and thrive in fast-paced environments.

The fellowship welcomes both:

• Outstanding recent graduates
• Candidates with advanced degrees

Educational Requirements

Applicants must possess:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree

Preferred but Not Required

Advanced degrees such as:

• MBA
• MPP
• PhD
• JD
• Equivalent graduate qualifications

Experience Requirements

Applicants should have:

• 0–5 years of professional experience

Relevant backgrounds may include:

• Consulting
• Public policy
• Research
• Strategy
• Law
• Operations
• Technology
• Management
• Analytics

Skills and Qualities HHMI Is Looking For

Successful candidates should demonstrate:

Strong Analytical Ability

The ability to understand unfamiliar topics quickly and translate information into actionable recommendations.

AI Fluency

Applicants should have experience using:

• Artificial intelligence tools
• Large Language Models (LLMs)
• AI-assisted workflows
• AI agents

Exceptional Communication Skills

Candidates must be able to:

• Write clearly
• Present complex ideas simply
• Communicate effectively with senior leaders

Adaptability

The role requires comfort with:

• Ambiguity
• Rapidly changing priorities
• Executive-level environments

Intellectual Curiosity

HHMI values candidates who are interested in multiple fields, including:

• Science
• Technology
• Public policy
• Education
• Organizational leadership

Fellowship Duration

The fellowship is a:

Fixed-Term Position

2–3 years

This extended duration allows fellows to contribute meaningfully to institutional priorities and gain significant leadership experience.

Location

The fellowship is based at:

HHMI Headquarters

Chevy Chase

The role is primarily on-site.

Salary and Compensation

One of the most attractive aspects of the fellowship is its highly competitive compensation package.

Annual Salary

USD $150,000 – $200,000

Additional benefits include:

• Health coverage
• Retirement plans
• Paid leave
• Wellness programs
• Employee recognition initiatives

Benefits of the HHMI Presidential Fellowship

Selected fellows will gain:

Professional Benefits

• Executive-level exposure
• Direct mentorship from senior leaders
• Strategic leadership experience
• Cross-sector project management experience

Career Benefits

• Expanded professional network
• Strong portfolio of high-impact projects
• Enhanced leadership credentials
• Increased career opportunities across sectors

Personal Development Benefits

• Advanced problem-solving skills
• AI leadership experience
• Strategic thinking capabilities
• Organizational governance exposure

Diversity and Inclusion

HHMI is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

The organization values:

• Diversity of thought
• Inclusive leadership
• Equal opportunity
• Collaborative work environments

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the HHMI Careers Portal.

Applications are currently open.

Official Career Portal

HHMI Careers Page

Applicants are encouraged to prepare a strong application highlighting:

• Leadership experiences
• Strategic projects
• AI-related skills
• Analytical abilities
• Communication strengths

Apply Here 

Why You Should Consider This Fellowship

The HHMI Presidential Fellows Program is one of the rare opportunities that places early-career professionals directly at the center of leadership within a globally respected scientific institution.

For individuals interested in shaping the future of science, technology, philanthropy, and artificial intelligence while developing world-class leadership skills, this fellowship offers an exceptional platform for growth and impact.

For more information on this fellowship visit here .

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