Group Leader — Biological Tools & Technologies

Application due Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:00 pm ET

HHMI's Janelia Research Campus has spent two decades building technologies that reveal biology's hidden dimensions. From super-resolution microscopy to genetically encoded sensors to whole-brain connectomes, we have repeatedly redefined what’s possible in science. These advances emerged from a distinctive model in which tool-builders and biologists work together to identify roadblocks in biological research, invent new tools to address them, and deploy these technologies throughout the scientific ecosystem to transform entire fields.

Now we’re seeking the next generation of Janelia Group Leaders to push those frontiers even further. We want scientists at any career stage with original, transformative ideas for experimental approaches in imaging, molecular engineering, protein chemistry, mass spectrometry, and methods that don’t yet exist. Whether you’re a tool-builder who exclusively develops technology and collaborates with biologists, a biologist with a burning question that demands years of tool‑building to solve, or a bridge between these worlds, we want to hear your ambitious and unconventional ideas.

Here’s what makes Janelia different:
You’ll have the freedom to work hands‑on in small, hyper‑collaborative labs; to pursue long‑term, high‑risk ideas; and to leverage world‑class facilities and support teams to turn your ideas into reality. We’re not looking for people who want to apply existing technologies. We’re looking for people who want to invent the tools and methods to make impossible experiments possible and push science forward.

For more information about the Group Leader appointment and research directions, please visit janelia.org/group leader
.

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 principal investigators. We also encourage applications from scientists working in industry and individuals who have taken a hiatus from science.

What we Provide:

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive benefits
• 100% internal funding, with no teaching or grant writing requirements
• A highly collaborative environment with mentorship from senior advisors
• Appointment for up to 10 years with a review at 5 years
• Support teams run by professional staff that provide a range of high‑level research services

What you’ll do:

• Lead a lab in Janelia’s collaborative, high‑support environment
• Pursue ambitious, long‑term projects that require unconventional or high‑risk approaches
• Develop new tools, methods, or technologies, or the biological applications that demand them
• Collaborate deeply with other labs and with Janelia’s world‑class scientific support teams

What you bring:

• A Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline (not required at time of application)
• Original, transformative ideas for experimental approaches or tool development
• A desire to tackle biological questions that demand new technologies
• Enthusiasm for hands‑on, interdisciplinary, highly collaborative science

Application materials:

• Vision, collaboration, and open science statements
• Up to three scientific contributions (not required)
• Three letters of reference

Application materials, including the letters of reference, are due February 3, 2026 at 3:00 pm ET.

Learn more and apply → janelia.org/group leader.

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 Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a…