HHMI PhD-Postdoc Transition Program (Gilliam Fellowship)

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) invests in scientists at all career stages who make discoveries that advance human health and our fundamental understanding of biology. 

The HHMI Gilliam Fellows Program is an early career initiative that supports second- and third-year PhD students and their faculty advisors as they pursue ambitious science and build inclusive training environments. The program is unique in supporting both graduate students and their PhD advisors as mentor-mentee pairs. 

Through the fellowship, PhD students will: 

• Receive up to three years of stipend support and a discretionary allowance during their PhD training
• Take part in professional development programming tailored to both students and advisors
• Join a thriving scientific community through HHMI Science Meetings and the Gilliam Annual Meeting

Gilliam PhD Fellows interested in pursuing an academic research career may apply for four additional years of postdoctoral support as Gilliam Postdoc Fellows.

Key Dates  

• Applications Close: October 27, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET 
• Award Notification: Summer 2027 
• Fellowship Begins: September 1, 2027 

Eligibility  

The Gilliam Fellows Program is an annual, open competition. No nomination is required. The program is open to: 

• Second- and third-year PhD students in the basic biological and biomedical sciences at an HHMI eligible institution, applying with their faculty PhD advisor
• US citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, and international students eligible to study and receive funding at their institution
• Dual-degree students (MD-PhD, DVM-PhD, etc.) 

Compensation & Benefits 

• Award: $65,000 per year for up to three years, including a $50,000 annual stipend, a $5,000 discretionary allowance for professional development, and a $10,000 institutional allowance to offset tuition, university-sponsored health insurance, and fees
• Not included: Gilliam support may not be used for indirect costs or to pay research costs, including consumable supplies and equipment. Payment of research costs is the responsibility of the PhD advisor
   

Visit www.hhmi.org/handshake-gilliam for full program details, FAQs, and to apply.