Howard Hughes Medical Institute: Cloister Program
The Cloister Program, also known as the HHMI-NIH Research Scholars Program, gives students the opportunity to receive research training at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Scholars spend nine months to a year on the NIH campus conducting basic, translational, or applied biomedical research under the direct mentorship of senior NIH research scientists. The areas of research are: cell biology, epidemiology and biostatics, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, and structural biology.
Qualifications: Students in good standing at U.S. medical and dental schools are eligible to apply. Two-thirds of the students participate after their second year of school and one-third after their third year. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States and cannot be enrolled in an M.D./Ph.D. program or have a Ph.D. in one of the natural sciences.
Amount of Award: Annual salary of $17,800; fully paid medical insurance; moving expense reimbursement; subsidized, furnished, on-campus housing (housing for couples and families is also available); and an allowance for conference travel, related books and courses.
Length of Award: One year, with an opportunity for continued support.
Number of Awards: About 40.
Application Deadline: January 10
Application Process:
Application form includes a personal statement of interest in laboratory research. In addition to the form, students submit a letter of recommendation from the dean, three letters of recommendation, and undergraduate and medical transcripts.
Website: www.hhmi.org/research/cloister/