Arc Science Fellows Program

The Arc Science Fellows program is designed for outstanding early-career scientists seeking to transition to a principal investigator position directly after their doctoral training. The program accelerates independent careers by providing leadership training and full salary and research support.

Appointment Terms

• Appointment Duration: Five-year term with formal check-in after three years
• Employment: Science Fellows are employed by Arc Institute
• Independent Status: Science Fellows are independent group leaders pursuing research agendas with innovative technologies, originality, and risk unlikely to be supported by traditional funding sources

Geographic Scope

• Location: Palo Alto, CA (Arc Headquarters in Stanford Research Park)
• Recruitment: Open to individuals at any organization, not restricted to Arc partner universities

Eligibility

• Training Timeline: Individuals who have completed or expect to complete graduate training (PhD, MD, MD/PhD) between spring 2024 and summer 2026
• Program Entry: Targeted for individuals who have completed graduate training within two years of entering the program
• Work Authorization: Individuals authorized to work in the US, as well as those requiring visa sponsorship, are eligible
• Prior Affiliation: Welcome applications from candidates at any organization

Scientific Focus Areas

• Computational Science/Machine Learning
• Chemical Biology
• Human Genetics
• Immunology
• Neurobiology
• Technology Development
• Special Note: Candidates with in vivo immunology research programs especially encouraged
• Emphasis: Application to complex human disease

Funding

• Annual Budget: Direct cost budget to support research program
• Lab Size Support: Team of 2-4 people
• Salary & Benefits: Full salary and benefits package (separate from research budget)
• Additional Support: Can apply for NIH grants and foundation grants

Lab Space & Infrastructure

• Location: Arc Headquarters in Stanford Research Park, Palo Alto, CA
• Space Capacity: Lab and office space accommodating up to 5 people (including the Science Fellow)
• Facility: State-of-the-art 100,000 sq ft research facility
• Features: Houses research labs, Technology Centers, core facilities, extensive shared equipment; open lab floor plans

Resources & Support

• Access to five Technology Centers for collaboration
• Access to technology platforms and core facilities
• General operational and lab support with centralized stockroom
• Shared equipment for major molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomics workflows
• Dedicated operational support team covering: recruiting, finance, legal, IP, lab operations, communications, university relations, academic affairs
• Dedicated scientific publication support
• Leadership training and mentorship
• Opportunity to interact and collaborate with Core Investigators, Technology Centers, and Translational Programs

Community Engagement

• Active participation expected in Arc community
• Attendance at annual Investigator Retreat
• Participation in Arc's seminar series
• Encouraged to pursue collaborations with Arc scientists

Faculty Status

• Not a Faculty Position: Science Fellow appointment is not a faculty position
• Academic Appointments: No automatic academic appointment at Arc partner universities (unlike Core Investigators)
• Remote Possibility: Possibility to transition to Core Investigator position after Science Fellows program

Contact

• Email: [email protected]

Current 2026 Application Cycle

• Hiring Plan: Arc plans to hire 1-2 new Science Fellows in the 2026 application cycle
• Application Timeline: Ongoing with rolling review
• Full Consideration Deadline: January 12, 2026 (for full consideration; applications accepted until position filled)
• Eligibility Window: Open to individuals who have completed or expect to complete graduate training between spring 2024 and summer 2026

Required Materials

• Standard academic application materials (specific requirements not detailed in provided content)

Selection Criteria

• Scientific innovation and originality
• Combination of innovative technologies and risk-taking in research approach
• Research unlikely to be supported by traditional funding sources
• Research emphasis on complex human disease applications
• Special consideration for candidates with in vivo immunology research programs