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The HVTN anticipates a marked increase in HIV vaccine trials in our pipeline in the next several years. This has led to a continuing need to ensure a new generation of scientific leaders is ready to move vaccine trials forward.

The Scientific Leadership Development program will identify these emerging leaders of the HVTN and commit resources to their professional development with the goal of expanding the pool of early career scientists capable of successfully leading HIV vaccine clinical trials.

Successful candidates have a reputation for excellence at their clinical sites, have strong interest in research, and have a career trajectory likely to lead to protocol chair or cochair roles.

A key goal of the program is to develop first author capacity. Applicants with an extensive first-author publication record are therefore not a good fit for this program.

The 2026 Application Cycle is now open! Deadline is 11:59pm, Pacific Time, December 15th, 2025

How to Apply

General Program Details

Each scientist will create a professional development plan, complete a scientific manuscript using HVTN data, and receive coaching and sponsorship. The overarching goal is that candidates will achieve readiness to co-chair or chair HVTN protocols upon program completion. Scientists will be supported through their affiliate sites with up to 20% FTE for the duration of the program. In addition, scientists may be eligible for travel scholarships, publication fees, and other support to advance their scholarly work while enrolled in the program.​

The HVTN will solicit applications annually from interested scientists, and will fund up to 6 scientists every year through this program.

Eligibility Requirements

  • MD, PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree
  • Track record of work on HVTN clinical trials
  • Current affiliation with HVTN Core site or site with active HVTN studies
  • Need for mentoring in one or more key areas: first authorship, protocol development, protocol implementation, translational research and immunology, statistical analysis
  • A local HVTN mentor who can oversee their progress

For More Information, Please Contact

Francisco Rentas

Administrative Coordinator, HIV Vaccine Trials Network