David A. Clayton

Scientists at Janelia work together in multidisciplinary teams to solve challenging biological problems that are difficult to address in other research settings.

Many lab spaces at Janelia feature modular designs and natural light.

Credit: Brad Feinknopf

Occupying 689 wooded acres along the Potomac River, Janelia Farm provides a variety of services and facilities to support its diverse community of scientists and staff—inside and outside the lab.

A view of the Janelia Farm Research Campus at dusk.

Credit: Brad Feinknopf

The Janelia Farm model frees scientists of constraints commonly found in other research environments, providing access to world-class resources and a talented support staff.

Graduate scholar John Tuthill prepares a Drosophila specimen for imaging.

Credit: James Kegley

In addition to our resident scientists and fellows, we offer visiting scientists, graduate, and undergraduate candidates a range of scientific programs.

Graduate scholar Arbora Resulaj (left) and her mentor, Janelia Fellow Dmitry Rinberg (right).

Credit: James Kegley

Janelia Farm regularly hosts scientific meetings, ranging from workshops to intensive, specialized conferences. See what's coming up and visit the archive of past events.

Janelia's large auditorium seats 250 people.

Credit: Matt Staley

Janelia provides outstanding employment opportunities, at all levels.

Credit: James Kegley

Many tools developed in Janelia Farm labs are made freely available to outside researchers, while others are taking shape through collaborations with industry, academia, and government.

A virtual arena for the study of flight in insects.

Credit: James Kegley

Janelia’s sense of community comes from a core belief that people of diverse disciplines and backgrounds can accomplish great things when working with a common purpose.

Research specialist Trevor Wardill (left) and group leader Vivek Jayaraman (right).

Credit: James Kegley

Clayton Lab

Laboratory Head

Contact Me

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois
B.S. Chemistry/Mathematics, 1965

California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California
Ph.D. Biophysics/Chemistry, 1970

HONORS

American Chemical Society Senior Chemistry Award, Northern Illinois University
Bachelor of Science with High Honors, Northern Illinois University
American Cancer Society Dernham Junior Fellow in Oncology, 1970
American Cancer Society Dernham Senior Fellow in Oncology, 1972–1975
American Cancer Society Faculty Research Awardee, 1975–1981
Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation Faculty Scholar Awardee, 1977–1978
Warner-Lambert/Parke-Davis Awardee, 1982
Fisher Lecturer, Southern Illinois University, 1989
MERIT Awardee, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, 1989–1999
Elected member, Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, 1995
Kaiser Award for Outstanding and Innovative Contribution to Medical Education, 1996

RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Laboratory Head, Janelia Farm Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 2008 to present
Vice President for Research Operations, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 2007-2008
Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 2001–2007
Vice President for Science Development, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 2000–2001
Senior Scientific Officer, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 1996–1999
Professor of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, 1989 to present (Emeritus, 1996)
Associate Director, Beckman Center for Molecular and Genetic Medicine, 1986–1996
Professor of Pathology, Stanford University, 1982–1989
Program Director, Medical Scientist Training Program, 1978–1996
Associate Professor of Pathology, Stanford University, 1976–1982
Member, Program in Biophysics, Stanford University, 1971–1996
Assistant Professor of Pathology, Stanford University, 1970–1976
National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Research Fellow, City of Hope Medical Center, 1969–1970
National Institutes of Health Predoctoral Fellow, California Institute of Technology, 1965–1969
Undergraduate Research Assistant, National Science Foundation, Northern Illinois University, 1963–1965