Program Officer, Enterics Program

Program Officer, Enterics Program

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

October 31, 2025December 15, 2025SeattleUnited States
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation About
We are guided by the Gates family’s deeply held belief: that all lives have equal value. Our goal is to find solutions for people with the most urgent needs, wherever they live.
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The position of Program Officer (PO) within the Enterics Program is designed for a self-starter who can integrate diverse skills and perspectives to build consensus and drive progress on complex topics related to gut health and product development. The PO will lead a portfolio of investments and partnerships that align with the priorities of the Enterics Program, focusing on innovative solutions to enhance the effectiveness of oral vaccines and exploring new medical approaches to improve gut health. The role requires providing scientific expertise, leadership in product development, program management, and strategic communications. The PO will work closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Enteric & Diarrheal Diseases to shape the strategic vision of the team and contribute to the overall goals of the group.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will be responsible for applying scientific, technical, and strategic business expertise to identify, develop, and manage a portfolio of strategic grants and contracts. This includes aligning internal and external collaborators, reviewing grant proposals, and providing insightful analyses and recommendations for funding. The PO will partner with team leadership to implement the Enteric Program strategy, generate innovative ideas for gut health interventions, and lead the development of new vaccine candidates for enteric infections. The role also involves creating opportunities for partnerships that advance global health programs, consulting with grantees to enhance project impact, managing cross-cutting initiatives, and representing the foundation externally. The PO will need to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD and/or MD with at least 7 years of experience in multidisciplinary research related to infectious diseases, immunology, product development, or gut physiology. Experience in enteric and diarrheal diseases, as well as familiarity with various vaccine platforms, is advantageous. The role requires validated program and stakeholder management skills, the ability to coordinate inputs from multiple sources, track progress against targets, and facilitate meetings. Strong scientific writing and data analysis skills are essential, along with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility, efficiency, and enthusiasm in a fast-paced environment, and possess strong judgment and attention to detail.

Educational Background:
A doctoral degree (PhD or MD) is required for this position, emphasizing the need for advanced knowledge in relevant fields such as infectious diseases, immunology, or product development. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in scientific research and methodologies pertinent to the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, particularly in areas related to infectious diseases, product development, and gut physiology. Experience working in low- and middle-income settings is highly desirable, as is the ability to navigate the specific contexts of these geographies. Proven experience in program management and stakeholder engagement is critical for success in this role.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international scope of the organization. Additional language skills relevant to the regions served by the foundation may be considered beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and requires the ability to legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship. The salary range for this role is between $208,600 and $323,400 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The organization aims to balance competitive pay with its mission-driven focus, and new hires typically fall within the lower to mid-range of the salary scale based on their skills and experience. The hiring process includes a background check, and the organization is committed to providing accommodations for candidates with disabilities during the recruitment process. The foundation promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workplace, ensuring fair treatment for all applicants and employees.
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