Senior Research Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that everyone should have the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the organization emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employee engagement. The organization is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Research Scientist position is focused on maximizing the value of surveillance and diagnostic data for decision-making at local and regional levels. The role involves quantitatively assessing the robustness of existing surveillance systems and contributing to the design of sustainable systems for the future. Given the complexity of surveillance data systems, the position requires integrating various factors such as policymaker priorities, local resources, bias, diagnostic sensitivity, and epidemiological dynamics to identify key drivers of system performance. The role also emphasizes advancing tools and methods that integrate surveillance data into policy feedback loops, necessitating methodological flexibility, creativity, and adaptability to new questions. Collaboration with disease-specific program teams and on-the-ground surveillance systems is essential, contributing to a long-term initiative centered on innovation and resourcefulness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Research Scientist will execute key surveillance pilot projects across TB, nutrition, and cross-pathogen systems. Responsibilities include identifying gaps in surveillance systems and aligning modeling solutions, advising on statistical power and data integration for cross-foundation initiatives, applying rigorous statistical techniques, and collaborating with team members to enhance existing workstreams. The role also involves maintaining a broad perspective across various projects to inform long-term surveillance strategies, advocating for best practices in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) surveillance collaborations, and fostering relationships with collaborators in surveillance and diagnostics. Additionally, the scientist will keep abreast of ongoing literature and cross-IDM surveillance efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD or equivalent experience in quantitative epidemiology and statistics, along with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in statistical methods or dynamic modeling. Proficiency in mixed-effects, geostatistical, time series modeling, and mechanistic models is required. Experience with AI in modeling or surveillance systems is considered an asset. Successful candidates will have demonstrated scientific communication skills through peer-reviewed publications, including the ability to interpret and communicate model uncertainty effectively. Strong programming skills in R are essential, with additional skills in Stan or Python being advantageous. Candidates should also have experience linking complex modeling approaches to real-world impacts and translating complex outcomes into concise policy recommendations, particularly in LMIC contexts.

Educational Background:
A PhD or equivalent experience in relevant fields such as quantitative epidemiology, statistics, or related disciplines is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of surveillance systems and the statistical methods necessary for effective analysis and modeling.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of professional experience in statistical methods or dynamic modeling. This experience should include familiarity with advanced statistical techniques and the application of these methods in real-world public health contexts, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Candidates should demonstrate a history of successful projects that link modeling approaches to tangible public health outcomes.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in regions where the organization operates.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Seattle, and there is a strong preference for candidates willing to relocate. The salary range for this role is between $190,100 and $294,700 USD, with higher ranges for positions in Seattle and Washington D.C. New hires typically start between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range, depending on their skills and experience. The organization emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants.