Senior Research Scientist

Job Posting Organization:
The Gates Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity on a global scale. Founded with the mission that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. Established in 2000, the Foundation has grown to employ thousands of individuals across various countries, providing them with an exceptional benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, and a foundation-paid retirement contribution. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Research Scientist position is a full-time role within the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) at the Gates Foundation, specifically within the Gender, Vulnerability and Health Equity (GVHE) research team. This role is designed for a statistician with extensive experience in applied statistics, particularly in the context of population health research. The successful candidate will utilize advanced statistical methods to analyze demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related data, focusing on generating actionable insights that can inform public health strategies and policies. The position requires a strong emphasis on forecasting and time-series analysis, with the goal of translating complex data into practical recommendations for public health initiatives. The role also involves collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and may require some international travel.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Research Scientist will be responsible for designing and implementing applied statistical analyses that address population-level questions related to demography, socioeconomic dynamics, and public health outcomes. Key responsibilities include developing and applying forecasting and time-series models to support planning and strategic decision-making, analyzing complex datasets that may have issues such as missing data or bias, and applying advanced modeling techniques to extrapolate evidence on program effectiveness across different contexts. The candidate will also need to quantify and communicate assumptions and uncertainties in analyses to both technical and non-technical audiences, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to co-develop research questions, and contribute to high-quality research outputs such as internal reports and peer-reviewed publications. Additionally, the role requires supporting reproducible research practices through well-documented code and analytical workflows.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in statistics, biostatistics, or a related quantitative discipline such as mathematical demography, economics, or data science. A minimum of five years of post-PhD experience in conducting applied statistical research in public health or population-level research settings is required. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience applying statistical methods to demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related research questions, with strong expertise in forecasting and time-series analysis, including model validation and uncertainty quantification. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R is essential, along with a proven ability to work with messy and incomplete real-world data. Experience in interdisciplinary research environments is also highly valued.

Educational Background:
The position requires a PhD in statistics, biostatistics, or a closely related quantitative field. This educational background is crucial as it provides the necessary theoretical foundation and practical skills needed to conduct advanced statistical analyses and contribute to the research objectives of the IDM team.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of post-PhD experience in applied statistical research, particularly in public health or population-level research settings. This experience should include a strong focus on applying statistical methods to real-world data and addressing complex research questions related to health equity and vulnerability.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential for effectively conveying statistical findings to diverse audiences. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial, especially in the context of international collaboration.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited-term role for two years, with relocation assistance provided. The salary range for this role is between $190,100 and $294,700 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The Foundation emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven focus. New hires typically start within the range minimum and midpoint, depending on their skills and experience. The hiring process includes a background check, and the Foundation is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience, offering accommodations for candidates with disabilities or medical conditions.