Senior Research Manager, Polio

Job Posting Organization:
The Gates Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the Foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employee engagement. The Foundation is committed to fostering a thriving workplace for personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Research Manager for the Elimination & Eradication (E&E) polio team will play a crucial role in developing and implementing a polio modeling strategy. This position involves close collaboration with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director for E&E, IDM leadership, and other senior research managers to create a forward-looking strategy that aligns with the polio program strategy team. The role requires managing the polio modeling team, setting strategic priorities, and guiding methodological approaches, including dynamical and statistical modeling. The Senior Research Manager will ensure the delivery of impactful model results that inform investment strategies aimed at eradicating polio globally, focusing on key geographies and vaccine-based interventions. This position is based in Seattle and may require up to 20% travel, both domestically and internationally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Research Manager will be responsible for developing a polio modeling strategy that supports the Foundation's goals for global polio eradication. Key duties include managing the polio modeling team, developing a responsive modeling portfolio, and delivering timely analytical products that guide strategic priorities for polio control and eradication. The manager will coordinate across various research pillars and Foundation teams to maximize impact and ensure collaboration. Additionally, the role involves developing study designs to measure program impacts on polio disease and transmission, leading planning and coordination of polio projects, and performance managing direct reports to foster a productive work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in dynamical and statistical modeling of infectious diseases, epidemiology, or a related field. A proven track record in complex, multi-disciplinary environments, particularly within large research institutes, is essential. The ideal candidate will have experience translating modeling results into public health policy impacts and working with public health partners. Advanced knowledge of mathematical modeling approaches, particularly for polio, as well as statistical techniques and coding capabilities, is required. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with non-technical stakeholders are also necessary.

Educational Background:
A PhD degree in a relevant field such as dynamical and statistical modeling of infectious diseases, epidemiology, or vaccinology is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of polio modeling and its implications for public health.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in managing analytical workflows and teams, with a focus on delivering modeling results in public health contexts. Experience in project management and the ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously is essential. The role requires a self-starter who can work effectively in unstructured environments and manage competing priorities.

Languages:
While the job does not specify mandatory languages, strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial for engaging with diverse stakeholders in various cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and requires unrestricted work authorization in the United States, as the Foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. The salary range for this position is between $238,400 and $369,400 USD, with higher ranges for Seattle and Washington D.C. Actual salary placement will depend on the candidate's skills and experience. The Foundation is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience and offers accommodations for candidates with disabilities.