Senior Research Manager, Elimination & Eradication

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 238,400 - 369,400; Full time

Job summary

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle is seeking a Senior Research Manager for Malaria Modeling. This role involves leading the malaria modeling team, developing impactful strategies aligned with the Foundation's eradication goals, and coordinating project efforts among various research pillars.

Applicants must have a PhD in infectious disease modeling or related fields, with demonstrated success in research leadership and public health impact. Compensation ranges from $238,400 to $369,400 USD annually.

Qualifications

• PhD in infectious disease modeling, epidemiology, or related field.
• Demonstrated success in leading multidisciplinary research.
• Proven track record translating modeling results into public health policy.
• Strong written/verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a malaria modeling strategy for eradication.
• Lead the IDM malaria modeling team and guide methodology.
• Deliver analytical products for malaria control to key stakeholders.
• Manage direct reports and establish team culture.

Skills

Infectious disease modeling

Epidemiology

Statistical techniques

Advanced coding/AI capabilities

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Education

PhD in infectious disease modeling or related field

Job description

Senior Research Manager – Malaria Modeling (IDM)

Location: Seattle, Washington (may require up to 20% domestic or international travel).

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the E&E Deputy Director and IDM leadership to develop and implement a forward‑looking malaria modeling strategy that supports the Foundation’s eradication goal.
• Build and lead the IDM malaria modeling team, setting strategic priorities and guiding methodological approaches including dynamical and statistical modeling.
• Develop and maintain a malaria modeling portfolio aligned with the strategy, responding to scientific advances, new programmatic tools, and global changes.
• Deliver impactful and timely analytical products to guide strategic priorities for malaria control, elimination, and eradication to key stakeholders.
• Coordinate across IDM research pillars and Foundation teams to maximize collaborative impact.
• Lead planning and coordination of malaria projects for quarterly IDM Research Reviews.
• Manage direct reports, establish a productive team culture, and collaborate with other senior research managers.

Qualifications

• PhD in infectious disease modeling, epidemiology, malaria epidemiology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary research in a large institute or similar organization.
• Proven track record translating modeling results into public health policy impact with external partners.
• Advanced knowledge of dynamical models, statistical techniques, spatial analytics, and advanced coding/AI capabilities.
• Experience managing analytical workflows and multiple teams in a public‑health context.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to explain model outcomes to non‑technical audiences.
• Project management experience and ability to lead simultaneous projects.
• Capacity to work autonomously in unstructured environments, with a bias for action, humility, and empathy.

Desired Attributes

• Self‑starter who can navigate changing priorities and work across cultural contexts.
• Ability to challenge assumptions constructively and collaborate across boundaries.
• Excellent listening skills and sensitivity to language, culture, and distance.
• Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally.

Compensation

Salary range: $238,400 to $369,400 USD (Seattle, WA: $262,200 to $406,400 USD).

Employment Information

Unrestricted work authorization required in Washington state. The Foundation does not sponsor immigration‑related work authorization.

EEOC Statement

All applicants and employees are entitled to equality of opportunity and fair treatment without regard to race, color, age, religion, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and prior protected activity.