Senior Research Manager, Polio

The Foundation is the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on the premise that people everywhere should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives, we believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve. We provide an exceptional benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-paid retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities to engage in several employee communities. As a workplace, we’re committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.

About the Team

The Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) is an embedded research institute within the Gates Foundation. We develop, use, and share computational modeling tools and promote quantitative decision-making to support global efforts to eradicate infectious diseases and achieve permanent improvements in health. The IDM team comprises research scientists and software engineers who collaborate with universities, NGOs, government ministries, and other research organizations.

Within IDM, the Eradication and Elimination team supports the malaria, polio, and immunization portfolios to develop strategic analytic and modeling products. This includes informing investments for maximum global health impact, supporting country partners and regional country offices (RCOs), and conducting independent scientific research.

Responsibilities

• Work with the E&E Deputy Director, IDM leadership, and the polio program leadership team to develop a polio modeling strategy supporting the Foundation’s goal of eradicating polio globally.
• Develop a polio modeling portfolio aligned with this strategy, remaining responsive to new scientific advances, products in the polio program pipeline, and global changes relevant to elimination and eradication goals.
• Manage the IDM polio team project portfolio to deliver impactful and timely analytical products guiding strategic priorities for polio control, elimination, and eradication.
• Develop modeling approaches to assess how new polio eradication strategies could reduce transmission and disease in endemic settings and maintain elimination in at-risk geographies.
• Design studies to measure the impact of programs on polio disease and transmission, in coordination with the polio program.
• Coordinate across IDM research pillars and other Foundation teams to maximize impact through collaboration and build interdisciplinary approaches for actionable insights.
• Develop and implement a modeling strategy to support and grow regional country office priorities for polio.
• Lead planning and coordination of polio projects for quarterly IDM Research Reviews.
• Performance-manage direct reports and collaborate with other senior research managers to establish a productive and collaborative working environment.

Requirements

• PhD in dynamical and statistical modeling of infectious diseases, epidemiology, polio-relevant immuno-epidemiology or vaccinology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in complex, multidisciplinary environments—ideally within a large research institute or similarly structured organization.
• Track record of translating modeling results into public health policy impact, including delivering timely analytical results for improved decision-making.
• Advanced knowledge of mathematical modeling approaches, including dynamical models (particularly for polio or similar diseases), statistical techniques, spatial analytics, and advanced coding and AI capabilities.
• Experience managing analytical workflows and teams to deliver modeling results in public health contexts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey the strategic importance of modeling results to internal and external partners.
• Ability to work effectively with non-technical stakeholders across diverse cultural contexts.
• Experience in project management and leading multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently in unstructured and changing situations, with a bias for action, intellectual curiosity, and relationship-building.
• Ability to constructively challenge colleagues, including managers and senior leaders.
• Sensitivity and effectiveness working across language, cultural, and geographic barriers.
• Excellent listening skills and empathy.
• Commitment to the Foundation’s core values, mission, and programs, with adherence to the highest ethical standards.
• Must have unrestricted work authorization in the country where this position is located (no immigration sponsorship provided).

Schedule

This role is based in Seattle, WA, and may involve up to 20% international and domestic travel.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $238,400 to $369,400 USD. In high-wage markets like Seattle and Washington D.C., the range is $262,200 to $406,400 USD. New hires typically start between the range minimum and midpoint, with placement depending on job-related skills, experience, and expertise evaluated during the interview process.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums.
• Generous paid time off and paid family leave.
• Foundation-paid retirement contribution.
• Regional holidays and opportunities to engage in employee communities.