Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Fellowship
Location: Seattle, Washington
Salary Range: $105,000 – $112,488
Job Type: Fellowship Opportunity
Date Posted: July 10, 2025
Anticipated Start Date: September 2026
Application Deadline: Rolling basis (priority consideration by September 22, 2025)
Overview of the Opportunity
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington is now accepting applications for the inaugural cohort of its prestigious Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Fellowship Program. This full-time, cohort-based program offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers and professionals to contribute to some of the most impactful and innovative work in global health research.
Fellows will join IHME’s interdisciplinary teams in Seattle, working at the forefront of health metrics and evaluation to address the world’s most pressing health challenges through data-driven research and policy analysis.
About IHME
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) is an independent global health research organization based at the University of Washington. IHME’s mission is to deliver high-quality, timely, and transparent scientific evidence to improve health policies and outcomes worldwide.
IHME’s research spans multiple focus areas including:
- The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD)
- Future Health Scenarios
- Health System Efficiency and Cost Effectiveness
- Resource Tracking
- Impact Evaluations
IHME fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and equity-focused environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes a culture of respect, continuous learning, and innovation.
About the GBD Fellowship Program
Launching in 2026, the Global Burden of Disease Fellowship is a two-year intensive research program, with an optional third year available based on performance and funding. The program is designed to train the next generation of global health leaders in health metrics science, equipping them with the analytical and methodological skills needed to inform health policy and research worldwide.
Fellows will be fully integrated into IHME’s operational teams, gaining hands-on experience with large-scale data analysis, statistical modeling, and the production of GBD estimates. Their work will directly contribute to peer-reviewed publications and international health policy decisions.
Who Should Apply
IHME seeks candidates who are intellectually curious, analytically proficient, and committed to improving global health through rigorous research. Competitive applicants will have academic or professional experience in:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Economics
- Quantitative Social Sciences
- Health Policy
- Demography
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Medical or Health Sciences
Both early-career researchers and recent doctoral graduates are encouraged to apply.
Fellowship Details and Compensation
The GBD Fellowship is a full-time, in-person position located at IHME’s offices in Seattle, Washington. The fellowship includes:
- Year 1 Salary: $105,000
- Year 2 Salary: $108,156
- Year 3 Salary (if renewed): $112,488
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship through the University of Washington. Candidates must be able to obtain a visa and be present onsite by the start date of the fellowship.
Fellowship appointments are subject to the University of Washington’s five-year postdoctoral appointment limit, inclusive of any previous postdoctoral positions held at other institutions.
Employee Benefits
Fellows will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid holidays and generous vacation and sick leave
- Retirement plan options
- Transportation and fitness benefits
- Tuition exemption
- Additional perks available to University of Washington employees
For a full overview of benefits, visit: Fellow Benefits
Key Responsibilities
Fellows will contribute to ongoing GBD research efforts by:
- Conducting statistical analysis and health metrics modeling
- Collaborating with global research partners
- Producing scientific publications and data visualizations
- Contributing to the refinement of IHME’s analytical tools and methodologies
- Participating in internal training, peer learning, and professional development activities
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- PhD, MD, DPhil, MBBS, or equivalent in a relevant field
- Demonstrated experience in quantitative research, health metrics, or epidemiology
- Strong programming skills in R or Python; familiarity with SQL is an advantage
- Experience with statistical modeling and managing large datasets
- Proven track record of scientific publication and research communication
Working Conditions
- Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required
- Fellows are expected to work in-person at IHME’s Seattle office
- International applicants must secure appropriate visa status before the start of the program
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their application through Interfolio: Apply Here
Required materials include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Research Statement outlining interest in health metrics science and alignment with the GBD Fellowship goals
Deadline: While applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, priority consideration will be given to those submitted by September 22, 2025, for the Autumn 2026 cohort.
Join the Future of Global Health Research
The Global Burden of Disease Fellowship at IHME offers a rare and transformative opportunity to shape global health policy through evidence-based research. Fellows will contribute to one of the largest and most influential health data initiatives in the world while developing skills and networks that support long-term career success in academia, research, or public policy.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the official organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
