Apply Now: Research Scientist Role in Sexual & Reproductive Health at Gates Foundation

Discover a career-defining opportunity with the Gates Foundation as a Senior Research Scientist at the Institute for Disease Modeling in Seattle, WA. This full-time position focuses on advancing global health equity by leading impactful research in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), including family planning and sexually transmitted infections. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to work alongside leading experts in biostatistics, public health, and epidemiological modeling, this role empowers you to drive innovation in disease modeling while contributing to transformative health solutions worldwide. Keywords: Senior Research Scientist Gates Foundation, sexual and reproductive health jobs, agent-based modeling careers, family planning research jobs, public health Seattle jobs.
Background & Job Description
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation stands as the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting global poverty, disease, and inequity. At its core lies a mission to ensure that every person, regardless of identity or circumstance, has the opportunity to lead a healthy, productive life. One of the foundation’s most dynamic entities, the Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM), plays a pivotal role in eradicating infectious diseases and achieving sustainable improvements in health outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations in low-income regions.
The IDM integrates robust scientific methodologies, advanced computational tools, and policy-driven decision-making to support impactful health interventions. A key area within IDM is the Gender, Vulnerability & Health Equity portfolio, where the Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH) team aims to uncover and analyze factors that perpetuate health disparities.
The Senior Research Scientist position is a full-time role based in Seattle, Washington. It provides a unique platform for a data-driven professional to apply sophisticated modeling techniques to the field of SRH, with a primary focus on family planning and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The ideal candidate will have a rich background in biostatistics, public health, demography, or a related social science and a passion for equitable global health solutions.
As a Senior Research Scientist, you will join a team of researchers and software engineers who share the common goal of delivering research as a public good. Your work will directly support policymakers, healthcare implementers, and program managers in shaping evidence-based strategies and interventions across diverse contexts.
Apply Now: Senior Research Scientist Role in Sexual & Reproductive Health at Gates Foundation

Tasks
As part of your responsibilities, you will:
- Lead and contribute to the development of a high-impact research portfolio focused on Sexual & Reproductive Health, particularly in the domains of family planning and sexually transmitted infections.
- Develop, implement, and refine research plans, employing statistical analysis on large-scale survey data, longitudinal panel studies, and user insights research.
- Leverage and enhance agent-based modeling tools to simulate and predict SRH outcomes.
- Engage as a thought partner to programmatic teams across the Gates Foundation, offering technical expertise and advising on data-driven decision-making.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including those located in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to design, execute, and publish research projects.
- Present findings in a clear and accessible manner to a wide range of stakeholders including executive leadership, public health program officers, government officials, and global health partners.
- Support dissemination of research outputs through publications, conferences, and policy briefs.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- A PhD or equivalent degree in a quantitative field such as:
- Biostatistics
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Demography
- Quantitative Social Science
Experience
- A minimum of 5+ years of experience in academic, nonprofit, or public health research settings.
- Extensive expertise in statistical and/or dynamic modeling methods. Specific proficiency in agent-based modeling is highly desirable.
- Subject matter expertise in at least one core area of Sexual and Reproductive Health, including:
- Family planning
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- HIV/AIDS
- Menstrual health
- Proven ability to translate complex data into practical recommendations for diverse audiences.
- Experience working with large-scale survey data, mixed methods research, and global health programming.
- Demonstrated commitment to reducing health disparities and promoting health equity at a global level.
Additional Information
- Location: Seattle, WA (on-site)
- Job Type: Full Time
- Visa Sponsorship: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
- Salary Range: $186,400 – $288,800 USD. In high-cost markets like Seattle and Washington, DC, the salary range increases to $203,100 – $314,900 USD. Final compensation is determined based on a candidate’s experience, expertise, and qualifications.
- Benefits:
- 100% Foundation-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families
- Generous paid time off and paid family leave
- Retirement contributions and financial wellness programs
- Access to employee resource groups and professional development communities
- Regional holidays and hybrid work arrangements
- Hiring Requirements: Final employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
- Application Support: Applicants needing accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process are encouraged to submit a request through the Foundation’s designated channels.
Inclusion and Diversity Commitment
The Gates Foundation proudly upholds its core values of Optimism, Collaboration, Rigor, Innovation, and Inclusion. The Foundation seeks to reflect the diversity of the populations it serves and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Equality of opportunity and fairness are foundational principles in all hiring and employment practices.
The Foundation ensures that no applicant or employee is discriminated against based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any protected class status. The organization is deeply committed to fostering a culturally inclusive, collaborative, and innovative environment where all voices are valued.
About the Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has led global development efforts for over two decades, working with partners across sectors to tackle the world’s toughest health and poverty challenges. The Foundation believes that by working collaboratively—with governments, private sectors, and civil society—it can unlock scalable and sustainable progress.
With headquarters in Seattle, WA, the Foundation offers a unique opportunity for professionals to amplify their impact in meaningful ways. Each team member contributes to solutions that improve the lives of millions worldwide.
For more information on the Gates Foundation and their career opportunities, visit their official Careers Page.
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