Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) Announces 2027 Global Burden of Disease Fellowship: Applications Now Open - Global South Opportunities

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington in Seattle, United States, has announced the opening of applications for its September 2027 Global Burden of Dise

The programme targets early-career researchers with strong quantitative backgrounds and demonstrated research capabilities.

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD, MD, DPhil or an internationally recognised equivalent qualification. Current doctoral students may apply, provided they complete their degrees before September 2027.
• Have an academic foundation in quantitative methods, including disciplines such as epidemiology, demography, biostatistics, medical sciences, health policy, economics, mathematics, computer science or statistics.
• Demonstrate research experience, particularly in data analysis and statistical methodologies.
• Possess strong programming skills in R or Python.
• Be no more than five years beyond their most recent degree by the fellowship commencement date.
• Have no more than three years of previous postdoctoral experience by the start date.
• Demonstrate working familiarity with GBD concepts, including Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years of Life Lost (YLLs), Years Lived with Disability (YLDs), attributable burden, age-standardised rates and uncertainty intervals.

The fellowship is full-time and conducted in person in Seattle, Washington. Remote and hybrid arrangements are not available. International applicants must be eligible to obtain the necessary visa and relocate to Seattle before the programme begins. The University of Washington sponsors visas for successful international candidates.

The programme offers competitive remuneration alongside a comprehensive employee benefits package.

Annual salary structure:

• Year One: US$105,000, equivalent to US$8,750 per month.
• Year Two: US$108,156, equivalent to approximately US$9,013 per month.
• Year Three: US$112,488, equivalent to US$9,374 per month.

Additional benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, retirement plans, transportation and fitness benefits, and tuition exemption. Postdoctoral scholars are represented by United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 4121.

Successful candidates will participate in a comprehensive research and professional development programme involving several key responsibilities.

• GBD methodological training: Fellows undertake an intensive introductory Boot Camp and continue receiving structured instruction in health metrics, statistical methodologies and research practices.
• Research team rotations: Participants rotate across different IHME research teams, gaining practical exposure to the processes involved in producing and analysing global health estimates.
• Data analysis and modelling: Fellows extract, standardise and analyse information from population surveys, censuses, vital registration systems and published scientific literature. They also develop and refine statistical models using R or Python.
• Scientific publications and presentations: Fellows contribute to peer-reviewed research papers, present findings at seminars and international conferences, and receive support through scientific writing workshops and media training.
• Teaching and mentorship: More experienced fellows have opportunities to mentor junior researchers and facilitate internal training activities.