Gates Foundation : Research

Gates Foundation Is Hiring Associate Program Officer

ill & Melinda Gates Foundation is currently hiring for high-level research-based roles
, including Senior Research Scientist and Senior Research Program Manager
.

Founded in 2000, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has become one of the world’s most influential philanthropic organizations. With an endowment of over $70 billion, the Foundation works globally to reduce inequities and improve lives—especially for the world’s poorest populations.

The Foundation’s areas of focus include:

• Global Health
• Global Development
• U.S. Education
• Global Policy & Advocacy

Working at the Gates Foundation offers not just a career but a life of purpose
. You become part of a collaborative, mission-driven team working on innovative solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing problems.

The Foundation is currently hiring for two pivotal research roles:

These positions play a vital role in designing, executing, and managing data-driven strategies that guide programmatic efforts worldwide.

The Senior Research Scientist will be responsible for conducting and overseeing rigorous research and data analysis across a range of initiatives. You’ll be part of a cross-functional team that informs the Foundation’s investments and policy decisions using cutting‑edge scientific methodologies.

• Design and execute high-impact research studies to evaluate health, education, and economic interventions.
• Analyze large-scale datasets to draw actionable insights.
• Collaborate with academic institutions, research partners, and grantees to conduct longitudinal studies.
• Present findings to internal stakeholders, partners, and global policy leaders.
• Contribute to scientific publications and policy briefs.
• Provide technical guidance to program teams and external collaborators.
• PhD in public health, economics, epidemiology, statistics, or a related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of postdoctoral or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven record of peer‑reviewed publications and real‑world impact through research.
• Familiarity with global development and public health issues.
• Strong communication skills and ability to translate complex data into policy‑relevant insights.

The Senior Research Program Manager will be responsible for managing the lifecycle of complex research programs—aligning scientific goals with strategic priorities, ensuring high-quality execution, and coordinating across internal and external teams.

• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of major research grants and contracts.
• Align research priorities with the Foundation’s programmatic goals.
• Serve as a liaison between research teams, grantees, consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Monitor budgets, deliverables, and timelines to ensure timely and effective execution.
• Lead internal review processes and manage cross‑functional collaborations.
• Support the translation of research into policy and program action.
• Master’s or PhD in public policy, international development, public health, or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in program management or strategic oversight of research projects.
• Experience with philanthropic, academic, or NGO sector highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multimillion‑dollar projects with complex stakeholder networks.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities.

While the exact salary may vary depending on experience and job location, the Gates Foundation offers industry‑leading compensation packages designed to attract and retain top‑tier talent from around the globe.

Salaries for senior roles such as these typically range from $150,000 to $220,000 USD annually
, depending on qualifications and location.

In addition to a competitive salary, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health and Wellness
  :
  Medical, dental, and…