Application Guide

How to Apply for Associate Professor in Climate Change and Planetary Health

at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

🏢 About London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a globally renowned public health institution with over 120 years of history, operating across London, The Gambia, and Uganda. As one of the highest-rated UK research institutions with £190+ million annual research income, LSHTM uniquely combines academic excellence with real-world global health impact, making it ideal for those passionate about planetary health solutions.

About This Role

This Associate Professor position focuses on the intersection of climate change and planetary health, requiring leadership in research, teaching, and policy influence. The role involves developing innovative research programs, mentoring postgraduate students, and contributing to LSHTM's mission of creating a healthier, more sustainable world through interdisciplinary collaboration.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning research meetings with interdisciplinary teams analyzing climate-health data, followed by developing postgraduate course materials on planetary health. Afternoons could include mentoring PhD students, reviewing climate policy documents, and collaborating with LSHTM's global units on field research planning.

🎯 Who London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Is Looking For

  • Established researcher with strong publication record in climate change impacts on health, particularly in planetary health frameworks
  • Experience securing substantial research funding and leading interdisciplinary teams in global health contexts
  • Demonstrated teaching excellence in postgraduate education with ability to develop climate-health curriculum
  • Proven policy engagement or public health implementation experience in climate-vulnerable regions

📝 Tips for Applying to London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

1

Highlight specific experience with LSHTM's research themes - reference their work in The Gambia/Uganda if applicable

2

Quantify research impact: include grant amounts secured, publication metrics, and policy influence examples

3

Demonstrate understanding of both climate science AND public health applications - avoid focusing on just one discipline

4

Showcase experience with diverse student populations given LSHTM's 4,700+ postgraduate students from global backgrounds

5

Connect your work explicitly to LSHTM's vision of 'shared health for shared future' in your application materials

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific research vision for climate change and planetary health at LSHTM', 'Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration between climate science and public health', 'Teaching philosophy for postgraduate students in this emerging field', "How your work aligns with LSHTM's global network and commitment to health equity"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • LSHTM's Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health's current projects and publications
  • Recent LSHTM research from The Gambia and Uganda units related to climate impacts
  • LSHTM's 2022-2027 strategy document focusing on planetary health priorities
  • Current faculty in related departments and potential collaboration opportunities

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a research program that bridges climate science with practical planetary health interventions?
2 Describe your approach to mentoring diverse postgraduate students in this interdisciplinary field
3 How have you engaged with policy makers or communities on climate-health issues?
4 What specific collaborations would you pursue within LSHTM's existing units and global network?
5 How would you measure the real-world impact of your work beyond academic publications?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on climate science without clear public health applications
  • Generic teaching statements not tailored to LSHTM's postgraduate-focused environment
  • Failure to acknowledge LSHTM's specific global network and field sites

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine!