Application Guide

How to Apply for CONSULTANT, DRUG SAFETY PHYSICIAN

at Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative

🏢 About Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative

DNDi is a unique nonprofit R&D organization that bridges the gap between lab research and patient access for neglected diseases. Unlike for-profit pharma, your work directly impacts underserved populations, offering a mission-driven environment where scientific innovation meets global health equity.

About This Role

As a Drug Safety Physician Consultant, you will lead safety surveillance for clinical trials targeting neglected diseases, ensuring patient safety while navigating limited data and resource constraints. Your work will directly shape risk management plans and regulatory submissions, making a tangible difference in bringing treatments to those most in need.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with the Product Safety Management Team to review recent adverse events from ongoing trials in Africa or Latin America. You'll analyze safety data, draft a signal evaluation report, and prepare for an upcoming regulatory submission, all while collaborating with partners in different time zones. The afternoon could involve a training session for local investigators on adverse event reporting, followed by updating the risk management plan based on new findings.

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🎯 Who Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative Is Looking For

  • A physician (MD) with 12+ years total experience, including 2-5 years in pharmacovigilance within the pharmaceutical industry, preferably with experience in global health or neglected diseases.
  • Expert in clinical development processes, signal detection, and safety data analysis (AEs, labs, vitals) with proficiency in MedDRA, WHOART, and safety databases.
  • Able to lead cross-functional teams (Product Safety Management Team) and communicate complex safety issues to regulatory authorities and internal stakeholders.
  • Fluent in English, with experience in regulatory inspections and a passion for capacity building in resource-limited settings.

📝 Tips for Applying to Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative

1

Highlight any experience with neglected disease populations (e.g., Chagas, leishmaniasis, malaria) or working in low- and middle-income countries.

2

Emphasize your ability to handle multiple trials simultaneously in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment—DNDi often runs lean teams.

3

Showcase your knowledge of EU pharmacovigilance regulations (e.g., GVP modules) and experience with aggregate reports like DSURs and PSURs.

4

Tailor your CV to include specific examples of signal detection work, risk management plan updates, and regulatory interactions (e.g., responses to health authorities).

5

Mention any experience with capacity building or training in pharmacovigilance, as DNDi values strengthening local expertise.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine commitment to DNDi's mission of addressing neglected diseases and how your medical background aligns with their patient-centric approach.", 'Detail your pharmacovigilance experience with specific examples of leading safety teams, managing safety signals, and updating risk management plans.', 'Emphasize your adaptability in remote, multicultural teams and your ability to work independently with minimal supervision.', "Mention any familiarity with DNDi's portfolio (e.g., fexinidazole for sleeping sickness) or similar nonprofit R&D models."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review DNDi's current pipeline and recent approvals (e.g., fexinidazole, ravidasvir) to understand their therapeutic areas and clinical trial phases.
  • → Read DNDi's annual reports and publications on their pharmacovigilance framework or safety data management in resource-limited settings.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the specific neglected diseases they target (e.g., Chagas, leishmaniasis, sleeping sickness) and the unique safety challenges of these populations.
  • → Understand DNDi's organizational structure—they operate as a virtual R&D organization with partners worldwide, so remote collaboration is key.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach signal detection for a drug with limited post-marketing data in a neglected disease setting?
2 Describe a time you managed a safety issue that required rapid communication with a regulatory authority. What was the outcome?
3 How do you prioritize competing safety tasks when overseeing multiple clinical trials with different risk profiles?
4 What strategies would you use to ensure robust pharmacovigilance in a remote, global team with diverse cultural backgrounds?
5 How do you stay current with evolving PV regulations, and how would you apply new requirements to DNDi's projects?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic PV experience without linking it to global health or neglected diseases—DNDi values mission alignment.
  • Don't underestimate the resource constraints; avoid suggesting expensive or complex solutions that aren't feasible in low-income settings.
  • Never dismiss the importance of capacity building or local partnerships; DNDi emphasizes strengthening local expertise, so show respect for that approach.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 13, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

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!

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Good luck with your application to Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative!

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