Application Guide

How to Apply for Infectious Disease Surveillance Advisor, Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES), Epidemic Preparedness & Response

at Path

🏢 About Path

PATH is a global health nonprofit dedicated to health equity, with a focus on innovation and partnerships to solve complex health challenges. They are known for their work in vaccine development, diagnostics, and health systems strengthening, making them a leader in global health security.

About This Role

This role focuses on providing technical leadership for the STRIDES project, which aims to strengthen infectious disease detection systems in low-resource settings. You will work on the frontlines of epidemic preparedness, collaborating with local and global partners to enhance surveillance infrastructure and contain outbreaks.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with country teams to review surveillance data and discuss recent alerts. You might then analyze outbreak trends, draft a technical guidance document for partners, and later join a call with global stakeholders to coordinate response efforts.

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🎯 Who Path Is Looking For

  • An epidemiologist with hands-on experience in field-based surveillance and outbreak response in low-resource settings, ideally with organizations like WHO or CDC.
  • A strategic thinker who can design and implement surveillance systems, analyze data for actionable insights, and advise on policy.
  • A collaborative leader who can build capacity among local partners and communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Someone with a deep understanding of global health security frameworks, such as IHR and GHSA, and experience with diseases like cholera, measles, or Ebola.

📝 Tips for Applying to Path

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific surveillance systems you've strengthened, including metrics like early detection rates or response times improved.

2

In your cover letter, mention your experience with the STRIDES project or similar initiatives like GIDD or CDC's FETP.

3

Demonstrate your ability to work remotely by citing examples of virtual collaboration with international teams.

4

Show your understanding of PATH's focus on equity by discussing how you've addressed disparities in disease detection.

5

Include a portfolio or summary of your most impactful outbreak investigations with clear outcomes.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience in strengthening surveillance systems in low-resource settings, with specific examples.', 'Highlight your ability to work with diverse partners, from local ministries to global organizations like WHO.', 'Show your passion for epidemic preparedness and your commitment to health equity.', "Mention your analytical skills and how you've used data to drive policy or operational changes."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review PATH's STRIDES project page and any published reports on its impact.
  • → Read about PATH's other initiatives in epidemic preparedness, such as their work on COVID-19 or antimicrobial resistance.
  • → Familiarize yourself with PATH's core values and how they integrate equity into their programs.
  • → Look into recent news about disease outbreaks in the regions where STRIDES operates (e.g., Africa, Asia).

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you improved a surveillance system in a low-resource setting. What challenges did you face?
2 How would you approach building trust with local communities to improve disease reporting?
3 What is your experience with electronic surveillance tools (e.g., DHIS2, Go.Data)?
4 How do you stay updated on emerging infectious disease threats?
5 Tell us about a time you had to advocate for a surveillance investment to a non-technical audience.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus only on clinical experience; this role is about surveillance systems, not patient care.
  • Avoid generic statements about 'passion for public health' without concrete examples of your technical skills.
  • Don't overlook the remote work aspect—failing to demonstrate self-discipline and virtual collaboration skills can be a red flag.

📅 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 Path!

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