Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Fellow - Counter Marketing

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 world-leading public health university with over 120 years of history, £190+ million annual research income, and a global network across London, The Gambia, and Uganda. Their vision focuses on creating a healthy, sustainable, and equitable world, making it an ideal place for researchers passionate about impactful public health work with international reach.

About This Role

As a Research Fellow in Counter Marketing, you'll likely investigate strategies to counteract harmful marketing practices (e.g., in tobacco, alcohol, or unhealthy foods) through evidence-based research. This role is impactful because it directly informs public health policies and interventions that protect populations from manipulative commercial influences, aligning with LSHTM's mission to improve global health equity.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing data from marketing studies, drafting research papers or grant proposals, and collaborating with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects. You could also attend seminars on public health trends or mentor students, all within LSHTM's dynamic, research-intensive environment focused on real-world impact.

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Interview Prep

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

  • Has a PhD in public health, marketing, psychology, or a related field with experience in behavioral research or policy analysis.
  • Demonstrates expertise in qualitative/quantitative methods relevant to marketing influence (e.g., surveys, content analysis, or experimental designs).
  • Shows a track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals on topics like health communication, commercial determinants of health, or consumer behavior.
  • Possesses strong project management skills and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, given LSHTM's collaborative global network.

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

1

Explicitly link your past research to counter-marketing themes—e.g., if you've studied advertising effects, frame it as relevant to public health counter-strategies.

2

Highlight any experience with LSHTM's focus areas (e.g., global health equity, low-income settings) or their Units in The Gambia/Uganda, even if indirect.

3

Tailor your CV to emphasize grants, publications, or projects that show capacity for high-impact research (reflecting LSHTM's £190M+ research income environment).

4

Mention familiarity with UK or EU public health policies (e.g., marketing regulations) to demonstrate contextual knowledge for UK-based work.

5

Use LSHTM's recruitment website to apply precisely—follow their 'How to Apply' section closely, as they emphasize structured processes.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain how your research aligns with LSHTM's vision of a 'healthy, sustainable, and equitable world,' citing specific projects or interests.", 'Detail your methodological skills (e.g., data analysis, fieldwork) and how they apply to counter-marketing challenges like evaluating campaign effectiveness.', "Describe your ability to collaborate across disciplines (e.g., with economists, epidemiologists) and in diverse settings, per LSHTM's global network.", "Express enthusiasm for contributing to LSHTM's educational mission, such as mentoring students or engaging with their postgraduate programs."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore LSHTM's recent publications or projects on commercial determinants of health, tobacco control, or food marketing to identify potential alignments.
  • → Review the School's 'Global Health' or 'Public Health' departments to understand their research themes and key faculty in related areas.
  • → Investigate UK-specific public health policies (e.g., from Public Health England) on marketing restrictions to contextualize your application.
  • → Look into LSHTM's 'Units' in The Gambia and Uganda to see if their work relates to global counter-marketing efforts you could contribute to.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss a past research project on marketing or behavior change and how it informs counter-marketing strategies.
2 Explain how you'd design a study to assess the impact of a counter-marketing campaign in a resource-limited setting (e.g., akin to LSHTM's work in The Gambia).
3 Describe your approach to translating research into policy recommendations, given LSHTM's influence on public health agendas.
4 Share how you handle interdisciplinary teamwork, with examples from prior collaborations.
5 Ask about LSHTM's current counter-marketing initiatives or partnerships to show proactive engagement with their work.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without mentioning LSHTM's name, vision, or specific research strengths (e.g., their global network or high-impact focus).
  • Overlooking the importance of methodological rigor—LSHTM values evidence-based research, so avoid vague claims without data or analysis examples.
  • Failing to address equity or global health perspectives, which are core to LSHTM's mission, in your research interests or experience.

📅 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!

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