Application Guide

How to Apply for Research Fellow - Health Services Research & Policy

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 recognized leader in public health research and education, uniquely positioned at the intersection of academia and real-world policy impact. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to studies that directly influence healthcare systems and improve health equity worldwide, within an institution that translates research into tangible policy changes.

About This Role

This Research Fellow role focuses on conducting economic evaluations for specific clinical studies (PROTECT-C cancer genetic testing and ESTABLISH acute limb ischemia treatments) while contributing to broader health economics projects within GHECO. The position directly impacts healthcare decision-making by assessing cost-effectiveness of medical interventions, influencing how resources are allocated in cancer prevention and vascular care.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing clinical trial data to build economic models, collaborating with clinical researchers on the PROTECT-C or ESTABLISH studies, and contributing to GHECO projects through economic analyses. You might spend time preparing findings for policy briefs, attending departmental seminars on health services research, and working with statistical software to model healthcare costs and outcomes.

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

  • Has experience conducting health economic evaluations using methods like cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis, or budget impact modeling
  • Demonstrates familiarity with UK healthcare systems and NICE technology appraisal processes
  • Shows research experience in oncology, genetics, or vascular medicine contexts
  • Possesses strong quantitative skills with statistical software (R, Stata, or similar) for economic modeling

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

1

Explicitly mention experience with economic evaluation methodologies in your CV, using terminology like 'cost-effectiveness analysis' or 'decision-analytic modeling'

2

Reference LSHTM's specific research centers - mention GHECO (Global Health Economics Centre) and how your background aligns with their work

3

Highlight any experience with UK health policy or NHS data sources, as this role will involve UK-focused studies

4

Connect your previous work to the specific studies mentioned - PROTECT-C (genetic testing for cancer risk) or ESTABLISH (acute limb ischemia treatments)

5

Demonstrate understanding of LSHTM's mission by showing how your research experience contributes to 'improving health equity'

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with health economic evaluation methods and how they apply to clinical studies like those mentioned', "How your research background aligns with LSHTM's focus on translating evidence into policy and practice", "Your understanding of the PROTECT-C and ESTABLISH studies' significance in healthcare decision-making", 'Why working at LSHTM specifically appeals to you, referencing their global health impact and research translation mission']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review publications from LSHTM's Global Health Economics Centre (GHECO) to understand their research focus and methodologies
  • Study the PROTECT-C and ESTABLISH research protocols or related publications to understand their clinical contexts
  • Explore LSHTM's recent policy impact work, particularly how they've influenced UK healthcare decisions
  • Look into the Department of Health Service Research and Policy's current projects and key faculty members

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your experience with economic evaluation in a clinical research context
2 How would you approach designing an economic evaluation for the PROTECT-C genetic testing study?
3 What challenges might arise when conducting economic analyses for acute limb ischemia treatments (ESTABLISH study)?
4 How do you ensure health economic research translates into policy impact, in line with LSHTM's mission?
5 Describe your experience working with clinical teams and how you communicate economic findings to non-economists
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference LSHTM's specific research centers or studies mentioned in the job description
  • Failing to demonstrate specific health economics methodology experience - this isn't a general research position
  • Not showing understanding of how economic evaluation informs healthcare policy, which is central to LSHTM's mission

📅 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!