Application Guide
How to Apply for Research Fellow
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, distinguished by its global impact through research, education, and partnerships in over 100 countries. As one of the highest-rated UK research institutions with £190+ million annual research income, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a mission of creating a more healthy, sustainable, and equitable world. Working at LSHTM means joining a network of 3,500 staff across London, The Gambia, and Uganda, dedicated to solving pressing global health challenges.
About This Role
As a Research Fellow at LSHTM, you will conduct cutting-edge public health research, likely contributing to large-scale projects with real-world impact on global health policy or practice. This role involves designing studies, analyzing data, publishing findings, and collaborating with international partners to advance LSHTM's research objectives. Your work will directly support the School's vision of improving health worldwide and training the next generation of health leaders.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing data from a multi-country study, collaborating with colleagues across time zones (e.g., in Africa or Asia), and drafting findings for a high-impact journal. You could also attend seminars on emerging public health threats, mentor postgraduate students, and contribute to grant proposals aimed at addressing global health disparities. The role balances independent research with teamwork, often in a fast-paced environment focused on real-world solutions.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Is Looking For
- Holds a PhD in public health, epidemiology, or a related field with a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
- Has experience designing and managing research projects in global health settings, preferably with fieldwork in low-resource contexts
- Demonstrates expertise in quantitative or qualitative research methods relevant to LSHTM's focus areas (e.g., infectious diseases, health systems, climate and health)
- Shows commitment to LSHTM's values of equity and inclusion, with experience working in diverse, international teams
📝 Tips for Applying to London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Tailor your CV to highlight specific research projects aligned with LSHTM's strategic priorities (e.g., pandemic preparedness, health inequalities, antimicrobial resistance)
If applying from overseas, explicitly address visa requirements and relocation plans, as LSHTM has specific guidance for international applicants
Reference LSHTM's current research units or centers (e.g., MRC Units in The Gambia/Uganda) to show familiarity with their global footprint
Use LSHTM's job application portal carefully—ensure all required documents (CV, cover letter, references) are uploaded in the specified formats
Demonstrate how your research aligns with LSHTM's commitment to 'creating a positive and inclusive working environment' in your application materials
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain how your research expertise addresses a specific global health challenge relevant to LSHTM's mission (e.g., malaria elimination, vaccine equity, health systems strengthening)", 'Highlight experience with interdisciplinary collaboration, as LSHTM emphasizes working across specialties and with international partners', 'Discuss your commitment to public health impact beyond academia, such as policy engagement or community-based research', "Mention any prior engagement with LSHTM's work (e.g., citing their research, attending their events, or collaborating with their staff)"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore LSHTM's recent high-impact research publications (e.g., in The Lancet or BMJ Global Health) to understand their current priorities
- → Review the work of specific LSHTM research units (e.g., Centre for Mathematical Modelling, Vaccine Centre) to identify potential synergies with your expertise
- → Study LSHTM's strategic plan and global partnerships to grasp their long-term goals and collaborative networks
- → Familiarize yourself with LSHTM's postgraduate programs and how research fellows contribute to teaching or student supervision
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic research statement without linking it to LSHTM's specific global health focus areas
- Overlooking LSHTM's strong emphasis on equity and inclusion in both research and workplace culture
- Failing to acknowledge the practical, policy-oriented aspects of LSHTM's work—purely theoretical applications may be less compelling
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine!