How to apply for Research Scientist

About Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a global leader in using randomized controlled trials to design and evaluate poverty-reduction programs. Working here means contributing to evidence-based policy that directly impacts millions of lives in developing countries.

About the role

This role involves leading health surveys and impact evaluations for infectious disease prevention, focusing on malaria and other health interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. As a principal investigator, you'll design protocols, manage partnerships, and mentor field staff, directly shaping health policies and programs.

A typical day

You'll likely start your day with virtual check-ins with field teams in Sub-Saharan Africa, followed by designing survey protocols or analyzing data. Afternoons might involve meetings with government partners or stakeholders, and you'll spend time writing reports or mentoring junior staff. Despite the remote nature, you may travel periodically to oversee fieldwork.

Who Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is looking for

• Holds a PhD in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, or a related field.
• Has substantial experience in health systems research and conducting fieldwork in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Expert in designing coverage surveys, sampling strategies, and audit methodologies for health programs.
• Proven ability to manage government relationships, lead field teams, and mentor research staff.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific examples of designing and leading evaluations in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing your role as PI.
• Detail your experience with malaria or other infectious disease programs, including specific methodologies used.
• Showcase your ability to navigate government partnerships and secure data access, with concrete outcomes.
• Quantify your impact: e.g., number of surveys led, sample sizes, policy changes influenced.
• Tailor your CV and cover letter to mention IPA's mission and how your work aligns with their evidence-driven approach.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Emphasize your PhD and fieldwork experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, tying it directly to the role's requirements.", 'Highlight your expertise in designing coverage surveys and impact evaluations for health interventions.', 'Showcase your leadership in supervising field staff and mentoring junior researchers.', "Express your commitment to IPA's mission of using rigorous evidence to reduce poverty."]

Research before applying

• Review IPA's recent publications on malaria and infectious disease prevention to understand their research priorities.
• Learn about IPA's country offices in Sub-Saharan Africa and their ongoing health projects.
• Familiarize yourself with IPA's approach to randomized evaluations and their emphasis on policy impact.
• Check the specific project mentioned in the job description (if any) and understand its objectives and partners.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you design a coverage survey for a malaria intervention in a low-resource setting?
• Describe a time you managed a challenging relationship with a government health partner.
• How do you ensure data quality in large-scale field surveys?
• What experience do you have with data audits and health facility data validation?
• How do you adapt your research methods to local contexts and constraints?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Do not send a generic cover letter; it must be tailored to this role and IPA's mission.
• Avoid downplaying the fieldwork requirement; emphasize your direct experience in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Don't overlook the supervisory aspect; provide evidence of leading and mentoring teams.