Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Researcher
at GiveWell
🏢 About GiveWell
GiveWell is a unique nonprofit that rigorously evaluates global health and development charities to identify the most cost-effective giving opportunities. Unlike traditional charities, they focus exclusively on evidence-based analysis to maximize the impact of every dollar donated. Working here means directly contributing to research that guides hundreds of millions in funding toward saving lives and reducing suffering.
About This Role
As a Senior Researcher at GiveWell, you'll lead complex research projects that determine which global health and poverty alleviation programs receive major funding. You'll combine evidence review, cost-effectiveness modeling, and strategic judgment to answer critical questions about where resources can have the greatest impact. This role directly influences how hundreds of millions of dollars are allocated to save lives and reduce suffering worldwide.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing new studies on malaria prevention effectiveness, refining cost-effectiveness models for nutrition interventions, discussing research priorities with team members, and preparing findings for internal decision-making. You'll balance deep analytical work with mentoring junior researchers and thinking strategically about which questions matter most for allocating hundreds of millions in funding.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who GiveWell Is Looking For
- Has 5-10 years of experience using quantitative methods (economics, epidemiology, statistics) to make evidence-based decisions in global health, development economics, or policy research
- Demonstrates exceptional intellectual curiosity and truth-seeking orientation, with examples of changing their mind based on new evidence
- Can articulate the value judgments and strategic thinking behind research decisions, not just the technical analysis
- Has experience mentoring others and communicating complex research to diverse audiences
📝 Tips for Applying to GiveWell
Highlight specific examples where you used quantitative analysis to make high-stakes decisions in global health or development
Demonstrate your 'abnormal curiosity' by describing a time you pursued a research question others overlooked or changed your position based on evidence
Show familiarity with GiveWell's research methodology by referencing specific charity evaluations or research reports on their website
Explain how you prioritize research questions when resources are limited and stakes are high
Provide concrete examples of mentoring junior researchers or communicating complex findings to non-experts
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with cost-effectiveness analysis or similar quantitative evaluation methods in global health/development', 'Specific examples demonstrating intellectual humility and willingness to change your mind based on evidence', 'How you approach research prioritization when facing countless important questions', "Why GiveWell's evidence-driven, maximization-focused approach resonates with your professional values"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Deep dive into GiveWell's top charity recommendations and the research behind them
- → Review their research methodology page and published cost-effectiveness models
- → Study their past research agenda and how it has evolved over time
- → Understand their relationship with Open Philanthropy and how major grants are decided
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating intellectual curiosity or truth-seeking orientation
- Generic enthusiasm for 'helping people' without showing understanding of GiveWell's specific evidence-based approach
- Presenting yourself as always right rather than showing examples of learning from being wrong
- Failing to demonstrate how you prioritize research questions in resource-constrained environments
📅 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!