GBD Fellowship 2027 at the University of Washington: Applications Open for Early-Career Global Health Researchers

Applications are now open for the 2027 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Fellowship at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, in the United States. This fellowship offers an opportunity for qualified early-career researchers to strengthen their expertise in global health research, epidemiology, statistical modelling, health metrics, and data analysis while contributing to research addressing some of the world's most pressing health challenges. The GBD Fellowship is designed for researchers who want to develop their technical and scientific skills, collaborate with experienced researchers, contribute to the production of global health estimates, and participate in scientific publications. Fellows receive structured training, mentorship, and opportunities to work across multiple research teams, helping them build the expertise needed for future careers in research institutions, academia, and global health policy. According to the fellowship announcement shared with Opportunities for Youth (OFY), applications for the 2027 cohort are open until December 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Interested and eligible candidates are encouraged to review the official programme details and submit their applications before the deadline. • Opportunity: Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Fellowship 2027 • Host institution: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington • Location: Seattle, Washington, United States • Opportunity type: Research fellowship/postdoctoral appointment • Duration: Two years, with the possibility of a third year, subject to annual renewal, performance, and funding availability • Expected start date: September 2027 • Application deadline: December 21, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time About the Global Burden of Disease Fellowship The Global Burden of Disease Fellowship is a cohort-based research and professional development programme hosted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. The fellowship is intended to cultivate the next generation of health metrics scientists who can contribute to the understanding of diseases, injuries, risk factors, and other health outcomes through rigorous research and quantitative analysis. The programme focuses on developing researchers who can use data and scientific methods to understand health challenges, measure their impact, evaluate patterns of health loss, and contribute evidence that can inform policy and practice. Global health decisions require reliable evidence about which diseases and injuries affect populations, how health outcomes differ across locations and demographic groups, and how risk factors contribute to illness and premature death. Producing this evidence requires researchers with strong analytical skills, an understanding of epidemiological concepts, and the ability to work with complex datasets and statistical models. The GBD Fellowship provides a structured environment in which early-career researchers can strengthen these competencies while contributing to the work of established research teams. Rather than focusing exclusively on classroom-based learning, the fellowship combines practical research responsibilities, technical training, project rotations, professional development, and mentorship. Fellows are expected to participate actively in research and take responsibility for their analyses while learning from experienced colleagues. The fellowship is particularly relevant to candidates who want to pursue careers in global health research, epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, quantitative social sciences, or related disciplines. About the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation is an independent research organisation based at the University of Washington. Its work focuses on producing timely, relevant, and scientifically valid evidence that can improve health policy and practice worldwide. IHME conducts research across several areas, including: • Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors. • Future health scenarios. • Cost-effectiveness and efficiency. • Health resource tracking. • Impact evaluations. • Health metrics, statistical modelling, and population-level health analysis. Through its research, IHME seeks to improve understanding of major health problems and provide evidence that can support decisions by policymakers, researchers, health professionals, and other stakeholders. The institute's work depends on scientific collaboration, methodological innovation, careful analysis, and the effective communication of research findings. Fellows joining the GBD programme will have an opportunity to work within this research environment and contribute to projects that support the development of global health evidence. IHME also emphasises an inclusive and collaborative working culture in which different perspectives are valued. This environment is intended to support innovation, teamwork, and the development of researchers capable of addressing complex health questions. Objectives of the GBD Fellowship The GBD Fellowship is designed to strengthen the skills and professional capacity of early-career researchers interested in health metrics and quantitative global health research. Its central objectives include the following. 1. Develop the next generation of health metrics scientists The fellowship seeks to prepare researchers to contribute to the measurement and analysis of population health. Fellows will build their understanding of how health outcomes are measured, how disease estimates are produced, and how scientific evidence can inform decisions about health systems and public health priorities. 2. Strengthen quantitative research and analytical skills Participants will work with complex datasets, statistical models, and computational methods. Through structured training and practical assignments, they will develop their ability to analyse health data, identify methodological challenges, assess results, and improve analytical processes. 3. Support methodological innovation The programme encourages fellows to exercise independent judgement, solve research problems, and propose improvements to data, models, and analytical processes within established GBD research priorities. This allows fellows to develop as independent researchers while contributing to a wider scientific programme. 4. Improve scientific writing and communication Research findings must be communicated clearly to scientific audiences, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Fellows will have opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts, prepare conference presentations, present their work, and receive feedback from experienced researchers. 5. Prepare fellows for long-term research careers The programme combines technical training with mentorship, collaboration, and leadership development. These experiences are intended to help fellows prepare for future roles in academic institutions, research organisations, and global health policy. What Does the Fellowship Offer? The GBD Fellowship combines hands-on research with structured professional development. Successful candidates will have an opportunity to deepen their technical knowledge while contributing to the work of the institute. 1. Structured training and an intensive boot camp Fellows begin the programme with an intensive boot camp alongside other members of their cohort. This initial training is intended to establish a foundation for the work they will undertake during the fellowship. Participants will develop their understanding of GBD concepts, terminology, analytical approaches, and research processes. The boot camp also provides an opportunity to learn alongside fellow researchers and begin building professional relationships within the cohort. 2. Rotations across multiple research teams Fellows will rotate through projects involving different IHME research teams. These rotations are intended to provide a broader understanding of the Global Burden of Disease research programme and expose participants to different research questions, analytical methods, and workflows. Working across teams can help fellows understand how data collection, statistical modelling, methodological development, quality assurance, and scientific communication contribute to the production of global health estimates. 3. Practical research experience The fellowship involves direct participation in research rather than observation alone. Fellows will contribute to quantitative analyses, work with complex datasets, develop and refine statistical models, interpret findings, and identify potential problems with data or methodology. This experience can help participants strengthen their ability to apply technical knowledge to real research questions and manage analytical projects. 4. Mentorship from experienced researchers Fellows will have opportunities to learn from senior researchers and receive guidance on their research and professional development. Mentorship can help participants improve their analytical judgement, refine their research questions, develop scientific writing skills, and identify areas for further professional growth. As fellows progress through the programme, they may also take on greater leadership responsibilities within training and knowledge-sharing initiatives. 5. Scientific writing and publication opportunities Participants will draft and co-author scientific manuscripts, funding proposals, and conference presentations. The fellowship also includes support through writing workshops and mentorship. These opportunities are relevant for researchers who want to strengthen their publication record and learn how to communicate complex scientific findings effectively. 6. Presentations and professional communication Fellows will have opportunities to present research at internal seminars, professional conferences, and public forums. These experiences can help participants improve their presentation skills, explain technical findings to different audiences, respond to questions, and incorporate feedback into their work. The programme also offers opportunities for media training to support effective communication of research findings. 7. Professional development activities The fellowship incorporates structured professional development activities, including journal clubs, seminar presentations, and research roundtables. These activities can help participants stay informed about developments in their field, critically evaluate scientific literature, exchange ideas, and learn from the experiences of colleagues. Key Responsibilities of GBD Fellows Successful candidates will be expected to participate actively in the institute's research activities and meet the scientific and professional responsibilities associated with the fellowship. Responsibilities include the following. 1. Apply and develop knowledge of GBD concepts Fellows are expected to have working familiarity with Global Burden of Disease concepts and terminology from the beginning of the fellowship. Examples include: • Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs): A measure of overall health loss that combines years of life lost because of premature death with years lived with disability. • Years of life lost (YLLs): A measure of premature mortality. • Years lived with disability (YLDs): A measure of time lived with health loss due to disease, injury, or other health conditions. • Attributable burden: The amount of health loss associated with a particular risk factor or exposure under a defined analytical framework. • Age-standardised rates: Rates adjusted to a standard age distribution to facilitate comparisons between populations with different age structures. • Uncertainty intervals: Ranges that communicate uncertainty around estimates. These concepts are important in understandin

• Early-career researcher status • Interest in global health research, epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, quantitative social sciences, or related disciplines