Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Fellowship 2026 at University of Washington
- Omran Aburayya
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
If you’re someone who wants to shape the way health-burden data is analyzed, interpreted, and used to influence health policy around the world, the applications are now open for the GBD Fellowship 2026 at IHME. This fellowship is a full-time, cohort-based program that brings together early-career researchers who will work on large, impactful projects in health metrics. The program begins in 2026 and is designed to train you with cutting-edge quantitative methods and embed you in teams that produce real, publishable insights.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Seattle, Washington, United States; in-person at IHME, University of Washington.
Host Institution: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington.
Programme Level: Fellowship (post-doctoral / early-career) programme.
Target Group: Early-career professionals / researchers, recent doctoral graduates; individuals with strong quantitative/methodological background in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, economics, health policy, demography, mathematics, computer science, etc.
Fields of Focus: Health metrics science; global burden of disease (diseases, injuries, risk factors); data analysis and statistical modeling; methodological innovation; large-scale datasets; contributing to GBD estimates.
Compensation:
Year 1: US$ 105,000
Year 2: US$ 108,156
Year 3: US$ 112,488 (if renewed, subject to funding and performance)
Duration: Two years initially, with possibility of a third year subject to annual renewal, performance, and funding availability.
Application Deadline: Priority consideration by September 22, 2025; but there is a deadline for the Spring 2026 cohort which is August 18, 2025.
Start Date: Anticipated start is September 2026
📚 Fellowship Overview
This is a cohort-based, full-time fellowship embedded in IHME’s research structure. Fellows join interdisciplinary teams working on real GBD estimation, methodological work, data analysis, and global health metrics.
It includes structured training, such as Boot Camps, Journal Clubs, Seminar Presentations, Research Roundtables. These help fellows develop both technical skills (statistical modeling, code, large datasets) and professional skills (writing, presenting, communication).
Fellows are expected to conduct independent and collaborative work: analyzing data, refining models, developing visualizations, producing peer-reviewed publications, contributing to health policy analysis.
Optional Year 3: Continuation beyond the initial two years is possible, depending on performance and funding availability.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Salary / Compensation: As noted above. US$ 105,000 in year 1; US$ 108,156 in year 2; US$ 112,488 in year 3 if renewed.
Visa Sponsorship: The role is eligible for visa sponsorship through the University of Washington for non-US applicants.
Employee Benefits: Medical, dental, vision coverage; paid holidays; vacation and sick leave; retirement plan options; transportation and fitness benefits; tuition exemptions; and additional University-of-Washington employee perks.
Professional Development: Training sessions, seminars, mentoring, internal peer learning, workshops, writing/presenting opportunities.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be competitive, you must satisfy:
Education: PhD, MD, DPhil, MBBS or foreign equivalent in epidemiology, public health, health metrics, biostatistics, economics, mathematics, computer science, or a related quantitative/social science field.
Research Experience: Demonstrated experience with quantitative research, health metrics, epidemiology; statistical modeling; handling large datasets; scientific publication record.
Technical Skills: Strong programming skills in R or Python; familiarity with SQL is a plus.
Communication Skills: Ability to communicate research findings via publications, visualizations, presentations.
International Applicants: Must be able to secure visa and be present onsite in Seattle by the start date.
📝 Application Procedure
How to Apply: Submit through the Interfolio portal (Apply.Interfolio.com) — job listing / application is via Interfolio (job ID: 170109).
Required Documents:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter — describing interest in health metrics science and how your background aligns with the goals of the GBD Fellowship.
One Letter of Recommendation
Possibly a research statement (or description) — outlining your interest, methodological experience, what you intend to achieve. (Many job descriptions mention alignment with fellowship goals and interest in health metrics.)
ℹ️ Extra Information & Tips
Performance & Renewal: Since there is a possibility of Year 3, but it's contingent on performance and funding, aim to make strong contributions during Years 1 & 2. Publications, project leadership, methodological innovation will matter.
Be Clear & Specific: In your cover letter / research statement, clearly show how your quantitative skills, programming experience, and prior work in data analysis or epidemiology can contribute to GBD-type work. If you have experience working with large datasets, modelling, or using R/Python, emphasize that.
Plan for Relocation / Visa: Make sure you're aware of what’s required to be onsite in Seattle by the start date; check visa processes early so you can meet the timing.
Engage with the Community: Attend any webinars or informational events IHME offers; read recent IHME / GBD publications to understand current methods and challenges—they may inform your application.
