Fully Funded GBD Fellowship 2027 in the USA: Earn $105,000–$112,488 Annually at the University of Washington
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 Seattle, United States. This prestigious two-year postdoctoral fellowship offers early-career researchers an opportunity to develop expertise in global health metrics, epidemiological research, statistical modelling and health data analysis.
The programme is designed for researchers interested in building careers in health metrics while contributing directly to the Global Burden of Disease study, one of the world’s most comprehensive efforts to measure health loss and its causes.
Successful fellows will receive an annual salary starting at $105,000, increasing to $108,156 in the second year, with a potential third-year extension offering $112,488 annually.
International applicants are welcome, and the University of Washington sponsors visas for this position.
Applications close on 21 December 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.
About the Global Burden of Disease Fellowship
The Global Burden of Disease Fellowship is an early-career, cohort-based postdoctoral training programme hosted by IHME at the University of Washington.
The programme provides researchers with practical experience in measuring population health, analysing disease patterns and understanding the factors contributing to health loss worldwide.
The fellowship welcomed its first cohort in September 2026 and is now recruiting its second cohort, which will begin in September 2027.
The programme runs for two years, with the possibility of a third-year extension depending on performance and available funding.
During the first year, fellows receive intensive training in GBD methodologies and work alongside established research teams. In the second year, they take greater responsibility for their research, lead analyses and contribute to methodological improvements.
What Will Fellows Do?
Selected fellows will participate in research, training, scientific publications and professional development activities.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Global Health Research and Data Analysis
Fellows will work with data from surveys, censuses, vital registration systems and published scientific literature. They will extract, standardise and analyse information used in producing GBD estimates.
2. Statistical Modelling
Participants will develop and refine statistical models using programming languages such as R and Python. They will also review research findings and ensure that outputs meet production deadlines.
3. Research Publications and Presentations
Fellows will contribute to peer-reviewed scientific papers, co-author publications and present their research at internal seminars and external conferences.
4. Research Team Rotations
Participants will rotate across different IHME research teams, gaining practical exposure to different research areas and understanding how global health estimates are produced.
5. Teaching and Mentorship
As they progress through the programme, fellows will have opportunities to mentor junior researchers, lead internal training sessions and share their knowledge with colleagues.
Fellowship Training and Development
The programme includes several structured learning opportunities.
- Boot Camp: An intensive four-to-six-week training programme covering IHME research projects, statistical packages, methodologies and health metrics challenges.
- Journal Club: Monthly discussions of current research articles and developments in health metrics.
- Seminar Presentations: Opportunities to present research and receive feedback from IHME researchers and faculty.
- Specialised Training: Short courses covering GBD methodologies, interpretation of results, software development and health metrics theory.
- Mentorship: Guidance from experienced IHME faculty and senior researchers to support academic development and future career progression.
Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship is intended for early-career researchers with strong quantitative research backgrounds.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Qualifications
Candidates must hold a PhD, MD, DPhil or equivalent international qualification.
Current doctoral students may apply, provided they complete their degree before the September 2027 fellowship start date.
Eligible academic backgrounds include:
- Epidemiology.
- Demography.
- Biostatistics.
- Medical sciences.
- Health policy.
- Economics.
- Mathematics.
- Computer science.
- Statistics.
- Other related quantitative disciplines.
Research Experience
Applicants must demonstrate research experience, particularly in data analysis and statistical methods.
Strong programming skills in R or Python are required.
Candidates should also have working familiarity with Global Burden of Disease concepts, including Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years of Life Lost (YLLs), Years Lived with Disability (YLDs), attributable burden, age-standardised rates and uncertainty intervals.
Career Stage Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be no more than five years past their most recent degree by the fellowship start date.
- Have no more than three years of previous postdoctoral experience by the start date.
The University of Washington limits total postdoctoral appointments to five years, including appointments at other institutions.
International Applicants
Applications are welcome from candidates worldwide. The University of Washington sponsors visas for the fellowship.
Successful international applicants must be able to obtain the required visa and be physically present in Seattle by the programme’s starting date.
The fellowship is full-time and conducted in person. Remote and hybrid arrangements are not available.
Salary and Fellowship Benefits
The GBD Fellowship offers a competitive salary and comprehensive employment benefits.
| Fellowship Year | Annual Salary | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $105,000 | $8,750 |
| Year 2 | $108,156 | $9,013 |
| Year 3 (potential extension) | $112,488 | $9,374 |
Additional benefits include:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance.
- Paid public holidays.
- Vacation and sick leave.
- Retirement plans.
- Transportation and fitness benefits.
- Tuition exemption.
- Access to professional development opportunities.
Postdoctoral scholars at the University of Washington are represented by UAW 4121.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official Interfolio recruitment platform.
The application requires:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): An updated academic and professional CV.
- Four short essays:
- Your research experience (maximum 300 words).
- Your potential contribution to GBD (maximum 200 words).
- Your experience with production work (maximum 200 words).
- Why this fellowship and why now (maximum 250 words).
- Three professional or academic references: Applicants must provide names and contact details. Reference letters are not required at the initial application stage.
Candidates may use AI and other writing tools when preparing their applications, but all submitted information must accurately reflect their own experience.
Application deadline: 21 December 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Application Timeline
- October 2026: Applications open.
- 21 December 2026: Application deadline.
- Winter 2027: Initial interviews.
- Early spring 2027: Final-round interviews.
- Spring 2027: Applicants notified of decisions.
- September 2027: Fellowship begins in Seattle, USA.
Final Thoughts
The Global Burden of Disease Fellowship 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers seeking to build international careers in epidemiology, health economics, biostatistics and global health research.
With a competitive salary, visa sponsorship for international candidates, comprehensive benefits and access to world-class research expertise, the programme provides a valuable pathway for researchers interested in shaping the future of global health measurement.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
