The Senior Program Officer (Preclinical Vaccine Development) at the Gates Foundation in Seattle with salaries up to USD 394,700. Apply now for this high-impact global health leadership role.
Overview
The Senior Program Officer (Preclinical Vaccine Development) at the Gates Foundation — one of the highest-paying global health roles currently available in the nonprofit sector.
This full-time, 2-year Limited Term Employment (LTE) position is based in Seattle, United States, and sits within the Foundation’s Global Health (GH) Program, specifically under the Accelerator initiative. The role focuses on next-generation oral polio vaccine development, guiding innovative preclinical vaccine candidates toward clinical readiness within an ambitious two-year timeline.
With a salary range reaching nearly USD 400,000, this role is designed for senior-level experts in vaccine development, biologics, regulatory science, and global health innovation.
Position Details
- Job Title: Senior Program Officer (Preclinical Vaccine Development) at the Gates Foundation
- Requisition ID: B021351
- Employment Type: Full-time, 2-Year LTE
- Location: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Team: Global Health Program – Accelerator
- Travel Requirement: Up to 20% (domestic & international)
Salary & Compensation
This role is among the highest-paid global health positions worldwide:
- Base Salary Range: USD 233,600 – 362,200
- Seattle / Washington, DC Range: USD 254,700 – 394,700
New hires are typically placed between the minimum and midpoint of the range, depending on experience, technical depth, and leadership profile.
Benefits Package Includes
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous paid time off and regional holidays
- Paid family leave
- Foundation-funded retirement contributions
- Wellness and professional development programs
- Inclusive employee communities and flexible work arrangements
Role Purpose
As a Senior Program Officer (Preclinical Vaccine Development) at the Gates Foundation , you will act as the foundation’s Project Lead for novel oral polio vaccine candidates, overseeing a portfolio of investments and partnerships aimed at delivering five preclinical vaccine candidates ready for clinical down-selection within two years.
The role combines scientific leadership, strategic grant-making, product development oversight, and global partnership building, with a strong emphasis on innovation in vaccine modalities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement the preclinical vaccine development strategy for novel oral polio vaccines
- Advise foundation leadership on scientific priorities and innovation pathways
- Represent the Accelerator internally and externally on vaccine development initiatives
Portfolio & Grant Management
- Manage a portfolio of grants and performance-based contracts
- Review and assess proposals, letters of inquiry, and investment opportunities
- Conduct technical and business due diligence for vaccine platforms
Scientific & Technical Oversight
- Serve as an advisor on preclinical vaccine study design
- Guide partners on Integrated Product Development Plans (IPDPs)
- Define milestones, stage gates, and development pathways
- Provide strategic input on CMC and regulatory considerations
Partnerships & Collaboration
- Build coalitions with global vaccine experts, biotech innovators, and LMIC partners
- Support grantees as a technical and leadership resource
- Identify new opportunities for cross-sector collaboration
Eligibility & Experience Requirements For Senior Program Officer (Preclinical Vaccine Development) at the Gates Foundation
Essential Background
- Advanced expertise in vaccine or biologics development
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements across development phases
- Experience working with partners in low- and middle-income countries
- Demonstrated success in scientific writing, data analysis, and strategic communication
Core Competencies
- Ability to lead complex, ambiguous initiatives
- Strong judgment in managing confidential, high-stakes portfolios
- Proven experience in matrixed, global organizations
- Comfort operating at the intersection of science, policy, and investment
Desirable Experience
- Business and technical due diligence for biotech or product investments
- Experience with novel vaccine modalities or platform technologies
- Global infectious disease experience (polio, HIV, TB, malaria, HPV)
Why This Role Stands Out
- One of the highest-paying global health roles globally
- Direct influence on polio eradication and vaccine innovation
- Strategic leadership at the frontier of preclinical biotech platforms
- Exceptional benefits and long-term career signaling in global health
How to Apply
- Visit the Gates Foundation Careers Portal
- Search for Senior Program Officer, Preclinical Vaccine Development – B021351
- Submit your application online
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
All offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The Foundation provides reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Gates Foundation |
| Job Title | Senior Program Officer |
| Focus Area | Preclinical Vaccine Development |
| Location | Seattle, USA |
| Contract | Full-time, 2-Year LTE |
| Salary | Up to USD 394,700 |
| Travel | Up to 20% |
| Sector | Global Health & Vaccines |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this role open to international applicants?
Yes. Eligibility depends on the Foundation’s hiring and work authorization requirements, assessed during recruitment.
Is this a permanent role?
No. This is a 2-year Limited Term Employment (LTE) position.
Does the role involve global travel?
Yes. Up to 20% international and domestic travel is expected.
Does the Gates Foundation charge application fees?
No. The Foundation never charges recruitment or application fees.
Conclusion
The Senior Program Officer (Preclinical Vaccine Development) at the Gates Foundation represents a rare opportunity to combine top-tier compensation, scientific leadership, and global public health impact. For experts in vaccine innovation seeking to shape the future of polio eradication and next-generation vaccine platforms, this is one of the most prestigious and influential roles available in 2026.
Keywords
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