Research-to-Policy Postdoctoral Researcher

Full-Time, Fixed-Term contract until 31st March 2026

This role can be based in any of our LSTM locations: Liverpool (UK), Blantyre (Malawi), Kisumu (Kenya), Harare (Zimbabwe) or Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Due to new funding from the Wellcome Trust, we have an exciting opportunity to support institutional research culture across LSTM and our Global Hubs.  As Research-to-Policy Postdoc, you will work with our Policy Unit (based at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme in Blantyre) as part of a team to strengthen capacity across the entire research ecosystem, enabling African partners to lead international research consortia. You will assist technical leadership in supporting researchers to engage with the policy process, and will be responsible for documenting the learning from the project and for supporting partners to develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks for their research-to-policy portfolios.

Responsibilities include:

• Assessing and strengthening the capacity of LSTM hubs to link research to policy, and to engage at the local and international research-policy interface.
• Working with the Evidence-to-Policy portfolio to strategize and execute improvements to capacity within hubs
• Providing mentorship to team members and developing internal mechanisms to ensure new or growing capacities, whilst supporting teams with their research-to-policy portfolios
• Involvement in building an outward looking culture in the LSTM research hubs, engaging with policymakers and systems managers
• Developing a learning portfolio linked to research-to-policy activities and organising learning events
• Developing and executing a monitoring and evaluation framework for the research-to-policy portfolio

Qualifications and skills required:

• A PhD degree in a health-related field or Public Policy related field or equivalent
• Demonstrable understanding of Health Systems and Public Policy in LMICs
• Demonstrable knowledge and skills in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and in conducting different forms of evidence syntheses
• Demonstrable skills in engaging policy and decision-making spaces in a variety of settings
• An understanding and/or skills in the building of capacities in teams and organizations using different approaches and mechanisms.
• A good/growing track record of leading, growing, and managing teams
• Excellent communication of science or technical content to non-scientific/technical audiences, in both formal and informal settings.

Application Process: To apply for the position please follow the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM

We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience. 

We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers. 

About LSTM

Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations, and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics. 

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies