Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Social Sciences/Bioethics (92908)


Company:	Vacancy Filler
Salary:	£52,572 - £54,941
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Blantyre, Malawi, L3 5QA
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	21 Aug 2026
Closing date:	13 Sept 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Social Sciences/Bioethics (92908) International Public Health Salary: MLW Grade 7: £52,572 - £54,941 p.a. Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment to 30th September 2028 Based in Blantyre, Malawi The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is seeking an outstanding and motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the Department of International Public Health, based at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Programme (MLW) in Blantyre, Malawi.Reporting to the Head of Community Engagement and Bioethics, the successful candidate will play a key role in leading and developing the Global Health Bioethics Network (GHBN) portfolio in Malawi. The post-holder will contribute to innovative research aimed at improving ethical research practice in global health, strengthening ethical community engagement and involvement, and supporting capacity development within the GHBN.This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career researcher to contribute to internationally recognised research at the intersection of bioethics, community engagement, and global health. Key responsibilities include: Work with the group lead, partners across Africa and Asia Wellcome programmes, University of Oxford and MLW and contribute to lead the programme of work focused on ethics and community engagement research at MLW and globally Contribute to leadership of the Research Group: Bioethics and Community Engagement at MLW Develop research portfolio including developing research funded within the GHBN award and independent grant applications Contribute to capacity strengthening in social science, bioethics and community engagement through the support of junior research scientists and students at MLW Contribute to research, teaching and citizenship at LSTM The ideal candidate will possess the following: PhD in a health-related social science discipline (such as Public Health, Health Policy, bioethics, sociology or anthropology)Experience in working in health or development in a low-income countryExperience in conducting qualitative and/or participatory social science research, coding, analysing and interpreting qualitative findingsExperience of working on empirical ethics or community engagementExperience in academic paper writing/ evidence of published paper authorshipExperience of delivering research training and capacity-strengthening activities in a low-income setting (desirable) (For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification) About MLWOur vision MLW has a vision of science driving health and wellbeing. This is bold, ambitious, and challenging as Malawi is faced with challenges related to population density, climate change and environmental degradation, nutrition, education, and endemic diseases including HIV, TB, and malaria. MLW scientists have courage, commitment, energy, and belief - with these combined with excellent funding, facilities, and partnerships, we achieve great things.Our Mission:The MLW mission is to conduct high-quality research to benefit health and to train the next generation of researchers and leaders.Research Themes:Research at MLW is nurtured in Themes. Research Themes catalyse the interactions between our Research Groups, Associate Research Groups, and Research Support Units. Our Themes are:Social Sciences and Health SystemsPopulation HealthInfection BiologyVaccinesClinical & Experimental MedicineMaternal, Newborn & Child Health Application Process: To apply for this position please follow the apply link and upload your CV, complete our application form and attach a covering letter outlining your interest in the post, and how your skills and experience align. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we may sometimes close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role. Please note: This is an occupational requirement of the role. Due to the nature of the position, including the need for in-country knowledge, stakeholder engagement and regional expertise, the successful candidate must be based in Malawi. Candidates must also have the right to work in Malawi to be considered for the position, in accordance with local legislation. Please click here to learn important information about applying for a position at LSTM.

Apply for this job