Senior Malaria Researcher

About GiveWell

GiveWell is a leading research organization dedicated to identifying and funding the most cost-effective global health and well-being initiatives. Operating with support from tens of thousands of donors worldwide, GiveWell has grown exponentially—directing over $400 million in 2025, compared to just $1.5 million in 2010. Our rigorous research methodology directly influences how hundreds of millions of dollars are allocated to life-saving programs annually.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Malaria Researcher to join our grantmaking team and help direct approximately $250 million annually to the most impactful and cost-effective malaria prevention programs globally. In this role, you will have substantial influence over GiveWell's malaria funding decisions, directly contributing to saving and improving lives across Africa and beyond.

As a Senior Malaria Researcher, you will create and lead ambitious research agendas across our malaria portfolios while answering complex questions that inform grantmaking strategies. You'll combine rigorous evidence review, cost-effectiveness modeling, and critical judgment to evaluate interventions including vector control, insecticide-treated nets, seasonal and perennial malaria chemoprevention, and malaria vaccines. Future work may expand into case management and therapeutics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead research agendas focused on malaria intervention effectiveness and cost-efficiency
• Identify priority research questions aligned with GiveWell's strategic grantmaking goals
• Conduct comprehensive empirical evidence reviews and critical synthesis of published research
• Build and refine cost-effectiveness models to compare intervention impacts across contexts
• Engage with subject matter experts, program implementers, and stakeholders for insights and validation
• Communicate research findings internally and externally to diverse audiences
• Mentor and advise fellow researchers on the team
• Address strategic questions such as: How do insecticide-treated net fishing practices affect campaign cost-effectiveness? What portfolio adjustments align with emerging technologies and funder priorities? How do novel interventions like attractive toxic sugar baits scale across different regions?

Your Background

You bring expertise in malaria epidemiology, global health research, or a closely related field. You excel at synthesizing complex evidence, building analytical models, and translating findings into actionable insights. Your ability to balance quantitative rigor with contextual understanding makes you effective in fast-moving, high-stakes decision environments. You're comfortable with ambiguity, think strategically about research priorities, and communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Team & Culture

You'll join GiveWell's Research Department of nearly 50 professionals organized into seven specialized teams, including dedicated units for Water & Livelihoods, Nutrition, Vaccines, and New Areas. The organization values intellectual rigor, evidence-based reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving. We support diverse career development pathways based on your interests and our organizational needs.

💰 Compensation not publicly listed. Market estimate for similar roles: from $80K, varying by experience and location.