Operational Research Advisor (f/m/x) specialized in Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Preventable Diseases (ID/VPD)

Context

The Luxembourg Operational Research Unit (LuxOR) is part of the MSF-OCB Medical Department and supports evidence-based improvements to MSF operations through Operational Research. LuxOR is also coordinating Field Epidemiology activities, providing technical support to strengthen data quality, analysis, and operational decision-making across MSF projects.

We are looking for an Operational Research Advisor specializing in Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Preventable Diseases (ID/VPD) to support research activities ranging from outbreak documentation and epidemiological studies to clinical research and vaccine-related implementation studies.

The successful candidate will combine strong scientific expertise with a pragmatic understanding of humanitarian operations and will work closely with medical, epidemiological, social science, and operational teams across MSF.

Main responsibilities

Lead and support operational research activities

• Guide research projects throughout the full research cycle, from question formulation to dissemination of results.
• Support the development of concept notes, study protocols, and ethical review submissions.
• Ensure methodological rigor, scientific quality, and adherence to ethical standards.
• Provide technical support to research teams and principal investigators.
• Contribute to manuscript writing, scientific publications, reports, policy briefs, and conference presentations.

Research design, data analysis, and scientific support

• Advise on study design, research methodologies, and data collection strategies.
• Support data management, statistical analysis, interpretation of findings, and evidence synthesis.
• Contribute expertise in infectious diseases, outbreak investigations, vaccination, and clinical research.
• Strengthen the use of research findings to inform operational decision-making and policy development.

Capacity strengthening and collaboration

• Mentor and support researchers and field teams.
• Contribute to training initiatives in operational research, epidemiology, and data analysis.
• Participate in field visits and provide direct support to projects.
• Promote collaboration across MSF departments and with external academic and public health partners.

Support in advancing clinical research in the areas of ID/VPD in MSF in coordination with public health intelligence

• Contribute to advancing evidence synthesis and knowledge gaps in ID/VPD as one of the core activities of MSF activities.
• Information sharing, coordinate with social science teams, especially in areas like surveillance, outbreak response, and data analysis.
• Represent MSF in scientific networks, technical platforms, and international conferences.
• Support the translation of research evidence into operational practice and policy.

Profile

• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments

Education

• Postgraduate degree (Master's level minimum) in Medicine, Epidemiology, Public Health, Research Methods, Microbiology, or another relevant health-related discipline.
• PhD considered a strong asset.
• Certification in Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Additional training in epidemiology, biostatistics, or research methodologies is an advantage.

Experience

• Significant experience conducting operational, clinical, or biomedical research.
• Proven experience within MSF or another international humanitarian organization.
• Experience designing and implementing studies or clinical trials in low-resource and/or humanitarian settings.
• Experience in scientific writing and dissemination of research findings.

Skills

• Strong expertise in study design, epidemiology, biostatistics, and data interpretation.
• Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commitment to research ethics, scientific integrity, and humanitarian principles.
• Proficiency with statistical software such as R and/or Stata, 
• Knowledge of data management and data collection platforms (e.g., REDCap, Kobo).
• Knowledge of GIS and Health Information softwares are an asset (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, HIS, DHIS2, etc)
• Excellent command of English (C1 level or higher).
• French is an asset.

What we offer

• A unique opportunity to contribute to humanitarian medical research with global impact.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary experts across the MSF movement.
• Exposure to innovative research in infectious diseases, vaccination, and outbreak response.
• Opportunities for field engagement, capacity building, and professional development.

Conditions 

• Full-time open-ended contract with a trial period of 6 months
• Based in Luxembourg with frequent travels abroad 

• Gross salary over 12 months from 63000 to 76200 € according to MSF experience

• 29 days annual paid leaves

• Possibility of teleworking 2 days per week

• Medical complementary insurance (including hospitalization)

• 18 Lunch vouchers each with a face value of 10,80 € (2/3 covered by MSF). 

• Public transport allowance & relocation package (if applicable) 

  Expected starting date: Mid-January 2027

How to apply?

MSF is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

Interested candidates are invited to complete the application form and submit their CV and Cover letter on our online platform.

Deadline for applications: 25/11/2026