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 an