Job Overview: Training Lead for MAMI-GRIPPS Project at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a globally recognized public health institution, renowned for its pioneering research, education, and policy contributions aimed at improving health outcomes and equity worldwide. A vital opportunity has arisen to join this prestigious institution as a Research Assistant or Research Fellow, serving as the training lead for the MAMI-GRIPPS project.

The MAMI-GRIPPS Project (MAnaging Malnutrition in Infants u6m: Getting Research Into Policy & Practice at Scale) is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enabling the sustainable, large-scale roll-out of care programs for small or nutritionally at-risk infants under six months of age. This role involves designing and delivering training programs to achieve high impact in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. Based in London, the successful applicant will collaborate with international teams and regularly travel to project sites in Bangladesh and Senegal. They will provide capacity-building expertise and lead efforts to translate research findings into actionable policies and effective practices.

This fixed-term, part-time position (0.2-0.6 FTE, or 7-21 hours per week) is an exciting opportunity to contribute to global health and nutrition improvement, with the potential for significant impact on child survival and public health outcomes.

Advice for International Applicants: How to Strengthen Your Application

Applying to a globally renowned institution like LSHTM requires thorough preparation and attention to detail, particularly from an international education perspective. Below, you’ll find tips tailored to help strengthen your application:

1. Understand the Role and Its Global Impact
This role goes beyond individual clinical practice; it’s about transforming research into policies and practical programs that operate at scale in LMICs. In your application, demonstrate a clear understanding of the global challenges in managing malnutrition in infants under six months of age. Emphasize your dedication to improving maternal and child health and explain how your experience aligns with the MAMI-GRIPPS project goals.

2. Meet the Essential Qualifications for a Competitive Edge

• Academic Background: You’ll need a health-related degree (bachelor’s for Research Assistant, postgraduate/doctoral for Research Fellow). If your qualifications are from an international institution, ensure they are recognized as equivalent to UK standards (check UK ENIC, formerly known as NARIC, for equivalency assessment).
• Relevant Experience: The role requires expertise in designing and delivering training on MAMI-related topics and direct clinical/front-line experience – ideally in LMIC, humanitarian, or global health settings. Share specific examples, such as workshops you’ve led, tools or methodologies you’ve developed, or contributions you’ve made to scale-up programs. Highlight experience working cross-culturally in diverse healthcare environments.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of Global Health Systems and Capacity-Building
As you’ll be working in international settings like Bangladesh and Senegal, LSHTM will be looking for cultural and professional adaptability. Discuss any experience with the health systems in LMICs and your approach to capacity-building in underserved settings. Show how you’ve addressed resource limitations or collaborated with local healthcare workers to design sustainable solutions.

4. Prioritize Strong Communication and Application Clarity
LSHTM’s application process places great importance on the supporting statement section. This is where you must address each of the criteria listed in the job description.
– Structure your response by copying each criterion from the job posting and writing one or more paragraphs demonstrating your relevant experience and achievements.
– Provide clear, specific examples of outcomes you’ve achieved, ensuring these are measurable where possible (e.g., “Trained XX healthcare workers on MAMI protocols, which reduced staff errors by YY%”).
– Avoid generic responses like “See attached CV” – LSHTM explicitly states this will result in disqualification.

5. Address Cultural and Travel Preparedness
Be sure to emphasize your ability to travel internationally, including adapting to different cultural, linguistic, and healthcare contexts. Discuss any previous fieldwork experience, especially in LMICs or humanitarian settings, and how you addressed logistical, cultural, or interpersonal challenges. Familiarity with the health challenges specific to regions like South Asia or West Africa will be a bonus.

6. Highlight Teaching and Leadership Experience
As the training lead, you’ll be responsible for building capacity in others. Highlight your ability to explain complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences (e.g., healthcare workers, policymakers, academics). Share your teaching, training, or mentoring experience, especially if these involved MAMI, child nutrition, or public health.

7. Align Your Values with LSHTM’s Mission
LSHTM is committed to improving health equity globally. Show your dedication to addressing inequalities, whether through your work with underserved populations or your efforts to improve access to healthcare in challenging settings. Present yourself as someone who is genuinely aligned with LSHTM’s mission and vision.

8. Be Date and Detail Accurate

• The fixed-term role is until June 2026, and the preferred start date is August 2025. Ensure your availability aligns with this timeline.
• Double-check all sections of your application for grammar, accuracy, and submission before the closing date.

9. Consider the Practicalities of Moving or Working in the UK
If you’re an international applicant, account for visa requirements for working in the UK (e.g., obtaining a Skilled Worker visa). Check LSHTM’s Human Resources guidelines or email them at jobs@lshtm.ac.uk if you have specific questions about eligibility.

To Apply:
Submit your application online by clicking the “Apply” button on the LSHTM job website. Ensure you complete all sections, including your supporting statement, by 10pm on the closing date. If you have any questions or need clarification during the application process, email the LSHTM recruitment team at jobs@lshtm.ac.uk.

By following these recommendations and clearly connecting your skills to the unique demands of this role, you can position yourself as a compelling candidate ready to contribute meaningfully to LSHTM’s world-changing work. Good luck!