Grants & Publications Associate (Volunteer)

Type: Volunteer, Part-Time
Location: Remote (Nigeria-based preferred; applicants elsewhere are welcome)

About LunaVax Institute Nigeria
LunaVax Institute Nigeria is a research and implementation organization advancing vaccine access through research, innovation and implementation science. We focus on addressing measles and rubella immunization gaps, particularly among zero-dose children and communities that are difficult to reach, while generating evidence to inform the adoption of new vaccine delivery tools in Nigeria.

Our Current Work
We are preparing a Phase III effectiveness-implementation study comparing a needle-free measles-rubella microarray patch with standard injection in infants and toddlers across four Nigerian states, including facility and outreach settings. A preparatory pilot is planned before the main study.

The Role
We are seeking a Grants & Publications Associate to support grant applications, scientific publications and research communications across our portfolio. Working closely with the Founder & Director and research team, you will help identify funding opportunities, develop proposals and manuscripts, and prepare clear, evidence-based materials for funders, partners and policymakers.

This is an opportunity to gain practical experience in global health research funding and scientific writing while contributing to projects at the intersection of vaccine access and implementation science.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and track relevant funding opportunities, application deadlines and eligibility requirements
• Draft and edit grant applications, letters of intent, concept notes and supporting documents
• Help develop project narratives, research aims, work plans, timelines and budget justifications
• Conduct literature searches and synthesize evidence to support grant applications, manuscripts and research briefs
• Contribute to manuscripts, including the introduction, methods and discussion sections
• Draft policy briefs, discussion papers and partner-facing summaries that communicate research findings clearly
• Manage references and review documents for clarity, consistency, accuracy and adherence to funder and journal requirements
• Maintain an organized library of reusable materials, including organizational descriptions, team biosketches and standard application text
• Participate in team meetings and research discussions as needed

Requirements

• A degree in public health, life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, global health or a related field (completed or in progress, including postgraduate students)
• Excellent written English, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly, concisely and accurately
• Experience writing or contributing to scientific, academic or technical documents
• Strong research, editing and synthesis skills
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with reference management software, such as Zotero, Mendeley or EndNote
• Ability to commit around 5 to 8 hours per week for at least six months
• Commitment to confidentiality and responsible handling of unpublished research and organizational information

Desirable Experience

• Contributing to grant applications for funders such as NIH, Wellcome, the Gates Foundation, EDCTP or similar organizations
• Authorship or co-authorship of peer-reviewed publications
• Experience with systematic or scoping reviews
• Background in vaccines, immunization, maternal and child health, clinical trials or global health
• Familiarity with implementation science and its frameworks
• Experience writing for policymakers, funders or non-specialist audiences
• Familiarity with grant budgets, project work plans or funder reporting requirements
• Knowledge of the Nigerian health system

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience supporting grant applications to international global health funders
• Opportunities for co-authorship where contributions meet recognized authorship criteria (ICMJE)
• Direct mentorship from the Founder & Director and opportunities to learn from advisors in clinical research, regulatory science, implementation science and health financing
• A portfolio of grant development, scientific writing and research communication work
• Collaboration with colleagues across research, implementation and global health
• A certificate of service and a letter of recommendation on successful completion of your commitment
• A flexible, fully remote role that fits around study or other work commitments

Engagement
This is a volunteer role. The time commitment is around 5 to 8 hours per week, used flexibly, for a minimum of six months. It is fully remote, with meetings scheduled in advance, and you will sign a confidentiality agreement before starting. As funding is secured, we intend to develop paid roles and will consider contributors to our work, although we cannot guarantee this.

LunaVax Institute Nigeria is an equal opportunity organization. We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all team members.