Senior Research Manager – Science Writing & Technical Portfolio

1. POSITION VACANT: Senior Research Manager – Science Writing & Technical Portfolio, Vital Strategies India Services Private Limited (VSISPL), New Delhi

2. ORGANISATIONAL AND PROJECT BACKGROUND:

Vital Strategies India Services Private Limited, with a registered office at New Delhi, is a social enterprise that provides technical and management consultancy services to address the leading causes of death, disease or injury and improve health outcomes. It seeks to provide innovative, cost-efficient solutions to global clients that are locally relevant, effective, and enduring by pursuing high-value partnerships and leveraging India’s high-quality human capital and technology advantage.

All members of the Vital Strategies India team embody the organization's values and are integral to promoting our brand, supporting our growth, and ensuring operational excellence.

For more information about Vital Strategies, visit https://www.vitalstrategies.org/

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Senior Research Manager, Science Writing & Technical Portfolio, based in New Delhi, will lead the drafting, synthesis, and editorial development of research outputs within the Policy & Communication Division of Vital Strategies India Services Private Limited. The role supports the translation of monitoring data, research analyses, and technical findings into clear, policy-relevant publications used by policymakers, researchers, and global partners.

The Senior Research Manager will work closely with research teams, analysts, and program leads to develop issue briefs, technical reports, policy summaries, and peer-reviewed manuscripts. The position is responsible for strengthening the clarity, analytical coherence, and policy relevance of research outputs while ensuring methodological transparency and adherence to editorial standards.

This position is full-time and based in New Delhi, requiring a valid work permit for India, the ability to work across time zones, and periodic domestic or international travel as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

(A) Research Writing and Publication Development:
(1) Lead the drafting and structural editing of research outputs, including issue briefs, technical reports, policy analyses, and peer-reviewed manuscripts;
(2) Translate monitoring data and research findings into clear, policy-relevant narratives suitable for policymakers, researchers, and public health practitioners;
(3) Draft executive summaries, key messages, and policy implications that clearly communicate the significance and policy relevance of research findings;
(4) Support preparation and submission of peer-reviewed manuscripts, including drafting sections, coordinating co-author input, and preparing responses to journal reviewers;
(5) Prepare abstracts, conference materials, and technical consultation presentations as required.

(B) Research Synthesis and Evidence Review:
(1) Conduct literature reviews and desk research to support research outputs and program activities;
(2) Monitor relevant academic journals, policy reports, and global health publications to identify emerging evidence and policy developments;
(3) Synthesize findings from multiple datasets, research outputs, and external evidence into concise analytical summaries;
(4) Maintain organized reference libraries and support citation management across research outputs.

(C) Editorial Development and Content Adaptation:
(1) Provide developmental editing and structural guidance to strengthen clarity, argumentation, and narrative coherence across research outputs;
(2) Collaborate with research teams and analysts to integrate technical feedback from multiple contributors;
(3) Ensure consistency with organizational editorial standards and publication guidelines;
(4) Adapt and repurpose research outputs across formats, including reports, policy briefs, summaries, web content, and other communication materials while maintaining analytical accuracy.

(D) Knowledge Translation, Learning, and Publication Coordination:
(1) Coordinate the development and production of research outputs across internal teams to ensure timely delivery of publications and communication products;
(2) Work closely with editorial, legal, and design teams to ensure research outputs meet organizational standards for quality, compliance, and presentation;
(3) Coordinate with website developers and other vendors as necessary to support the final production and digital publication of reports, briefs, and related materials;
(4) Collaborate with public relations and external communications teams to support media materials, press outreach, and other external communications aligned with research findings;
(5) Translate research findings into clear, policy-relevant insights that inform strategies, regulatory discussions, and program design;
(6) Synthesize insights from research and monitoring outputs to identify key lessons and implications that support organizational learning and inform program strategy;
(7) Develop case studies and analytical narratives that document program implementation, policy impact, and lessons learned across countries, contributing to institutional knowledge and cross-program learning;
(8) Support the development and organization of internal knowledge resources, including synthesis notes, lessons-learned briefs, and documentation that strengthens institutional memory.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES:

Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Public Health, Data Science, Statistics, Epidemiology, Computer Science, Behavioral/Social Sciences, Economics, or related field; Ph.D. preferred.

Experience:
(1) Minimum eight years of experience in research writing, policy analysis, academic publishing, or editorial roles related to public health or policy;
(2) Demonstrated experience drafting or editing research-based publications, including policy briefs, reports, or peer-reviewed manuscripts;
(3) Demonstrated experience conducting quantitative or qualitative analysis, enabling accurate interpretation and synthesis of research findings;
(4) Demonstrated strong analytical writing ability with experience synthesizing complex evidence into clear narratives;
(5) Experience supporting the publication process for peer-reviewed journals.
(6) Experience working with multidisciplinary research teams and integrating feedback from multiple contributors;
(7) Experience working in international or multi-country research environments is desirable.

Skills and Competencies:
(1) Excellent analytical writing and editorial skills;
(2) Strong ability to synthesize complex research findings clearly and accurately;
(3) Proficiency in reference management tools and academic citation practices;
(4) Strong organizational and deadline management skills;
(5) Ability to work collaboratively with technical teams across time zones;
(6) Attention to detail and commitment to methodological accuracy;
(7) Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Working Conditions:

(1) This is a full-time position based in our New Delhi office, where a hybrid, 4-day-per-week office schedule is in place;
(2) Work across different time zones;
(3) Possible domestic/international travel for research coordination and dissemination.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

The salary range for this position is INR 23,80,000 to INR 30,00,000, complemented by a strong retirement plan, flexible basket reimbursement options, comprehensive healthcare coverage, and paid leave — ensuring our people feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive both professionally and personally.

6. LOCATION: New Delhi, India

7. REFERENCE: SRM-SWTP-VSISPL

8. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar 
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025
Phone Nos.: 011- 4081 9900; 4165 3612

9. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in this position are requested to apply online at https://www.samsstc.com/Jobs/job-description/senior-research-manager-science-writing-technical-portfolio-vital-strategies-india-services-private-limited-new-delhi/477 by or before April 10, 2026.

Due to the urgency of the position, interviews may be scheduled even before the closure of advertisement. Hence, interested candidates are encouraged to apply at the earliest.

Vital Strategies India, a two-time Great Place to Work® certified organization, fosters a culture rooted in respect, collaboration, integrity, and inclusion. The organization welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds and does not discriminate on any basis protected by local or national laws.

Vital Strategies maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse by any employee, partner, or representative. All final candidates are subject to thorough vetting.

To support employee well-being, Vital Strategies offers a strong retirement plan, flexible reimbursement options, comprehensive healthcare, and generous paid leave.