Post Doctoral Fellow (Nutrition and Public Health)

Job Description

WorldFish is seeking a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Nutrition and Public Health to be based in Penang, Malaysia or Zanzibar, Tanzania. The post doc will join our growing team working on aquatic foods for better diets and nutrition among vulnerable groups in the global south. This interdisciplinary role involves collaboration with partners globally, providing a unique opportunity to work across diverse cultural and professional settings. This postdoctoral position will play a key role in advancing research projects focused on enhancing nutrition and food security through aquatic food systems.

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

• Conducting comprehensive analyses of global datasets to address critical questions related to the transformation of aquatic food systems and their impacts on diets and nutrition.
• Contributing to various global initiatives aimed at strengthening aquatic food value chains to improve dietary diversity and nutrition outcomes.
• Shaping how aquatic food systems projects are designed to address diet quality and nutrition outcomes.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Conduct data analyses using dietary, spatial, and biological datasets.
• Oversee the implementation of field-based human nutrition studies.
• Lead and contribute to scientific publications.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement research activities.
• Disseminate findings to inform policy and practice.

• PhD in food systems, human nutrition, public health nutrition, or a related field.
• Expertise in research design and statistical analysis using R, STATA and/or SPSS.
• Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written).

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Creative data organization and visualization skills.
• Skills in dynamic modelling in other languages as well as in GIS-based analyses.
• Experience working with rural communities in Africa, Asia, or the Pacific.
• Knowledge of marine ecosystems and aquatic foods.

This Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS) position offers an annual salary of USD43,000 to USD 52,000 per annum. WorldFish’s IRS shall receive an attractive retirement plan, comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, accident, and long-term disability insurance. Internationally recruited staff employed outside of their home base/country of nationality will also be eligible to receive relocation assistance, a housing allowance, home-leave plane tickets for self and eligible dependents and education assistance for school-age dependents between age 4 and high school graduation. The duration of the contract will initially be for a two-year period with possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance. All benefits are subject to terms and conditions.

How to Apply

Your application must include:

• A copy of your curriculum vitae,
• A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above; and
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

To be considered, applications must be submitted ONLINE HERE by no later than 23:59 (MYT), 15 March 2026.

Location: The post holder will be based in Penang, Malaysia or Zanzibar, Tanzania, and will require international travel.

The screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Over 40% of WorldFish staff is women with some 30 nationalities represented and contributing to its dynamic multicultural work environment. WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion are valued and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions. 

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.

About the Organization

WorldFish is an international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish and other aquatic foods for their livelihoods and nutrition. Our work in countries advances progress on multiple 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through science and innovation, with a vision of healthy people, healthy planet and shared prosperity.