SCHOLAR

Job Description

Funded Scholarship Opportunities in Infectious Disease Research

The Research Capacity Building Unit at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, invites applications for funded training scholarships in Infectious disease research for academic year 2025/2026 through the O.R. TAMBO AFRICA RESEARCH CHAIR INITIATIVE.

Program Goal

The program aims to train and retain a new generation of African physician-scientists who will contribute to human and institutional capacity development in prevention, treatment, and research of infectious diseases. It targets highly motivated individuals committed to advancing careers in Infectious Diseases.

Background

Among a myriad of different causes of morbidity, infectious and neglected tropical diseases remain a leading cause of death in Africa. Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis account for a large portion of neurological disease burden especially among immunocompromised individuals, including those living with HIV/AIDS.

In Sub-Saharan Africa:

• Cryptococcal meningitis causes 15–19% of AIDS-related deaths.
• TB meningitis is the deadliest form of TB.
• CNS infections account for 12% of medical admissions in Uganda’s national referral hospital, yet most etiologies remain undiagnosed.

Despite the magnitude of this problem, infections remain under-researched and under-diagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and preventable deaths.

Program Overview

This training program is a collaboration between Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST), University of Minnesota (USA) and Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). The program envisages multidisciplinary research training in Immunology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Pharmacology and Quality Improvement. Trainees will conduct research using existing infectious disease research platforms or other infectious diseases, under expert mentorship.

Additionally, the program aims to establish an Infectious Disease Fellowship within the Department of Medicine at Makerere University, in partnership with the East, Central & Southern Africa College of Physicians. This will contribute to building a local and regional workforce of infectious disease specialists.

Benefits for Successful Candidates

• Supported training and mentorship for 2 years during the MMed Internal Medicine program
• Research funding (equipment, materials, supplies, and data collection)
• Access to research and career development workshops
• Support to publish manuscripts and present at scientific meetings
• Opportunities to attend international conferences, have laboratory exposure and leadership training
• Exposure to grant writing, research management, and translational science

Application Process

Highly motivated individuals, capable of self-directed study and planning a career in infectious disease research are invited to apply for this scholarship at IDI if the

• Have a demonstrable interest in clinical, biomedical research, and scientific writing
• Wish to develop particular expertise in Infectious disease research through the following areas: Immunology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Pharmacology and Quality Improvement
• Demonstrable interest preferably in infectious disease research, through prior research participation and/or publications
• Ability to define a clear area of interest within infectious disease research and strong research question
• Possess a basic understanding of global/national infectious disease research epidemiology and statistics
• Demonstrable commitment towards developing a strong academic career and leadership within infectious disease research
• Motivated, independent, strong teamwork and communication skills
• Strong English language proficiency, both spoken and written (as demonstrated in writing sample)

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