Call for Applications: The Professor Sewankambo Global Health Security Fellowship – Fully Funded PhD Opportunities at Makerere University

Summary:

The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University is pleased to announce the call for applications for the prestigious Professor Sewankambo Global Health Security Fellowship. This program offers four (4) fully-funded PhD fellowships aimed at nurturing the next generation of leaders in Global Health Security (GHS) across Africa. The 3-year fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars to engage in cutting-edge research, practical training, and mentorship in GHS.

About the Fellowship: The Sewankambo Global Health Security Fellowship is designed to foster scientific excellence and leadership in the field of global health security. Hosted by IDI, a leading center for infectious disease research and training in Africa, the fellowship offers a platform for scholars to develop their expertise and contribute to solving critical health security challenges on the continent.

Who Should Apply? We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a background in clinical, numerical, or biological sciences who are passionate about advancing global health security. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work in one of the following seven specialized program areas:

1. Antimicrobial Resistance: Research on innovative strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
2. Laboratory, Biosafety, and Biosecurity: Enhancing laboratory capacity and implementing biosafety and biosecurity measures.
3. Epidemic Intelligence and Surveillance: Strengthening early detection and response systems for infectious disease outbreaks.
4. Case Management, Infection Prevention, and Control: Improving clinical management and infection prevention strategies.
5. Vaccination and Medical Countermeasures: Advancing vaccine development and deployment strategies.
6. Planetary Health and WASH: Integrating health with environmental stewardship and promoting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives.
7. Health Policy, Advocacy, and Economics: Influencing policy decisions and advocating for sustainable health solutions through economic analysis.

Program Benefits:

• Fully Funded PhD Fellowship: The fellowship covers tuition and provides a stipend for up to 3 years, contingent on obtaining provisional admission to Makerere University.
• Internship and Hands-On Experience: Fellows will gain practical experience within IDI’s Global Health Security department.
• Research Support: The fellowship includes coverage of Institutional Review Board (IRB) fees, Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) fees, and publication fees for up to two research publications.
• Mentorship and Training: Access to mentorship from leading experts in the field, along with opportunities to present research at scientific workshops, conferences, and forums.

Key Responsibilities:

• Commit to full-time study and research as a PhD fellow.
• Develop and defend a research proposal aligned with one of the seven GHS program areas.
• Secure full admission to the PhD program at Makerere University within one year of the fellowship offer.
• Obtain ethics approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Uganda National Council for Science & Technology (UNCST).
• Present research findings at scientific workshops and conferences.
• Successfully defend the PhD thesis and meet all requirements for attaining a Makerere University PhD.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Academic Qualifications: Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Medicine, Public Health, Veterinary Sciences, Biological Sciences, or a related numerical field, with at least an upper second-class degree. Both degrees must be from chartered universities.
• Research Experience: At least two first-author publications and the ability to leverage existing data for PhD research.
• Interest in GHS: Demonstrated interest in Global Health Security or related areas such as mathematical modeling.
• Full-Time Commitment: Applicants must be ready to commit to full-time study and research during the fellowship.

Application Requirements:

• Academic Documents: Certified copies of relevant academic transcripts and certificates.
• Reference Letters: Two academic reference letters commenting on the candidate’s academic abilities, potential, creativity, scientific writing skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Motivation Statement: A statement of up to 1000 words explaining the candidate’s interest in GHS and the fellowship.
• Research Concept: A 2-page research concept (excluding references) outlining the proposed PhD research.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV including education, work experience, conference presentations, and publications, with links to previous scientific work.
• Cover Letter: A cover letter stating the candidate’s suitability for the fellowship.

Application Process: Interested candidates should prepare and submit their application documents as per the requirements outlined above. The fellowship is an extraordinary opportunity to contribute to global health security while gaining valuable experience and training at one of Africa’s leading research institutions.

Deadline for Application: All applications must be submitted by 16th September 2024.

For more details and to apply, visit the Makerere University Recruitment Portal.

This fellowship represents a unique chance for aspiring researchers to make a significant impact in the field of global health security. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this transformative program.