MMed Scholar - Infectious Diseases Research Training (5 Places)

About the role

The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University offers five fully funded research training positions for 2026/2027 under the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chair Initiative (ORTARCHI). The programme is a collaboration between Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), the University of Minnesota (USA) and CAPRISA, and covers research training in immunology, epidemiology, biostatistics, pharmacology and quality improvement. It also aims to establish an Infectious Disease Fellowship within the Department of Medicine at Makerere.

There are five positions: one for MMed Paediatrics at Makerere's College of Health Sciences, two for MMed Internal Medicine at Makerere, and two for MMed Internal Medicine at MUST. Applications close on 8 November 2026.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct research on neuro-infectious diseases using existing platforms or related areas, under expert mentorship.
• Produce at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Submit the MMed thesis for final viva voce examination.
• Submit quarterly reports to the supervisor.
• Share project updates and findings at ORTARCHI research meetings, the IDI Research Forum and national and international conferences.
• Attend IDI research forums and interact with fellow scholars.

Required profile

• Second-year student in MMed Internal Medicine or Paediatrics at Makerere, or MMed Internal Medicine at MUST.
• Demonstrable interest in research, writing and publication, and in infectious and neurological diseases research.
• Ability to define a clear area of interest and research question, with a basic understanding of the epidemiology and statistics of infectious and neurological diseases.
• Commitment to completing the programme full-time.
• Strong English, both spoken and written, shown in a writing sample.

Required skills

• Interest in and ability to work in immunology, epidemiology, biostatistics, pharmacology and quality improvement.
• Self-directed study and planning of a research career.

What we offer

• Fully funded training, workshops, mentorship and research funding (equipment, materials, supplies and data collection).
• Support for publishing manuscripts and presenting at scientific meetings.
• Opportunities to attend international conferences and courses.
• Exposure to grant writing, research management and translational science.

To apply, submit a CV, a one-page research abstract, a personal statement, two letters of reference, academic transcripts and contact details through the IDI recruitment portal. Incomplete applications or late ones will not be considered.