PhD Training Position

Background

Annually, 1.2 million adolescents die prematurely due to preventable or treatable causes, while many more suffer from poor health and disability. A high share of the global mortality and morbidity burden in adolescence occurs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Adolescence is also a critical stage of life when important physical, cognitive and social developments take place, and critical behaviors related to diet, exercise, alcohol and tobacco use, violence and sexual behavior are developed. These developments and behaviors determine and shape behaviors well into adulthood and, with it, long-term health outcomes. Improving adolescent health, therefore, is paramount for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and creating healthy societies.

Under the DASH Project, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) is collaborating with other institutions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to evaluate interventions aimed at addressing key health challenges among adolescents and young adults in SSA. DASH in full is: “Research network for design and evaluation of adolescent health interventions and policies in Sub-Saharan Africa”. The overarching and long-term goal of the DASH project is to boost adolescent health in SAA through rigorous population-based intervention and policy research. The project is working within three domains of: (i) nutrition & physical activity, (ii) sexual & reproductive health), and (iii) mental health & violence.

Position Description

As part of capacity building in the area of adolescent health research, one PhD Fellowship position is available for a suitably qualified individual with interest in advancing their knowledge and research skills in Applied Statistics with focus in Data Science or Health Informatics modeling, within any of the three domains described above. The PhD candidate will have to be registered at Makerere University to receive full tuition fee, and research costs support from the project. The PhD fellowship support is for a maximum of up to four years only, with annual review for acceptable performance and progress.

Eligibility

1. A master’s degree in Biostatistics, or Health Informatics.
2. A Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 3.6 at bachelor’s degree, and at master’s degree training from an accredited university
3. Submission of a no longer than a 4-page research concept (font type Arial 11, single spacing), describing the possible PhD research idea in one of the project domains described above; including: i) Brief background, ii) research problem, ii) research hypotheses/ theoretical under-pinning for the research, iii) specific aims, iv) research design, and, v) analysis plan.
4. Preference will be given to proposed research idea(s) that are integrated in a relevant theoretical framework. The following article by Grant and Osanloo (2016) might offer some guidance on integrating research ideas in theoretical a framework: Understanding, selecting, and integrating a theoretical framework in dissertation research: Developing a 'blueprint' for your "house". doi:10.5929/2014.4.2.9
5. Must be Ugandan citizens, and their original national ID card will be required
6. Must be no older than 35 years

How to apply:

Suitably qualified persons should email their application that must include the following:

1. A 1-page type written application letter addressed to the Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health, with a subject line “Application for a PhD Position on the DASH Project.”
2. Up-to-date curriculum vitae
3. Copies of the relevant academic certificates and transcripts
4. A copy of their national identification card
5. The PhD concept as described above
6. Two letters of recommendation, with at least one from an academic supervisor at master’s degree training

The above application documents must be submitted AS ONE PDF FILE to the following email address: recruitment@musph.ac.ug, with the email subject line “Application for PhD Position on the DASH Project.” The deadline for submission is by 11:59 pm on 26th April 2024.

NB:   Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews. Canvassing for the position is prohibited and may lead to automatic disqualification.