Applications are invited from suitably qualified Ugandans who would like to compete for an PhD fellowship opportunity through the GIISER project within the Viral Pathogens Theme. The GIISER project is Global Immunology & Immune Sequencing for Epidemic Response, funded by the Bill and Gates Foundation and coordinated by MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. GIISER is a multisite protocol that uses new and existing surveillance and epidemic cohorts to connect local pathogen genomic surveillance to improve local immunological assessments and antibody discovery. It aims to strengthen in-country capacity for viral immune monitoring in low and middle-income countries and build global networks to link local sequencing with local immunology and pathogen detection tools to improve epidemic preparedness starting with COVID-19.
The successful PhD Fellow will contribute to the understanding of the local epidemics; inform prevention, vaccination, and therapeutic strategies; generate vaccine candidates, and isolate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for immune-therapeutics and detection, while tracking immune escape from natural- and vaccine-induced immune recognition. The scope of work includes pathogen genomics sequencing and bioinformatics for viral evolution; virus-specific serology including antibody binding, virus neutralization, epitope mapping and structural assessments; T cell responses using ELISpot, flow cytometry Luminex; transcriptomics and bioinformatic analyses.
Desired background competencies include:
- Polyclonal antibody assessments, including serology, polyclonal binding and neutralisation assessments and generation of Pseudoviruses
- Local monoclonal antibody discovery including single cell sequencing, bioinformatics
- In-vitro studies using primary immune cells to identify T cell responses
- Generating and testing engineered viruses and antibody clones
Applicants should ensure that their prior training and experience are relevant to the scope of this training opportunity. Support will be given to one eligible PhD candidate for three years to complete their studies. The support will include tuition, research costs and stipend according to the Unit’s stipend scales.
Requirements for the PhD Fellowship
The normal minimum entrance qualification for registration on a PhD programme at Makerere University includes the following:
• Applicants should have obtained at least a first- or second-class degree (or its equivalent) from a Chartered University at the time of completion In addition, the applicant:
• MUST be a citizen of Uganda, evidenced by a national ID
• Have experience in conducting immunology research involving pathogen genomic surveillance, immunological assessments, and antibody discovery with a combined background experience in both immunology and associated bioinformatics
• Have working experience (one year or more) in conducting health-related basic science research. Application Procedure
• One-page cover letter indicating current and future research interests and expected start date.
• A brief summary of your previous research experience (one page maximum)
• Curriculum vitae (highlighting your skills and relevant experience), including names, email addresses and telephone contact details of three (3) referees
• Scanned copies of your professional and academic transcripts
• A confidential letter of support from your academic lead or head of programme or section head, addressed to the Chairperson, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Training Committee, to be submitted separately to training@mrcuganda.org. The confidential letter should be submitted by the academic lead or head of programme or section.
How to Apply
Applications should be addressed to the Chairperson, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Training Committee and submitted by email to training@mrcuganda.org. Combine all application documentation into one PDF document. Please specify “PhD Fellowship GIISER_2023-04” in the subject line of the email. Female candidates are encouraged to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. The closing date for receiving applications is 23rd December 2023.