The Training and Research Unit of Excellence (TRUE) is inviting applications for two fully funded PhD Fellowship positions. TRUE is a dynamic and internationally recognised research organisation specialising in high-quality research focused on children and pregnant women, particularly within low- and middle-income country settings. These fellowships offer outstanding opportunities for early- to mid-career researchers who are highly motivated, research-driven, and committed to advancing global health knowledge and practice.
Overview of Available PhD Positions
TRUE is recruiting two PhD Fellows under distinct but complementary research tracks:
- PhD Fellowship in Epidemiological/Clinical Research
- PhD Fellowship in Health Social Science Research
Both positions are embedded within large, multidisciplinary, and internationally collaborative research programmes addressing malaria prevention and post-discharge care in vulnerable children.
PhD Fellowship 1: Epidemiological / Clinical Research
Project Overview
This fully funded PhD fellowship is part of a Medical Research Council (MRC)-supported project evaluating the efficacy, safety, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of Post-discharge Malaria Chemoprevention (PDMC) in children recovering from severe acute malnutrition. The research will be conducted in Malawi and Uganda, with academic collaborations involving the University of Bergen (Norway) and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (UK).
The successful candidate will contribute to clinical, epidemiological, and implementation science components of the PDMC intervention within a highly experienced research team.
Supervision and Registration
- PhD registration at the University of Bergen (UiB), Norway
- Joint supervision from teams in Malawi and Norway
- Project leadership by Professor Kamija Phiri (TRUE, Malawi) and Professor Bjørn Blomberg (UiB, Norway)
PhD Programme Requirements
- Formal registration at the University of Bergen
- Development of a PhD research proposal and data collection within the TRUE research platform
- Completion of mandatory coursework at UiB
- Publication of three first-author articles in peer-reviewed journals
- Presentation at a minimum of three local and international conferences
- Minimum three months’ residence at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen
Funding is provided for three years, with additional academic and research support.
PhD Fellowship 2: Health Social Science Research
Project Overview
This PhD fellowship is funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). The research is embedded in a large, multi-country project examining the acceptability, efficacy, and safety of a malaria vaccine compared to chemoprevention in preventing death and rehospitalisation among children recovering from severe anaemia.
The study will be conducted across Malawi, Kenya, and Uganda, with collaborations in Norway and the United Kingdom. The PhD focus will centre on implementation science and social science dimensions of malaria prevention strategies.
Supervision and Registration
- Registration at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHes) or a European university (to be identified)
- Supervision led by Associate Professor Lucinda Manda-Taylor, supported by research teams in Malawi and Norway
PhD Programme Requirements
- Formal registration with the host university
- Research proposal development and fieldwork within TRUE platforms
- Completion of required academic training
- Publication of three first-author peer-reviewed articles
- Presentation at at least three scientific conferences
Personal Attributes and Core Competencies
Applicants for both positions are expected to demonstrate:
- Strong analytical, critical, and independent research thinking
- At least four years of research experience
- Experience managing research projects and coordinating teams
- Knowledge of epidemiological, qualitative, and implementation science methods
- Experience with data management, basic statistics, and relevant software packages
- Ability to work effectively in resource-constrained settings
- Cultural sensitivity and strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Strong organisational, administrative, and reporting skills
- Demonstrated commitment to a long-term research career
Duties and Responsibilities
PhD Fellows will:
- Lead independent doctoral-level research within collaborative teams
- Support coordination of study activities at research sites
- Supervise research staff and contribute to day-to-day project management
- Assist Principal Investigators with reporting, budget oversight, and documentation
- Conduct data analysis and lead scientific manuscript writing
- Liaise with local and international academic supervisors
- Spend significant time at field sites during data collection phases
Minimum Qualification Requirements
- Master of Science (MSc) in a health-related field such as epidemiology, public health, global health, or health social sciences
- Experience working within LMIC health systems or research settings
- Proven ability to work in multidisciplinary research teams
- Prior peer-reviewed publications are an added advantage
- Demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills
What TRUE Offers
- International research exposure and career development opportunities
- Competitive PhD stipend (including time in Malawi and Norway, if applicable)
- Modest research budget for operational costs and international travel
- Supportive, multidisciplinary, and globally connected research environment
Application Process
TRUE is an equal opportunity research organisation and strongly encourages female candidates to apply.
Applicants must:
- Complete the online Google application form
- Email a single PDF document to [email protected] containing:
- Contact details
- Academic certificates (maximum six)
- Optional recommendation letters (maximum two)
- List of peer-reviewed publications with active links
- Contact details for three referees
Application Deadline
08 February 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
