Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and talented candidate to apply for the 2024-2025 fully funded joint PhD studentship between the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) in Durban and University College London (UCL) in the UK. The successful candidates will work together with Prof Al Leslie (AHRI) and Gabriele Pollara (UCL) to submit a proposal for the AHRI/UCL PhD award on a study investigating the immunological basis of increased TB susceptivity in people living with well-controlled HIV.Despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV infection is still associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) disease, and this PhD studentship will seek to dissect the contributing immunological processes that remain dysregulated. The project takes a highly novel approach, using the tuberculin skin test (TST) to sample the in vivo response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigenic challenge. The work will involve a wide array of techniques, including bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses, in vitro tissue models, immunofluorescence, and situ hybridization. This project will include in-depth training for in silico analyses of transcriptional responses from the site of TB disease and a human mycobacterial challenge model.An educational track record (Master's degree) in the immunobiology of infectious diseases, experience in laboratory work, and aptitude for coding or bioinformatic analyses are highly desirable. Most importantly, we're looking for a highly motivated and fun-loving candidate who can bring their passion and drive to enhance our research groups and join the effort to learn more about infections with enormous global health impact.This competitive award includes a generous stipend, a PhD granted by UCL, and all fees for a three-year doctorate at UCL. The research will take place in both AHRI and UCL, with up to one year spent in the UK which will include two round-trip air fares to and from SA to UK, support for reasonable London living costs for up to one year, UCL bench fees and support for Durban living costs for two years. We will work closely with the successful applicant to develop a highly competitive application for this award scheme and support them at every step of the process.

• Applicants must be domiciled in South Africa
• Have completed, or be about to complete, a Masters degree or equivalent.
• Be willing to stay in London for up to one year during their PhD studies. This time can be split into two periods of six months if required.
• Must hold a valid passport.

In the event of an unsuccessful application, alternative PhD funding opportunities for the project will be discussed with the candidate but cant be guaranteed.Apply by emailing your CV, a copy of your academic transcripts together and a short explanation of why you are applying to al.leslie@ahri.org and g.pollara@ucl.ac.uk.Deadline for all applications: 18 March 2024Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the applications closing date.

Africa Health Research Institute