Project Title: “Building Research Capacity in Sociobehavioral Sciences in HIV Infection in Tanzania”

Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI) is an academic center for evidence-based health interventions. KCRI provides research training and necessary research infrastructure and logistics for KCMC/KCMU College investigators, their collaborating partners, and for students.

KCRI in collaboration with Duke University has received a training grant from the US National Institute of Health (NIH) for the Project Titled: Building Research Capacity in Sociobehavioral Sciences in HIV Infection in Tanzania.

This training program is aimed at including an interdisciplinary team of socio-behavioral and related scientists who study HIV infection.

The trainees in this program are expected to gain expertise in cross-cutting approaches to prevention strategies, HIV testing, retention in care, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, related co-morbidities especially mental illness, the needs of vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents with HIV, and an aging population of persons with HIV in Tanzania. These topics are aligned with priority areas identified by the US National Institutes of Health, the Tanzanian Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, and the 2021 PEPFAR Country Operating Plan for Tanzania.

Given the evolving Tanzanian HIV epidemic and institutional needs, the program is looking forward to training seven new members and further diversifying the KCRI research team through

Subspecialty training in Child and Adolescent and Geriatric Psychiatry for two physicians trained

in General Psychiatry, and two Ph.D. level Psychologists, and strengthening the team’s ability to address

social determinants and community outreach capacity with two psychiatric social workers and

one occupational therapist over the next 5 years. The project is led by Prof. Blandina Mmbaga (KCRI) and Prof. John Bartlett (Duke University)

KCRI in collaboration with Duke University is pleased to announce a scholarship opportunity for the successful applicant for the below opportunity:-

Master’s Degree – Clinical Psychology (2 Positions) (the University of Nairobi UoN – 2 Years)

Successful applicants will be encouraged to pursue a Ph.D. degree in Psychology upon successful completion of their MSc, contingent on acceptance into the Ph.D. Program.

Qualification:

  • A bachelor’s degree in medicine, biostatistics/applied statistics, epidemiology, biological sciences, social science, Nursing or any other equivalent field from an accredited university in Tanzania with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or a “B” grade average.

Desired experience/skills and other Additional Requirements.

  • Excellent Communication skills
  • Very good spoken and written English and Kiswahili
  • Documented experience in research, e.g publications in peer-review journals (added advantage)
  • Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, basic data entry, and email
  • Skills for Data analysis
  • Excellent collaborative teamwork experience and skills
  • Interest in acquiring additional analytic/data science or implementation science skills

Scholarship Stipend and Terms

  • Successful applicants will receive a competitive stipend, travel costs, laptop, and books allowance.
  • The successful applicant will have to apply to the respective university and if accepted, the HIV- Social Behavioral Sciences Training and Research Program will provide support.
  • Successful applicants will be supported to develop his/her skills and become independent research scientists within a structured and mentored training environment by skilled supervisors from KCMUCo and Duke University.
  • The candidate should be available on a full-time basis.
  • Applicants must show a commitment to pursuing a research and academic career at KCMC. A Graduate will be required to serve at KCMC for a minimum of five years following his/her graduation.

Mode of Application and Documentation

Your applications must include each of the following:-

  • Your research concept note describing the problem you are most excited to solve during your training program (3-5pages)
  • Motivation letter for your application
  • Signed application letter
  • Current resume or curriculum vitae
  • Proposed individualized career development plan
  • Three letters of reference along with names and telephone numbers of the three referees who may be contacted by us in confidence. One of these should be able to attest to your academic performance during your A-Level Education/Advanced Diploma/BSc/MSC/MD/MMed (or equivalent)
  • Photocopies of certificates, diplomas, and academic transcripts
  • Applicants’ mailing address, contact telephone number (s), and e-mail address
  • Confirmation of study leave from your employer/workstation (if any)

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must have Tanzanian citizenship.

Your interest in this position and/or application should reach the undersigned no later than 31st March 2023 to allow selection and time to apply for the University’s admission.

Please send a soft copy of all documents (The preferred format is Adobe pdf) to:- t.jana@kcri.ac.tz / rosefreddy8@gmail.com

A hard copy can be sent to:

The Director, KCRI

Attn: Tupokigwe Jana / Rose Shoo

Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute

P.O.Box 2236, MOSHI