Ph.D. FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY IN IMMUNOLOGY

Ph.D. FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY IN IMMUNOLOGY

Global Health Uganda (GHU), Indiana University School of Medicine (IU), and Makerere University invite applications for a highly selective, fully funded Ph.D. fellowship in Immunology. The fellowship is designed to prepare future leaders in malaria immunology who will conduct rigorous research, mentor others, and strengthen sustainable research programs in Uganda and the region.

The program seeks applicants who are academically prepared for rigorous doctoral training, have a genuine and informed interest in malaria, and can describe a credible long-term commitment to research and scientific leadership. A need for a doctoral credential alone is not sufficient evidence of fit.

Why This Fellowship Is Distinctive

• Rigorous doctoral training in fundamental and translational immunology at Indiana University School of Medicine.
• A clear scientific focus on malaria immunity, immunopathogenesis, vaccines, and host-parasite interactions.
• Joint mentorship from IU, GHU, and Makerere investigators.
• Connection to Ugandan cohorts, field settings, datasets, samples, and research priorities, as appropriate to the project.
• Training in experimental design, quantitative methods, scientific writing, grant development, mentorship, and leadership.
• Continued engagement with the Uganda partnership and preparation for a post-Ph.D. research and leadership role.

Scientific Focus

• Fellows will receive broad training in immunology while pursuing malaria-relevant research. Areas may include:
• Naturally acquired immunity and immune memory.
• B-cell, antibody, T-cell, and innate immune responses.
• Immune correlates of protection and disease severity.
• Malaria vaccine immunology.
• Immunopathogenesis of severe malaria and malaria in vulnerable populations.
• Host-parasite interactions and immune regulation.
• Systems immunology, biomarkers, computational biology, and multi-omics.
• Translational studies linked to Ugandan clinical and field research.

Training and Mentorship

Year 1: Indiana BioMedical Gateway Program

Foundational biomedical sciences coursework.

Laboratory rotations to develop immunology depth and identify a dissertation mentor.

Professional development and early participation in seminars and partnership activities.

Year 2 and Beyond: Immunology Specialization

• Advanced immunology coursework and required graduate milestones.
• Dissertation research with a primary mentor, a malaria-focused co-mentor, and a Uganda-based career mentor.
• Training in experimental design, biostatistics, responsible conduct of research, scientific communication, and grant writing.
• Publication and presentation of rigorous research.

Leadership Development

• A written development plan reviewed twice each year.
• Regular presentation of progress to the GHU-Makerere-IU scientific community.
• Progressive experience mentoring junior trainees and contributing to seminars or workshops.
• Career planning that begins early and includes preparation for research independence.

Fellowship Support

• Full tuition and required university fees.
• Competitive annual stipend in accordance with university policy.
• Health and other insurance coverage under applicable university policies.
• Approved research, conference, training, and professional-development support.
• Mentorship, academic support, wellness resources, and approved partnership travel.

Who Should Apply

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant master’s degree, medical degree, or research-intensive professional degree from a recognized institution.
• Academic preparation that meets IU graduate admission requirements.
• Meaningful research experience and the ability to explain one’s own scientific contribution.
• Ability to commit full-time effort to doctoral training and research.
• A clear commitment to malaria research and scientific capacity building in Uganda or the region.
• No concurrent fellowship that conflicts with this award.

Strong Candidates Will Demonstrate

• Preparation in immunology and related biomedical or quantitative sciences.
• Ability to formulate questions, interpret data, recognize limitations, and propose next steps.
• A verifiable research product such as a thesis, manuscript, report, abstract, poster, or dataset.
• Sustained exposure to malaria research, clinical work, field work, public health, or relevant laboratory science.
• Persistence, initiative, integrity, teamwork, responsiveness to feedback, and leadership potential.
• A specific long-term plan for malaria research, mentorship, and institutional contribution.

Application Package

• Curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages).
• Malaria Commitment Statement (maximum 500 words): explain how your interest in malaria developed, identify one important malaria-immunology question, and describe why this fellowship fits your long-term goals.
• Research Experience Statement (maximum 750 words): describe one project, your personal role, methods, findings, challenges, interpretation, and next steps.
• Immunology Readiness Statement (maximum 500 words): describe relevant preparation and areas requiring further development.
• Leadership and Contribution Statement (maximum 500 words): describe the role you hope to hold 5-10 years after the Ph.D. and how you will contribute to research, mentorship, and institutional capacity.
• One scientific work sample with a brief statement of your personal contribution.
• Certified academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
• Three confidential recommendation letters, preferably including at least two from research supervisors.

Selection Process

Selection will occur in three steps:

1. Eligibility and completeness review.
2. Structured review of academic preparation, research experience, malaria commitment, and leadership potential.
3. A structured interview that includes discussion of the applicant’s own research and a short scientific interpretation exercise.

Selection by the fellowship committee constitutes nomination for fellowship support. Nominees must also complete and succeed in the formal Indiana University graduate admissions process. Fellowship nomination does not guarantee university admission.

Expectations of Fellows

• Meet all academic and research milestones.
• Conduct rigorous, ethical, and collaborative research.
• Remain actively engaged with the GHU-Makerere-IU partnership.
• Publish and present research findings.
• Participate in mentorship, leadership development, and career planning.
• Work toward a sustained career in malaria research and capacity building.

Application Deadline

Submission Deadline: 30th September 2026 at 5:00 PM (EAT)

Applications should be submitted electronically in one PDF file Titled: PhD IU-GHU IMMUNOLOGY APPLICATION to: Email: [email protected]

Contact Information

For additional information and inquiries:

Global Health Uganda (GHU)

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Telephone: +256 393 516707

Shape the Future of Immunology Research

Join a vibrant international research community and gain world-class doctoral training through the Global Health Uganda–Indiana University partnership. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries that improve health outcomes locally and globally.