Job Description

Description:
Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is pleased to announce a fully funded PhD scholarship. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team contributing to groundbreaking research that addresses critical health challenges in South Africa and across the continent, under a research project titled: "Optimization of the implementation of clinical trials in a rural setting using multiple approaches."
Overview of Duties:
Background:
In an effort to increase access to clinical trials, Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) established a clinical trials unit (CTU) in 2021 in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal. The CTU builds on AHRI's ongoing implementation and clinical research and leverages its population science and clinical laboratory capacity. The focus is on investigational products for diseases that are major public health concerns in communities surrounding AHRI. AHRI's disease focus is on HIV, TB, emergent infections, and non-communicable disease in a setting of high HIV prevalence and adolescent mental health challenges. The AHRI CTU has therefore strategically included both centralised and decentralised sites in the conduct of clinical trials.
The central CTU site is at AHRI's Somkhele campus, and has a reception area, consulting and procedure rooms, pharmacy and laboratory. All the study procedures for studies conducted at the central CTU are conducted here, and participants are provided with transportation to the site.
The decentralised CTU sites include both satellite sites at six primary healthcare clinics in the area, and mobile clinics that provide primary healthcare services in the communities in and around Somkhele. Decentralised CTU sites aim to bring the clinical trial activities closer to where the participants live, reduce travel time to the site, and further increase access to trials to diverse populations.
This project will explore the use of these three implementation approaches (centralised site, decentralised satellite sites, and mobile clinics) in clinical trials.
Project aims and objectives

• To assess the impact of the three approaches to recruitment and retention of participants
• To examine the adaptation of clinical trials processes for the various implementation approaches
• To estimate the cost effectiveness of the various implementation approaches

Skills Development
During this PhD, the candidate will gain expertise in:

• Methods for evaluating interventions
• Cost-effectiveness analysis
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis

Qualifications and experience

• Applicants should have a Master's degree in epidemiology, public health, clinical trials or a closely related field

How to Apply
To apply, please complete the application form by clicking the 'apply' button above. Applicants must attach the following documents:

• A cover letter
• A 1-2-page CV
• Academic records

For inquiries about this position, please direct them to Aruna Sevakram via education@ahri.org with the subject line:
"AHRI PhD Fellowship: Optimization of the implementation of clinical trials in a rural setting using multiple approaches."
The bursary stipend for this position depends on previous experience and brackets are according to AHRI's official scheme, which will be without tax deduction due to tax exemption status for students.
About AHRI
Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is an independent, transdisciplinary scientific research institute based across two campuses in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa. AHRI's vision is optimal health and well-being of under-resourced populations.
AHRI's research combines population, basic, social, and medical sciences to understand and intervene in the health and well-being of South African communities.
The institute works in partnership with local communities and South African academic, governmental and other policy stakeholders. We emphasise training of the next generation of African scientists. AHRI collaborates with over 60 institutions globally.
The work lives of AHRI's ~500 scientists, students and staff members are driven by our values: ubuntu, transformation, leadership, innovation, excellence, and collaboration.
Worker Type: Contingent Worker
The application closing date: 8 Jan 2026
Please 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 application closing date.

Skills Required