Job Description

AHRI is always looking for talented and motivated staff to join our multidisciplinary team. We offer a highly diverse, professional and supportive environment with opportunities for development and growth.Description:Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) seeks to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow to work with an interdisciplinary research team focused on advancing HIV prevention and care strategies through innovative mathematical modelling approaches which seek to integrate the status-neutral approach with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The project will leverage data from implementation studies and population-based health data from AHRIs population-based HIV cohort in northern KwaZulu-Natal to inform public health policy and the design of future intervention programmes.Overview of Duties:South Africa has the worlds largest HIV epidemic, with 8.5 million people living with the virus. Despite free HIV testing, the largest public-sector antiretroviral treatment (ART) program, and various prevention strategies - including condoms, male circumcision, and PrEP - the country remains far from achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 of epidemic control. Adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 30 are at particularly high risk, accounting for 37% of new infections in 2023 despite making up only 16% of the population. Many remain undiagnosed and untreated, exacerbating transmission. The 2023 to 2028 South African HIV National Strategic Plan seeks to address these challenges through multi-sectoral, equitable, and community-centred interventions. A key focus is transitioning to a status-neutral HIV service model, integrating prevention and treatment to ensure equal access regardless of HIV status. While this approach has reduced incidence in high-income settings, its feasibility and cost-effectiveness in lower-income contexts remain unclear especially given the HIV programmes funding constraints. Using mathematical modelling, we aim to identify the key components, costs, and scalability of status-neutral HIV care integrated with SRH services, providing evidence for policy decisions and future interventions.Minimum Requirements

• A PhD in mathematics, mathematical modelling, epidemiology, biostatistics, computer science, operations research, or a related quantitative field.
• Have completed, or be about to complete, their PhD degree.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R) and familiarity with high-performance computing environments.
• Experience with data integration, calibration, and validation of models using empirical data.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Established track record of publications in high-impact, peer reviewed journals.
• Established track record writing research grants.

How to apply:Please complete an application form by clicking on the apply button above. You are expected to attach a cover letter, 12-page CV, and academic records.The salary for this position depends on previous experience and follows AHRIs official scheme and NRF grades and will be exempt from tax deductions due to the tax-exempt status for postdoctoral fellows.Worker Type: Contingent WorkerSkills:The application closing date: 8 May 2025Please 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.AHRI is a values-driven organisation. As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership.Our values
The successful candidate will be expected to live by AHRIs values, including collaboration, ubuntu, leadership, innovation, transformation, and excellence.Employment equity
AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants, with a valid work permit desirable. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Africa Health Research Institute