MBARARA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MUST)
BABY WRAP PROJECT
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: TWO (2) PHD SCHOLARSHIPS
Factory-Treated, Long-Lasting Permethrin Baby Wraps for the Prevention of Malaria: A Phase III Randomized Controlled Trial
NIH-Funded Research Project
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Across the region, mothers traditionally carry young children on their backs using locally made cloth wraps from infancy until approximately two years of age. These wraps are also commonly used as blankets and swaddles. The Baby Wrap Project was developed on the premise that treating these wraps with a long-lasting insect repellent could provide an additional layer of protection against malaria.
The project will recruit mother-infant pairs during routine immunization across three (3) different districts with varying malaria transmission settings (Kabale, Kasese, and Apac). The primary study outcome is the incidence of clinical malaria and the long-term safety of Factory-Treated Long-Lasting (FTLL) baby wraps. The project is expected to provide definitive evidence regarding both the effectiveness and long-term safety of FTLL baby wraps, with the potential to introduce a culturally acceptable intervention that complements existing malaria prevention strategies.
AVAILABLE PHD SCHOLARSHIPS
Duration: 3 Years
Position 1: PhD in Public Health
Applicants should satisfy the following requirements:
- Bachelor's degree with Upper Second Class Honours or better in a Public Health discipline.
- Master's degree in a Public Health field.
- Be below 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative research.
- Experience in neurodevelopment assessment will be an added advantage.
- Demonstrated ability to independently develop and implement research proposals.
- Strong work ethic, initiative, and ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Willingness to actively participate in all project activities.
- Affiliation with a university or research institution (preferably MUST) will be an added advantage.
- Previous project management experience will be an added advantage.
- Successful candidates must commit to teaching, research supervision, and mentorship for at least two (2) academic years after completion of the PhD.
Position 2: PhD of Health Sciences in Medical Parasitology and Entomology
Applicants should satisfy the following requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS).
- Master's degree in Medical Parasitology and Entomology.
- Be below 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative research.
- Previous experience in neurodevelopment assessment will be an added advantage.
- Previous experience in malaria clinical trials will be an added advantage.
- Ability to independently develop a PhD proposal nested within the main project.
- Strong work ethic, initiative, and ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
- Willingness to actively participate in all project activities.
- Successful candidates must commit to teaching, research supervision, and mentorship in Medical Parasitology and Entomology within the Department of Medical Laboratory Science or the Department of Community Health for at least two (2) academic years after completion of the PhD.
SCHOLARSHIP PACKAGE
Successful applicants will receive:
- Full tuition and stipend for a PhD in Health Sciences at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
- Research support within the Baby Wrap Project.
APPOINTMENT DETAILS
Commencement: Immediately
Appointment: Full-time
Field Stations:
- Kabale District
- Kasese District
- Apac District
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants should submit the following documents:
- Cover letter.
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two (2) pages).
- List of publications (where applicable).
- Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
- One-page statement of motivation.
- Certificate of registration with the relevant professional regulatory body.
- One recommendation letter from the current employer or immediate supervisor.
- Two academic recommendation letters.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications should be addressed to:
The Human Resource Manager
MUST Grants Office
P.O. Box 1410
Mbarara
Interested and eligible candidates MUST electronically submit the application documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, and relevant certified copies of academic documents) merged into one PDF document to:
Opening Date: 21st July 2026
Application Deadline: 31st July 2026 at 5:00 PM.
The position will remain open until filled.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.