Background

The Centre for Innovative Drug Development and Therapeutic Trials for Africa (CDT- Africa) is a World Bank supported centre of excellence for education and research at Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The main aim of CDT-Africa is to serve as a platform for equitable access to interventions (medications, vaccines, diagnostics and complex interventions) and bring about sustainable development in Africa through high quality capacity development for innovative therapeutic discovery. The Department of Global Health and Infection at Brighton & Sussex Medical School, in collaboration with CDT-Africa, has obtained a grant from the National Institute of Health Research, to conduct a research project on (1) a complex intervention program to test integration and scale up of a primary healthcare-based chronic wound care package for persons affected by skin-NTDs and other conditions in Ethiopia; (2) develop novel diagnostics for scabies; (3) develop new treatments from indigenous medicinal plants for scabies and other infectious skin conditions. As part of this partnership, we will be able to offer a post-doctoral fellowship in the area of (1) complex intervention; (2) diagnostics; (3) economic evaluation.

The post-doctoral fellowships involve full time engagement and the fellows will be training and working within CDT-Africa. The post doctoral fellow in the economic evaluation will also be involved in the Sudan and Rwanda where we are implementing similar projects. Please note that there is no obligation for CDT-Africa to conduct the interview or appoint a fellow if alternative options are available for filling the post, or if suitable candidates are not available or the funding is not made available for reasons beyond the control of CDT-Africa or for any other reason that is relevant for the work of CDT-Africa.

Day-to-day activities include, but are not limited to

• Conducting literature reviews and synthesizing scientific content
• Coordinating and working on molecular and immunological diagnostic test developments
• Analyzing the research portfolio and aiding in the development of emergent research areas
• Performing data analyses and contributing to scientific manuscripts, reports, and presentations
• Interpreting results from analyses and presenting those data
• Leading or assisting with the planning and execution of scientific workshops, sessions, meetings, and webinars
• Helping to coordinate research tool development with internal and external

The postdoctoral fellow for economic evaluation will be working across three countries where the projects are being implemented (Ethiopia, Rwanda and Sudan)

Participating in journal clubs and other academic activities

Supporting in the delivery of PhD and MSc trainings with appropriate supervision from senior CDT-Africa faculty

Eligibility

• Applicants must meet the requirements of CDT-Africa and that of Brighton and Sussex Medical School for entry into a post-Doctoral programme. There will also be an interview in which the Brighton and Sussex Medical School and CDT-Africa team members will participate.

Entrance Requirement

• The postdoctoral fellow will function as a member of the CDT-Africa team to advance research priorities, particularly in complex interventions, diagnostics development and economic evaluations.

Qualifications

1. Fellow for Diagnostic Development: Candidates with a PhD or equivalent degree in the area of Biomedical Sciences (Microbiology, Vaccinology, Immunology, Molecular Biology), or related fields of study. Strong publications relevant to discovery or development of diagnostics development, depending on the application. International experience may be an advantage; Highly motivated and creative; Be able to demonstrate managing scientific projects independently and efficiently; Prior research experience in Diagnostic discovery/development is desirable.
2. Fellow for Economic Evaluations: Candidates with a PhD or equivalent degree in Economics; Strong publications relevant to Health Economics; a) experience in advanced statistical methods and epidemiology; b) health economics; and c) evidence synthesis; d) Effectively participate in trainings in transferable skills (e.g research dissemination, public speaking, leadership, impact, data security) is needed.  e) Undergraduate and Master’s degree in economics prioritized;

Other requirements

• Post-doctoral fellowship applicants should have completed their PhD within the previous three years or should be ready to defend their PhD in the coming three months and provide evidence to confirm their pending completion.