PhD Student

The application closing date:

23 Oct 2026

Description:

The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) seeks to offer two PhD training position to two highly motivated individuals within Basic and Translational Sciences Unit, with an ability to work independently and a strong interest in medical microbiology. Full funding is available to support the students for a period of 40 months effective from 01 Nov 2026. The students will be supported to develop a proposal that is nested within the wider programme. Registration will be with a South African University. The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) seeks to offer two PhD training position to two highly motivated individuals within Basic and Translational Sciences Unit, with an ability to work independently and a strong interest in medical microbiology. Full funding is available to support the students for a period of 40 months effective from 01 Nov 2026. The students will be supported to develop a proposal that is nested within the wider programme. Registration will be with a South African University.

Opportunity and Project description

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( Mtb ), is a communicable disease that is a major cause of ill health, and one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide and the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, ranking above HIV/AIDS. This is worsened by the emergence of drug-resistant TB strains. Rapid diagnosis of Mtb resistant to anti-TB drugs is essential to prevent further acquisition of drug resistance, high morbidity and mortality, and unabated transmission of resistant strains. Fast detection of resistance to rifampicin, the most important anti-TB drug, is especially crucial because it is predictive of multidrug resistance.

Diagnostic tests for TB disease have improved sub­stantially in recent years. There are now several rapid molecular tests recommended by the world health organization as the initial diagnostic test for TB, some of which can detect drug resistant-TB simultaneously . There are additional rapid molecular tests specifically for the detection of resist­ance to first- and second-line anti-TB drugs, while sequencing technologies are used to provide a comprehensive individual profile of drug resistant-TB.

In this project, we investigate the prevalence of drug resistant-TB and associated risk factors, changes in phenotypic resistance to the drug resistant-TB. We will further perform whole genome sequencing to determine the emergence and spectrum of mutations conferring resistance, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strain diversity and geographic spread of drug resistant-TB and characterize molecular changes associated with increased transmissibility. The investigation and characterization of these strains and drug resistance conferring mutations will help to identify emerging resistance associated variants and improve drug resistant-TB diagnostics and guide clinicians in tailoring effective treatments, while assessing the geographic spread can help to guide TB control programs to reduce transmitted drug resistance within communities.

The study is led by Dr Ndivhuho Makhado. For queries relating to the project, please contact Dr Ndivhuho Makhado ( ndivhuho.makhado@ahri.org ). For application queries, please contact AHRI Education via education@ahri.org with the subject line: 'Ndivhuho Makhado: PhD Scholarship in Medical Microbiology'.

Qualifications and experience:

The project will require the student to have an MSc degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medical Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a related field. The ideal applicant will have practical experience and knowledge of working in the mycobacteriology and microbiology laboratory. Working knowledge in bioinformatics and genomic is a merit. Emphasis will also be given on personal qualities such as collaboration and communication skills as well as analytical capacity. The candidate is expected to take own initiatives and work well independently, and in interaction with other research groups.

How to apply

You are expected to attach a cover letter, 1–2-page CV and academic records.

The stipend for this position depends on previous experience and follows AHRI’s official scheme and NRF grades and will be exempt from tax deductions due to the tax-exempt status for postgraduates.

Worker Type:

Contingent Worker

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 AHRI’s 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.

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.