Job Description

The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), in partnership with University College London (UCL), invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship for the 2026–2027 academic cycle.

This opportunity offers the successful candidate the chance to register for a PhD at UCL while conducting the majority of their research at AHRI in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The studentship is open to applicants who are permanently domiciled in South Africa.

of Duties:

What this studentship offers:

The studentship provides comprehensive financial support, which covers the following:

• Full tuition fees
• Living costs in Durban for two years
• Living costs in London for up to one year
• Two return economy flights between South Africa and the UK
• UCL bench fees

Duration:

The PhD studentship is three years in duration, with students expected to spend most of their time at conducting their research at AHRI, alongside designated periods of study at UCL in London.

Number of awards:

Up to two studentships are available across seven research projects in diverse disciplines. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review each of the seven available projects and apply for the one that best matches their interests and expertise.

Please note: each call relates to one specific project only.

Eligibility criteria:

Applicants must:

• Be domiciled in South Africa at the time of application
• Have completed or be close to completing a master's degree (or equivalent)
• Be able to take on a full-time PhD if successful
• Obtain letters of recommendation from both a UCL and an AHRI supervisor
• Obtain three referee letters from previous academic supervisors/line managers
• Meet the UCL English language requirements ( https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/english-language-requirements )
• Be willing to spend up to one year in London (this may be split into four three-month periods)
• Hold a valid passport at the time of application

Please note there may be additional requirements depending on the project.

Project 2: Exploring the influence of asymptomatic tuberculosis diagnoses on care-seeking, treatment uptake, and prevention engagement in high HIV-prevalence settings.

Supervisors:
AHRI: Dr Nellie Myburgh
UCL: Prof Audrey Prost

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading infectious causes of death globally, particularly in high HIV-prevalence settings. While TB has traditionally been associated with symptomatic disease, a substantial proportion of cases are asymptomatic or subclinical and are often identified through screening programmes. In HIV-endemic settings, this raises important questions about how individuals interpret an asymptomatic diagnosis, whether they perceive TB as urgent, and how this affects engagement with treatment and prevention.

This project will examine how asymptomatic TB diagnoses influence care-seeking behaviour, treatment initiation and adherence, and engagement with prevention strategies. Using a mixed-methods approach in high HIV-prevalence communities in KwaZulu-Natal, the study will compare behavioural and clinical outcomes between asymptomatic and symptomatic TB patients. Data collection will include quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, clinical record reviews, and focus group discussions with healthcare providers.

Findings will provide insight into behavioural responses to asymptomatic TB, identify barriers and facilitators to integrated TB/HIV care, and inform strategies to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, and prevention efforts in high-burden settings.

Further details on this project are available here: Project2_concept_Myburgh_Prost.docx

Selection process

The selection process will include:

Stage 1: Initial interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Stage 2: Final interview
Final candidates will meet with AHRI and UCL supervisors and participate in a joint panel interview.

How to apply

Applicants should complete the 2026–2027 AHRI UCL PhD studentship application – Project 2 of 7_ Exploring the impact of asymptomatic TB diagnosis on care and prevention in high HIV settings form_Myburgh_Prost form and upload the following supporting documents:

• Academic CV
• Passport or ID document
• Certified copies of academic transcripts
• original degree certificates

For more details or assistance, please contact AHRI education and training unit via education@ahri.org with the subject heading 2026–2027 AHRI UCL PhD studentship application – Project 2 of 7_Myburgh_Prost.

Worker Type:

Contingent Worker

The application closing date:

12 Jun 2026

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.