About the opportunity
The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University, in collaboration with regional and international partner institutions, is accepting applications for several funded research training opportunities for the 2026/2027 academic year. Under the O.R. Tambo Africa Research Chair Initiative (ORTARCHI), IDI provides fully-funded MMed, PhD, and Post-MMed research fellowships focused on strengthening neuro-infectious disease research capacity in Uganda across Makerere University and Mbarara University of Science & Technology. Concurrently, the IDM-Africa Strategic Training Hub offers one-year fellowships in infectious-disease modelling for early- and mid-career sub-Saharan African scientists hosted at ACE-Uganda in Kampala or ACE-Mali in Bamako.
Funding and benefits
- Fully-funded training scholarships for MMed scholars, PhD candidates, and post-MMed research fellows under the ORTARCHI neuro-infectious disease project.
- Multidisciplinary research training in immunology, epidemiology, biostatistics, pharmacology, and quality improvement under expert mentorship from Makerere University, MUST, University of Minnesota, and CAPRISA.
- One-year IDM-Africa fellowship featuring 1 month of in-person host institution placement (ACE-Uganda or ACE-Mali) and 11 months of online mentorship, project support, code review, and publication guidance.
Who can apply?
- MMed Scholars (ORTARCHI): Currently enrolled in the 2nd year of MMed Internal Medicine or Paediatrics at Makerere University (MakCHS) or MMed Internal Medicine at Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST), with full-time commitment.
- PhD Scholars & Post-MMed Research Fellows (ORTARCHI): Completed MMed program with a commitment to 1-2 years of fellowship training at Makerere University.
- IDM-Africa Fellows: Early- and mid-career scientists in Sub-Saharan Africa with foundational training and practical experience in infectious-disease modelling.
- Language Requirements for IDM-Africa: English fluency required for ACE-Uganda placements; French fluency required for ACE-Mali placements (open to applicants across Sub-Saharan Africa regardless of country official language).
Required documents
- Online registration and profile creation on the IDI HR application portal.
- Academic transcripts and official evidence of current MMed enrollment or MMed completion.
- Research interest statement, project details, or curriculum vitae as specified in the online application form.
When to apply
- IDM-Africa Fellowships: Application deadline is October 30, 2026, at 17:00.
- ORTARCHI Scholarships (MMed, PhD, and Post-MMed Research Fellow): Application deadline is November 8, 2026, at 17:00.
How to apply
- Navigate to the official IDI Job Opportunities Portal at https://idi.mak.ac.ug/opportunities/.
- Register for a candidate account or log in if already registered.
- Select the relevant opportunity (Job Codes: MSOR005 for MMed Scholar, PhDOR001 for PhD Scholar, RFOR001 for Post-MMed Research Fellow, or IDMA003 for IDM-Africa Fellow).
- Complete the required online application form and upload all requested supporting documents before the specified deadline.
Additional information
- ORTARCHI training positions are stationed at Makerere University College of Health Sciences (Kampala) or Mbarara University of Science & Technology (Mbarara).
- IDM-Africa fellowships require 100% full-time commitment during the 1-month in-person placement, followed by approximately 50% time commitment (4 hours daily) during the 11-month online mentorship period.
- Applicants requiring technical assistance with the portal can contact systemshelp@idi.co.ug.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Medical residents currently in their second year of MMed training at Makerere or MUST looking for funded research capacity development in neuro-infectious diseases.
- Sub-Saharan African quantitative researchers with foundational infectious disease modelling experience seeking structured mentorship and policy translation opportunities.
- Physician-scientists seeking long-term academic mentorship from leading African and international research institutions.
What should you think carefully about?
- IDM-Africa fellows must be able to relocate for a 1-month in-person placement in Kampala or Bamako and commit 4 hours daily to online fellowship activities over the following 11 months.
- ORTARCHI MMed awards are strictly restricted to students currently enrolled in eligible programs at Makerere University or MUST.
- Application deadlines are immediate, requiring prompt submission of verified credentials and application materials.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
These programs are designed for health researchers and medical specialists seeking structured, funded pathways to deepen expertise in infectious disease research and mathematical modelling. Participation provides access to international mentors, peer networks, publication channels, and direct policy engagement experience.
Our take
An outstanding funded opportunity for Sub-Saharan African physician-scientists, residents, and disease modellers looking to advance their research careers. Candidates without prior background in medical residency or quantitative disease modelling will not satisfy the eligibility criteria.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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