PhD Student

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.

Overview 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 3: A syndemic approach to HIV prevention: Modelling the intersections of hazardous alcohol use and mental health among young people in rural KwaZulu-Natal.

Supervisors:
AHRI: Prof Maryam Shahmanesh
UCL: Prof Valentina Cambiano

Hazardous alcohol use, common mental disorders, and sexual risk behaviours are closely interconnected and contribute to the risk of HIV acquisition among young adults. In South Africa, where alcohol consumption, mental health challenges, and HIV incidence remain high, understanding these overlapping risks is critical for effective prevention strategies.

This project will investigate the relationship between alcohol use, mental health, and sexual risk behaviour among young people in rural KwaZulu-Natal and assess their contribution to HIV incidence. It will also evaluate the effectiveness and potential impact of interventions targeting alcohol use and mental health, including their cost-effectiveness and implications for HIV prevention.

The study will analyse longitudinal data from AHRI surveillance systems and implementation studies, conduct a systematic review, and apply established individual-based stochastic HIV transmission models to estimate intervention impact. Findings will inform stakeholders on the potential value of integrated interventions to reduce HIV incidence among young adults.

Further details on this project are available here: Project3_concept_Shahmanesh_Cambiano.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 3 of 7_ A Syndemic Approach to HIV Prevention_Shahmanesh_Cambiano 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 – Project 3 of 7 Shahmanesh_Cambiano.

Worker Type:

Contingent Worker

The application closing date:

27 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.