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 5:

GLP-1 receptor agonists as modulators of gut immune homeostasis in people with HIV

Supervisors:
AHRI: Prof Henrik Kløverpris
UCL: Prof Laura McCoy

People living with HIV remain at increased risk of cardiometabolic disease despite effective treatment, partly due to persistent immune activation and intestinal barrier dysfunction. The gut is a key site of immune dysregulation, yet the effects of metabolic therapies on gut immune function are not well understood.

This project will investigate how GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy influences gut immune homeostasis and intestinal barrier integrity in people with HIV and obesity. Embedded within the GLOBE-4 clinical study, the research will analyse longitudinal clinical samples, including gut biopsies and blood, collected before, during, and after treatment.

Using a combination of laboratory and computational approaches—including flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, and biomarker analysis—the study will characterise immune changes and their relationship to systemic inflammation and cardiometabolic risk. Findings will provide insight into how metabolic therapies may reduce chronic inflammation and improve health outcomes in people living with HIV.

Further details on this project are available here: Project5_concept_Kløverpris_McCoy.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 5 of 7_GLP-1 receptor agonists as modulators of gut immune homeostasis in people with HIV_ Africa_Kløverpris_McCoy 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 manager: Dr Kamini Gounder via education@ahri.org with the subject heading: 2026–2027 AHRI–UCL PhD Studentship – Project 5 of 7_Kløverpris_McCoy

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.