PhD Student

Description:

Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), in collaboration with the University of South Africa, invites applications for a PhD training position in an interdisciplinary research team focused on advancing HIV prevention and care strategies. Full funding is available to support a doctoral student for 36 months, effective immediately. The PhD student will be supported to develop a research proposal investigating the impact of integrating status-neutral HIV care with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.

Overview of Duties:

The research will involve the development and application of individual-based simulation models to evaluate combinations of HIV prevention and care interventions, including HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), sexually transmitted infection services, and reproductive health services. The goal of the project is to generate evidence to support the optimisation of integrated status-neutral HIV and SRH service delivery strategies, with a focus on improving population health impact, reducing new HIV infections, and informing policy and programme decision-making. The student will be registered for doctoral studies at the University of South Africa and will work within a multidisciplinary collaborative research environment involving mathematical modelling, epidemiology, and public health research.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will develop and apply individual-based simulation models to evaluate combinations of HIV prevention and care interventions, including HIV testing, ART, PrEP, STI services, and reproductive health services. Responsibilities will include data analysis, model calibration and scenario evaluation, interpretation of results, preparation of scientific outputs, and engagement with multidisciplinary research teams and stakeholders to inform policy and programme decision-making.

Qualifications and experience:

The project will require the student to have an MSc or equivalent in mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, biostatistics, operations research, data science, or a related quantitative discipline. Experience in mathematical modelling, infectious disease epidemiology, statistical analysis and programming (e.g., R or Python) will be an advantage. Familiarity with HIV research and individual-based modelling is desirable but not essential

The following skills will be an advantage:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to interact with persons of different cultures
• Self-directed, meticulous, highly motivated, adaptable
• Publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations

How to apply

Please complete an application form by clicking on the apply link below. Please attach:

• A cover letter outlining your fit and research interests
• One to two-page CV with publication list
• Three academic references
• Academic records

The bursary stipend for this position depends on previous experience and brackets are according to AHRI’s official scheme, which will be without tax deduction due to tax exemption status for students.

Should you have any enquiries about the position, please email education@ahri.org with the subject line: PhD in Operations Research.

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.