Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is offering exciting Research opportunities- 2 Postdoctoral Research Fellows

Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in HIV Prevention and Mathematical Modelling

Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Institution: Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI)
Application Deadline: 8 May 2025
Position Type: Contingent Worker
Salary: Tax-exempt; commensurate with experience, aligned with AHRI’s official scheme and NRF grades

About Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI)

The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is a leading independent research institution dedicated to addressing pressing health challenges in under-resourced populations. Situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, AHRI conducts interdisciplinary research encompassing population, clinical, basic and translational, and social sciences. The institute collaborates with over 60 global institutions and works closely with local communities, government bodies, and policy stakeholders to inform and implement health interventions.

AHRI’s research focuses on key areas such as HIV, tuberculosis, emergent infections, and adolescent mental health. The institute is committed to values of ubuntu, transformation, leadership, innovation, excellence, and collaboration, fostering a supportive and dynamic environment for scientific inquiry and professional development.

Research Project Overview

AHRI invites applications for a postdoctoral research fellow to join an interdisciplinary team investigating innovative HIV prevention and care strategies. The project aims to integrate the status-neutral approach with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, leveraging data from AHRI’s extensive population-based HIV cohort in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Despite significant advancements in HIV testing, treatment, and prevention, South Africa continues to grapple with a high HIV burden, particularly among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 30, who account for 37% of new infections. The 2023–2028 South African HIV National Strategic Plan emphasizes the need for multi-sectoral, equitable, and community-centered interventions. This project seeks to evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of status-neutral HIV care models integrated with SRH services, providing evidence to inform public health policy and future intervention programs.

Key Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral research fellow, you will:

• Model Development: Design and implement mathematical models to evaluate the impact of integrating status-neutral HIV care with SRH services.
• Data Analysis: Analyze empirical data from AHRI’s HIV cohort to inform model calibration and validation.
• Policy Analysis: Assess the cost-effectiveness and scalability of proposed intervention strategies.
• Collaboration: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
• Dissemination: Contribute to the publication of findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals and present results at national and international conferences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Educational Background: PhD in mathematics, mathematical modeling, epidemiology, biostatistics, computer science, operations research, or a related quantitative field.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R; experience with high-performance computing environments.
• Research Experience: Demonstrated experience in data integration, model calibration, and validation using empirical data.
• Communication Skills: Strong analytical, organizational, and communication abilities, with an established track record of publications in high-impact journals.
• Grant Writing: Proven experience in writing successful research grants.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• Cover Letter: Detailing your interest in the position and relevant experience.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including academic records and a list of publications.
• Application Form: Complete the application form available on AHRI’s careers page.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

Employment Equity

AHRI is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from South African and other African nationals. A valid work permit is desirable. The institute reserves the right to accept late applications or extend the application deadline in special circumstances. Additionally, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.

About AHRI as an Employer

AHRI offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment that supports professional growth and development. The institute provides competitive employee benefits, including medical aid, retirement fund, death, disability and funeral cover, long-service awards, leave, and bursaries. AHRI encourages continuing professional development and has a strong focus on management development.

For more information about AHRI and to apply for this position, please visit AHRI Careers. For inquiries related to postgraduate research opportunities, contact [email protected].

This fellowship presents a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative HIV prevention strategies in one of the world’s most affected regions. If you are passionate about applying mathematical modeling to public health challenges and wish to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.