Background: The Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) in collaboration with Makerere University (Mak) and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), is pleased to announce an opportunity for PhD training in Cell and Gene Therapy (C>GT) for HIV Cure. The training programme is supported by the Fogarty International Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. The programme seeks to develop a new cadre of African scientists equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in C>GT with focus on HIV cure and related transitional research.

Research Focus Areas:
The successful PhD program will conduct research in one of the following or similar thematic areas:

• Gene editing technologies (e.g. CRISPR-Cas9) targeting HIV

• Latency reversal and immune modulation strategies

• Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies

• C>GT clinical trial readiness

Eligibility:

• Be Ugandan with no more than 10 years after graduation for their master degree

• Hold a Masters degree in a relevant field (e.g. Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, Laboratory, Social Work) from a chartered university

• Express interest in C>GT for HIV cure

• Be committed to enrolling and pursuing a 4-year, full-time PhD programme at Makerere University (Mak) or Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST)

• Evidence of being admitted to a PhD Programme is an added advantage but is not required

• Willingness to engage in multidisciplinary research grant applications and international collaborations

• Potential to handle rigorous academic requirements of the PhD programme

• Willingness to undertake overseas attachment at a US institution

Fellowship Benefits:

• Full tuition fees and other University fees at Mak or MUST

• Monthly stipend

• Research support including fieldwork costs and mentorship from local and international leading scientists

• Short-term training/placement opportunities at C>GT partner institutions

• Training in scientific writing, grantsmanship and responsible conduct of research

• Funding support to present research at local and international conferences

Application Requirements:

• Cover letter (1-page maximum) expressing interest in the PhD programme

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 5 pages)

• Personal Statement (1-page maximum) - must address eligibility criteria above

• Not more than 5-page research synopsis related to HIV C>GT

• Evidence of scholarly achievement – to be included in the CV as well as in the research synopsis

• Academic transcripts and other relevant academic documents

• Two reference letters, including at least one from an academic referee, should be sent separately to the email address provided below by the application deadline

Timelines:
Application Deadline: September 19, 2025 at midnight
Interview for shortlisted applicants: October 7, 2025
Notification date: October 13, 2025
Application Procedure: Applications must be sent by email as a single PDF document to training@jcrc.org.ug and indicate in the subject "PhD Scholarship Application 2025".

[Inquiries can be forwarded to same email address] Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.