This NIHR funded global research group programme is a collaboration between the Universities of Dundee, Bristol, Addis Ababa, Gondar, Mekelle, Jimma and the Hadassah - Hebrew University, as well as the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and the Armauer Hansen Research Institute.
PhD summary
We wish to recruit a talented PhD student to work with Dr Elias Ali Yesuf and Dr. Dagmawi Tewolde at Jimma University, and Dr Aaron Lim and Professor Matthew Hickman at the University of Bristol. The PhD will focus on using epidemiological and statistical methods to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Ethiopia, and identify associations between risk factors and chronic HCV infection.
Programme overview
Clinicians and the Ethiopian Government have identified the need for implementation and scale-up of HCV testing and treatment strategies for Ethiopia, and development of effective preventive strategies. This collaboration will generate epidemiological, modelling and pathways of care data to inform strategic planning for HCV and enhance associated research skill sets within four major medical schools. These will be achieved in 3 Work Packages(WP). WP1 will establish the prevalence and impact of HCV infection. WP2 will model the ongoing HCV epidemic in Ethiopia and cost-effectiveness of different testing and treatment strategies. WP3 will develop and test appropriate pathways of care to improve the diagnosis and treatment of HCV.
Project description
The core of the project will be undertaken by five PhD studentships, each jointly supervised by UK and Ethiopian academics. This advert is focussed on WP1 and is a 4-year PhD programme that will train a student in advanced epidemiological methods, jointly hosted at the University of Bristol and Jimma University.
The candidate will graduate with a PhD from the University of Bristol, with at least two years spent there. This time will focus on specialist research training in advanced epidemiological and statistical methodologies. He/she will also develop and initiate his/her research plan, which will continue in Ethiopia.
Specific studentship
Specifically, this post seeks to: (1) estimate the prevalence of HCV infection in Ethiopia and the impact of parameters which determine disease progression; and (2) identify risk factors associated with HCV infection. This project will involve synthesising evidence through undertaking a systematic review and analysing data from recent population-based sero-behavioural surveys using statistical methodologies, and develop skills in disease prevalence estimation and measurement of disease progression, among others.
Person specification
Prospective candidates should have:
· Motivation and ability to achieve a PhD degree
· An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject at the equivalent of at least an upper second-class degree or master’s degree or a degree in medicine or speciality. The candidate will need to show abilities in epidemiology or skills suitable for training in epidemiology
· Competency in written and spoken English to IELTS 7.0 or equivalent (see https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/language-requirements/profile-b/)
· Copies of transcripts/diplomas
· Two reference letters from academic supervisors
Desirable:
· Experience in epidemiological and statistical analyses of datasets
· Evidence of peer review publication and scientific reports
· Ethiopian citizen
· Work experience on related topics
The studentship is available from October 2021 with some flexibility.
Funding:
The studentship is funded by the NIHR Global Health Research Units.
Applications
Suitably qualified candidates should contact Dr Elias Ali Yesuf ([Email Address Removed]; [Email Address Removed]) and Dr Aaron Lim ([Email Address Removed]), with whom they can share their CV, covering letter explaining reasons for application and suitability, and a 1-page outline of PhD proposal (building on the research application which will be shared).
Applicants will also have to submit an online application at http://www.bris.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply. Please select Population Health Science PhD on the Programme Choice page. Enter details of the studentship in the Funding and Research Details sections of the form. For general enquiries on the application process, please email [Email Address Removed]. Applications will be short-listed, followed by online interview.
This is a fully funded PhD Scholarship including all tuition fees. When the student is in Bristol, they will receive the standard UK stipend for PhD students (currently £15,510 per annum). Similarly, when resident in Jimma, they will receive a PhD Fellowship award of £3,830 per year.
Closing date
Sunday Nov 14th
Institutions
University of Bristol, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School
Bristol Medical School comprises 930 staff and 260 doctoral research students. The School is a leading centre for research and teaching across Population Health Sciences and Translational Health Sciences. Research in the School is collaborative and multi-disciplinary. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) confirmed the University of Bristol and Population Health Sciences as a world-leading centre for health research. Within the Medical School, there are numerous research areas: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/medical-school/research/population-health-sciences/.
Dr Aaron Lim has >12 years of experience in mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. He has led high-impact modelling work on HCV and HIV transmission in numerous settings, focussing on low- and middle-income countries, and his work has contributed to guiding public health policy, particularly in Pakistan and globally.
Matt Hickman is Professor in Public Health and Epidemiology, Head of Population Health Sciences, and NIHR Senior Investigator with international reputation in addiction and psychiatric epidemiology and work on HCV prevention.
Jimma University, Institute of Health
The Institute of Health is the largest institute in Jimma University with 700 academic staff and comprises Jimma University Medical Center and three faculties (Health Science, Medicine, and Public Health). Jimma University was recently selected as Ethiopia’s top research university.
Dr. Dagmawi Tewolde is an internist at the Jimma University Medical Center who routinely treats HCV-related diseases. He teaches and has research interest in epidemiology, risk factors, and effective treatment of infectious diseases.
Dr. Elias Ali Yesuf is a medical researcher at Jimma University. He teaches public health, evidence-based healthcare, and health systems. He is also active in organizing and leading emergency response teams, such as for COVID-19. Among others, he has interest in mixed methods research and performance of health systems.
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