Developing Diabetes Diagnostics for Sub-Saharan Africa - Masters by Research

The University of Exeter’s Medical School, in partnership with the MRC Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and University of Yaoundé, Cameroon, is inviting applications for a fully-funded 2 year Masters by Research studentship to commence in October 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The studentship will cover tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £14,777 for 2 years full-time study.

The student will be based in the Blood Sciences Laboratory at the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Exeter Medical School and the MRC/UVRI, Entebbe.

Diabetes is a major cause of death and ill health throughout sub-Saharan Africa, affecting up to 7% of the population with severe implications for healthcare systems and economies in this region. Despite this, key questions for effective investigation and management of diabetes in this population are unanswered.

The successful candidate will join these diverse teams to undertake laboratory based research aimed ultimately at improving patient care. This will include determining reference ranges for key diagnostic and investigative tests in the East African population, determining the stability of key assays in the local environment to support the development of clinical research studies, and research to determine the performance of the blood glucose meters used by patients and clinicians.

The successful candidate will split their time between the laboratory of the MRC/UVRI in Entebbe, Uganda, and the University of Exeter, where they will work with the Blood Sciences Laboratory of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and the internationally leading diabetes research group lead by Professor Andrew Hattersley. They will develop laboratory techniques and have an opportunity to train with biomedical specialists in large academic blood sciences department. There will be an opportunity to learn advanced assay validation and method development skills and contribute to the service development work of the department. The candidate will be expected to publish findings in high quality peer reviewed journals during the studentship.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit for 2 years of full-time study to commence in October 2018 and is subject to confirmation of funding.