UVRI MSc Immunology Opportunity For Final-Year Research Students

We are seeking a highly motivated and self-driven MSc student to join our team in the Department of Immunology at UVRI. The successful candidate will have a relevant research idea that fits the scope of our project, be goal-oriented, and passionate about contributing to the fight against COVID-19.

Our project aims to address the gaps in knowledge surrounding COVID-19 immune correlates of protection, with the goal of understanding immunity to natural infection and vaccines. As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to innovation and make a real impact in bridging these knowledge gaps.

This is an incredible opportunity for a motivated and passionate student to be part of cutting-edge research and contribute to the global effort to combat COVID-19. If you are up for the challenge and want to make a difference, we encourage you to apply today.

Join our team and help us make a difference!

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Ugandans who want to compete for available capacity-building opportunities within the UVRI and MRC Immunology workstreams.
The project aims to connect local pathogen genomic surveillance to improve local immunological assessments and antibody discovery. It aims to strengthen in-country capacity for viral immune monitoring and build global networks to link local sequencing with local immunology and pathogen detection tools to improve viral epidemic preparedness starting with COVID-19.

The successful MSc Fellow(s) will contribute to understanding the local epidemics; inform prevention, vaccination, and therapeutic strategies; generate vaccine candidates; isolate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for immunotherapeutics and detection while tracking immune escape from natural- and vaccine-induced immune recognition.

Thescope of work includes:
a) pathogen genomics sequencing and bioinformatics for viral evolution;
b) virus-specific serology, including antibody binding, virus neutralization, epitope mapping and structural assessments;
c) T cell responses using ELISpot, flow cytometry Luminex;
d) transcriptomics and bioinformatic analyses.

Desired background competencies include:
a) Polyclonal antibody assessments, including serology, polyclonal binding and
neutralization assessments and generation of Pseudoviruses

b) Local monoclonal antibody discovery, including single-cell sequencing, bioinformatics
c) In-vitro studies using primary immune cells to identify T-cell responses
d) Generating and testing engineered viruses and antibody clones
e) Detection of levels and concentrations of binding antibodies

Applicants should ensure that their prior training and experience are relevant to the scope of this training opportunity. Support will be given as reagent and consumables provision to up to three successful eligible MSc candidates for one year of MSc research. The support will cover reagent and consumables research costs.

Minimum requirements for MSc in Immunology
The standard minimum entrance qualification for registration on a Master's programme is at least one of the following:
a) a second-class upper honours degree in a biological science-related subject appropriate to the scope of work in this call
b) a registrable qualification appropriate to the course of study to be followed in medicine, dentistry or veterinary studies.

In addition, the applicant:
a) MUST be a citizen of Uganda, evidenced by a national ID
b) Have experience in conducting immunology research involving pathogen genomic surveillance, immunological assessments, and antibody discovery
c) Have working experience (6 months or more) in conducting health-related basic science research.

Application Procedure
a) One-page cover letter indicating current and future research interests and expected start date.
b) summary of your previous research experience (2-3 pages)
c) Curriculum vitae (highlighting your skills and relevant experience), including names, email addresses and telephone contact details of three (3) referees
d) Scanned copies of your professional and academic transcripts starting from UCE
e) A confidential letter of support from your academic lead or head of programme or section head, addressed to the Project Assistant, CoInVac, to be submitted
separately to vmirembe@uvri.go.ug
f) The academic lead or head of the programme or section should submit a confidential letter.

How to Apply
Applications should be addressed to The Project Assistant, CoInVac, and submitted by email to vmirembe@uvri.go.ug 

Combine all application documentation into one PDF document.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Consider your application only successful if contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert.

The closing date for receiving applications is 20th March 2023.