Call for applications for funded PhD Scholarship
focusing on
Addressing Research Gaps and Advancing
Knowledge in Non-Communicable Diseases in
Tanzania
Background
Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) is calling for
potential applicants to apply for PhD scholarships in addressing research gaps
and advancing knowledge in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Tanzania,
in line with the National
Research Agenda for NCDs. MUHAS in collaboration with Tanzania Diabetes
Association (TDA) and University of Copenhagen (UoC, Denmark) will provide
full training support to two PhD students who will be registered at MUHAS,
and supervised by experts from both MUHAS and UoC. The support aims to
address the dearth of knowledge and evidence in addressing the raising
burden of NCDs in Tanzania, strengthening research capacity, and produce
evidence that will help to inform national policies and strategies against the
NCDs burden in the country.
Eligibility criteria:
1. Aptitude and intent to become a future leader in NCDs research and
training
2. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant health field (Clinical,
Social Sciences, and other health related fields).
3. Be fluent in both spoken and written English language
4. The applicant must demonstrate basic experience health related research
using basic level quantitative or qualitative methods.
5. Committed to the program and willingness to work with mentoring team,
attend all meetings, and workshops, with approval (as needed) for work
release
6. Permission from the current employer to engage in PhD training
Personal attributes:
The program seeks applicants with strong interests in NCDs, who can work
independently, highly motivated, able to work with others and ready to be
mentored in NCDs, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Further, the program seeks for individuals who are ready to be leaders in
nutritional research, that entails mentoring others, teaching junior students and
faculties, and taking part in ongoing research in addition to their planned and
executing research.
Applications:
The application for this PhD program will follow MUHAS standard guidelines
for postgraduate students. However, to be shortlisted for the scholarship,
candidates must submit the following documents:
1. Application cover letter
2. Biosketch (containing academic and employment history,
teaching/professional work, awards, publications/contribution to science)
3. Certified copies of academic transcripts and other relevant certificates
4. Two letters of support from potential academic supervisors from research
or training institutions (indicating name, institution, e-mail, telephone
number and relationship to the candidate) – see MUHAS guidelines for
eligibility criteria for PhD supervisors
5. Letter of support from your current or former employer (If employed),
indicating a willingness to provide study leave to allow for participation in
all training activities
6. A 1-page personal statement
7. A 4-page research concept note with a clear statement of the problem,
research gaps, objectives, and a brief methods section.
What the program offers:
1. Opportunity to train and become a global leader in NCDs research through
coursework, international experiential learning, mentorship, and
independent research in NCDs research
2. Courses that will give you advanced learning and competencies in research
and NCDs at MUHAS and the UoC
3. Mentorship from experts NCDs and Research at MUHAS, and other
international sites within the partner institutions
4. Opportunity to present your research findings in local and international
conferences relevant to nutrition
5. A good academic and research environment with dedicated and
enthusiastic colleagues and mentors
6. Ability to work independently while enjoying free interaction with
research leaders within the two institutions
7. Opportunity to engage in ongoing researches in both institutions suitable
to further build your research competencies
8. Opportunity to work with Ministry of Health and PORLAG in addressing
NCDs research gaps through implementation research
9. Full scholarship for training and research at MUHAS, conference and
publications support, travel to attend earmarked specific courses, and a
students’ stipend for the registered students.
What is expected from you:
1. To work and finish the PhD requirements within the 4-year period of the
scholarship
2. Competencies to develop and run your own research in NCDs and
supervise/mentor others behind you
3. Published 4 manuscripts emanated from your PhD research as per
MUHAS guidelines (1 published, 2 accepted, 1 submitted in reputable
peer review journals at the time of defending the thesis)
4. Attend and earn a minimum of 30 credits for mandatory foundation
courses in research ethics, research methodology, biostatistics, scientific
writing, philosophy/theory of science and communicating science
5. Attend elective courses as prescribed by supervisors
6. Present original research in at least 2 national and 2 international
scientific conferences
7. Engage in the training of others in NCDs research
8. Adhere to MUHAS guidelines, rules, and regulations
Assessment plan for applicants:
There will be a two-tier assessment:
1) Document review of all applicants and shortlisting those who fulfilled the
minimum criteria. Only the shortlisted candidates will undergo oral interviews
for final selection and agreement for the scholarship
2) The selected scholars will undergo a two-step PhD application process that is,
provisional registration and full registration within the stipulated timelines as
per MUHAS PhD guidelines.
Submission process:
Applications should be submitted to: Dr. Davis Mlay (Project administrator) –
Email: mlayeman@gmail.com; Phone: +255 654 010 887
AND copy to or send any queries to: Prof. Bruno F. Sunguya
(sunguya@gmail.com)
Deadline for Application is Thursday, 12th May 2022 at 5:00pm
