PhD position under NIHR -CLEAN-AIR(AFRICA) Project grant Cameroon

Clean Air Africa    (Douala and Mbalmayo)

Posted : 12 July, 2023

Category : Public Health   Location : Douala and Mbalmayo

Job type : Full Time

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CALL FOR APPLICATION PhD position under NIHR -CLEAN-AIR(AFRICA) Project grant Cameroon 1. Background The Douala General Hospital In collaboration with the University of Liverpool through the NIHR CLEAN-Air (Africa) Global Health Research Unit (www.cleanairafrica.com), is launching a call for a PhD post to be held at any state University in Cameroon. CLEAN-Air(Africa) is a multi-national collaboration between the University of Liverpool (UoL, UK), Douala General Hospital (Cameroon), Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI, Kenya), Moi University (Kenya), Makerere University Lung Institute (Uganda), University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), and RBC (Rwanda). Through this project, the Unit intends to carry out a rigorous and diverse program of research and capacity building to address the global burden of disease caused by household air pollution (HAP) and present policy relevant evidence to expediate the adoption of clean cooking in order to address this burden under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) time horizon of 2030, with a focus on developing and supporting strategies under SDG7, namely "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all" in sub-Saharan Africa 2. Research Area CLEAN-Air(Africa) aims to positively impact health, environment, climate and gender equality in Cameroon and sub-Saharan Africa by investigating technological and digital innovations to support rapid, scaled transition to clean modern household energy and through strengthening health systems in primary and secondary prevention of air pollution related non-communicable disease. SpeciWic to the Cameroon program, we strive to understand the relationships between exposure to household air pollution (HAP), respiratory diseases and cardiovascular health. The research objectives to be addressed by the PhD candidate under CLEAN-Air(Africa) include: 1) To quantify levels of PM2.5 associated with polluting cooking fuels and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to model health impacts from clean cooking. 2) To evaluate the relationship between Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and HAP in adults using wearable technology to elucidate the role of HAP exposure on cardiovascular disease mechanisms. CLEAN-Air(Africa) research activities will take place in Mbalmayo, Cameroon. 3. Call for application The CLEAN-Air(Africa) Cameroon Unit is issuing a call for applicants for a 3-year PhD scholarship. The PhD program will be associated with the Unit’s wider research program and the candidate is expected to begin by October 2023. 4. Funding The PhD program is fully funded by CLEAN-Air (Africa) through the University of Liverpool/ Global Health Research Unit sponsored by the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK. Interested candidates are invited to apply following the procedures detailed below. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 5. Requirements Requirements for applications for the PhD scholarship include: • Having a Master’s degree in a health discipline (Public Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Medicine or similar). • Able to submit a copy of the abstract of their Master’s thesis as well as copies of their scientific publications. • Able to submit a research concept note relevant to the PhD degree sought and the topic areas described on Section 2, to demonstrate knowledge on HAP and applied thinking. The proposed topic and research questions may not necessarily be the final PhD project topic. The concept note should not exceed 2000 words (excluding references). The concept note should clearly define the (i) research problem, (ii) relevant research conducted so far to address the problem with annotated references, (iii) gaps in the current evidence base and (iv) research activities to be conducted (including aims, objectives and methods) with justification. We expect clear articulation of objectives, methods, and indicate expected outcomes linked to the priority research areas (set out in Section 2). • Able to apply to a PhD public health program in one of the state universities in Cameroon • Ability to relocate to Mbalmayo to conduct primary data collection 6. Documents required for application/Application file: • A cover letter indicating the motivation to join the PhD program and interest in the topics set out in Section 2. • An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV). • Verified Masters and Bachelor’s degrees and transcripts. • Recommendation letters from at least two academic referees who are knowledgeable about the applicant. • Copies of valid National identification card. • Master’s thesis abstract. • List of any peer reviewed publications. • Prove of admission/application for admission into one of the state universities of Cameroon for a PhD Public Health program 7. Selection Criteria The selection of candidates will be carried out based on the submitted documentation by applicants. Only candidates who meet the entry requirements mentioned above and who will have submitted all the required documents will be shortlisted and invited to interview. The selected best candidate after the interview will be admitted in the program. 8. Important dates and notes Applicants are requested to submit the required documentation with their application by 15th September 2023. The successful candidate will be funded for tuition fees, monthly living allowances, Wield allowances, research visit to attend conferences and any other research expenses. The candidate will be expected to initiate studies by October 2023. 9. How to Apply Interested applicants are required to submit a complete application Wile to the cleanaircameroon@gmail.com by the 15th September 2023.

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