Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)
The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is a Ugandan not-for-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen health systems in Africa, with strong emphasis on infectious diseases, through research and capacity development. IDI has six operational areas through which it works to achieve its mission: Prevention, Care and Treatment; Training, Research, Laboratory services (including the CAP-certified IDI Core Lab & Translational Lab), Global Health Security and Health System Strengthening.
Students intending to pursue their internships with IDI and volunteers should submit their applications through this HR online application Portal.
Please follow the link to register for Internship or Volunteering, or login.
Available Job Opportunities
Call for applications: Fully Funded 2-year MSc Fellowship Opportunity at Makerere University
SHE-DATA SCIENCE (SHEDS)
Empowering Uganda’s Women in Health Data Science: Identifying Barriers, Bridging Knowledge and Innovation for Tangible Impact.
Call open: August 19th, 2025
Application deadline: September 3rd, 2025
Proposed start: October 1st, 2025
The She Data Science (SHEDS) project is pleased to invite suitable applications from females for ONE fully funded MSc fellowship for the year 2025. SHEDS is a collaborative initiative between the African center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda and the Institute of Global Health Sciences (IGHS) at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), USA.
About the SHEDS program
The increasing adoption of technologies like mobile phones, high throughput genomic sequencing, IoT and electronic health records is accelerating the buildup of an avalanche of data: clinical, genomic, epidemiological, climate-related and social/behavioral data. These growing volumes and complexity of data, render the rapidly expanding field of “Big Data” analysis and interpretation essential to improving health and economic outcomes.
Data Science (DS), which encapsulates Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides a pathway to the leveraging and enhancement of these data into meaningful and actionable information. However, the highly technical nature of DS as well its powerful potential, simultaneously pause the risk of ‘leaving behind’ sections of the population that have already been disadvantaged. In Uganda in particular, the high gender disparity within STEM fields means that women are more likely to be left behind, resulting in the unintended consequence of DS further widening the gender gap in STEM.
This program is thus going to target the training and advancement of Ugandan women in data science and (or) bioinformatics. It achieves this goal through three critical areas: 1) Skilling women in data science / bioinformatics methods and techniques, 2) identify barriers to women in STEM, Data Science and bioinformatics 3) Providing a bridge to help trainees translate their data science skills into biomedical and public health practice.
Benefits of the program
- There is 1 fully funded MSc fellowship that will provide tuition and a stipend for a 2-year full-time MSc degree.
- Research clearance fees for MSc student project.
- World class health data science mentorship from some of the best mentors in the field.
Submission
Submit the following documents as a single pdf file to the IDI application portal
- CLEAR copies of certified relevant academic documents
- A one page concept in any of the following areas:
a) Human Genomics including the role of repeats in the human genome
b) Cancer including cancer genomics and genomics data science
c) Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) including the design of antimicrobial drug combination therapies, identifying One Health AMR transmission pathways, and utilizing data science methodologies to guide antimicrobial stewardship initiatives
d) Natural Language Processing (NLP) and (or) generative AI solutions for health problems.
3. Two reference letters from academic referees
4. Statement of motivation (max 1000 words)
5. An updated CV (max 4 pages)
NB:
- This is a full-time MSc scholarship. It is expected that the intending applicant is not involved in any other form of employment.
- Only successful candidates will be notified.
- This opportunity is targeted towards females.
1
IDI MKC
Full-time
5 Months
BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST
2025-08-19 11:37:38.000
Call for Applications: MSc Research Year Fellowship Opportunities at Makerere University
She Data Science (SHEDS)
Empowering Uganda’s Women in Health Data Science: Identifying Barriers, Bridging Knowledge and Innovation for Tangible Impact
Call open: August 19th 2025
Number of positions: 2
Application deadline: September 3rd 2025
Proposed start: October 1st 2025
The She Data Science (SHEDS) project is pleased to invite applications from eligible female candidates for MSc Research year fellowships for the year 2025. SHEDS is a collaborative initiative between the African center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda and the Institute of Global Health Sciences (IGHS) at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), USA.
About the SHEDS program
The increasing adoption of technologies like mobile phones, high throughput genomic sequencing, IoT and electronic health records is accelerating the buildup of an avalanche of data: clinical, genomic, epidemiological, climate-related and social/behavioral data. These growing volumes and complexity of data, render the rapidly expanding field of “Big Data” analysis and interpretation essential to improving health and economic outcomes.
Data Science (DS), which encapsulates Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides a pathway to the leveraging and enhancement of these data into meaningful and actionable information. However, the highly technical nature of DS as well its powerful potential, simultaneously pause the risk of ‘leaving behind’ sections of the population that have already been disadvantaged. In Uganda in particular, the high gender disparity within STEM fields means that women are more likely to be left behind, resulting in the unintended consequence of DS further widening the gender gap in STEM.
This program is thus going to target the training and advancement of Ugandan women in data science and (or) bioinformatics. It achieves this goal through three critical areas: 1) Skilling women in data science / bioinformatics methods and techniques, 2) identify barriers to women in STEM, Data Science and bioinformatics 3) Providing a bridge to help trainees translate their data science skills into biomedical and public health practice.
Benefits of the program
- There are two fellowships that will provide a stipend to two MSc students during the research year.
- Research clearance fees for MSc student project.
- World class health data science mentorship from some of the best mentors in the field.
Research concept
The research concept should be one that employs data science, mathematical and (or) bioinformatics to any of the following areas:
a) Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) including the design of antimicrobial drug combination therapies, identifying One Health AMR transmission pathways, and utilizing data science methodologies to guide antimicrobial stewardship initiatives
b) Human Genomics including the role of repeats in the human genome
c) cancer including cancer genomics and genomics data science
d) Natural Language Processing (NLP) and (or) generative AI solutions for health problems.
Submission
Submit the following documents as a single pdf file to the IDI application portal
- CLEAR copies of certified relevant academic documents.
- A one-page concept note of your proposed research
- Two reference letters from academic referees
- Statement of motivation (max 1000 words)
- An updated CV (max 4 pages)
NB:
- This is a full-time MSc scholarship. It is expected that the intending applicant is not involved in any other form of study or employment.
- Only successful candidates will be notified.
- This opportunity is targeted towards females
2
IDI MKC
Full-time
5 Months
BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST
2025-08-19 11:29:45.000
The Medical Officer will ensure delivery of quality HIV/AIDS care and treatment services to clients by providing technical and appropraite leadership support to the IDI PCT clinic.
1
MULAGO
Full-time
6 Months
PHYSICIAN
2025-08-13 14:24:35.000
Call for Applications
Funded Scholarship Opportunities in Infectious Disease Research
The Research Capacity Building Unit at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, invites applications for funded training scholarships in Infectious disease research for academic year 2025/2026 through the O.R. TAMBO AFRICA RESEARCH CHAIR INITIATIVE.
Program Goal
The program aims to train and retain a new generation of African physician-scientists who will contribute to human and institutional capacity development in prevention, treatment, and research of infectious diseases. It targets highly motivated individuals committed to advancing careers in Infectious Diseases.
Background
Among a myriad of different causes of morbidity, infectious and neglected tropical diseases remain a leading cause of death in Africa. Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis account for a large portion of neurological disease burden especially among immunocompromised individuals, including those living with HIV/AIDS.
In Sub-Saharan Africa:
- Cryptococcal meningitis causes 15–19% of AIDS-related deaths.
- TB meningitis is the deadliest form of TB.
- CNS infections account for 12% of medical admissions in Uganda's national referral hospital, yet most etiologies remain undiagnosed.
Despite the magnitude of this problem, infections remain under-researched and under-diagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and preventable deaths.
Program Overview
This training program is a collaboration between Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST), University of Minnesota (USA) and Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). The program envisages multidisciplinary research training in Immunology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Pharmacology and Quality Improvement. Trainees will conduct research using existing infectious disease research platforms or other infectious diseases, under expert mentorship.
Additionally, the program aims to establish an Infectious Disease Fellowship within the Department of Medicine at Makerere University, in partnership with the East, Central & Southern Africa College of Physicians. This will contribute to building a local and regional workforce of infectious disease specialists.
Benefits for Successful Candidates
- Supported training and mentorship for 2 years during the MMed Internal Medicine program
- Research funding (equipment, materials, supplies, and data collection)
- Access to research and career development workshops
- Support to publish manuscripts and present at scientific meetings
- Opportunities to attend international conferences, have laboratory exposure and leadership training
- Exposure to grant writing, research management, and translational science
Application Process
Highly motivated individuals, capable of self-directed study and planning a career in infectious disease research are invited to apply for this scholarship at IDI if they;
- Have a demonstrable interest in clinical, biomedical research, and scientific writing
- Wish to develop particular expertise in Infectious disease research through the following areas: Immunology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Pharmacology and Quality Improvement
- Demonstrable interest preferably in infectious disease research, through prior research participation and/or publications
- Ability to define a clear area of interest within infectious disease research and strong research question
- Possess a basic understanding of global/national infectious disease research epidemiology and statistics
- Demonstrable commitment towards developing a strong academic career and leadership within infectious disease research
- Motivated, independent, strong teamwork and communication skills
- Strong English language proficiency, both spoken and written (as demonstrated in writing sample)
2
Makerere University OR Mbarara University (MUST)
Full-time
1 Years
Principal Investigator
2025-08-13 11:06:11.000
Call for Applications
Funded Scholarship Opportunities in Infectious Disease Research
The Research Capacity Building Unit at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, invites applications for funded training scholarships in Infectious disease research for academic year 2025/2026 through the O.R. TAMBO AFRICA RESEARCH CHAIR INITIATIVE.
Program Goal
The program aims to train and retain a new generation of African physician-scientists who will contribute to human and institutional capacity development in prevention, treatment, and research of infectious diseases. It targets highly motivated individuals committed to advancing careers in Infectious Diseases.
Background
Among a myriad of different causes of morbidity, infectious and neglected tropical diseases remain a leading cause of death in Africa. Infections such as meningitis, encephalitis, and meningoencephalitis account for a large portion of neurological disease burden especially among immunocompromised individuals, including those living with HIV/AIDS.
In Sub-Saharan Africa:
- Cryptococcal meningitis causes 15–19% of AIDS-related deaths.
- TB meningitis is the deadliest form of TB.
- CNS infections account for 12% of medical admissions in Uganda's national referral hospital, yet most etiologies remain undiagnosed.
Despite the magnitude of this problem, infections remain under-researched and under-diagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and preventable deaths.
Program Overview
This training program is a collaboration between Makerere University, Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST), University of Minnesota (USA) and Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). The program envisages multidisciplinary research training in Immunology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Pharmacology and Quality Improvement. Trainees will conduct research using existing infectious disease research platforms or other infectious diseases, under expert mentorship.
Additionally, the program aims to establish an Infectious Disease Fellowship within the Department of Medicine at Makerere University, in partnership with the East, Central & Southern Africa College of Physicians. This will contribute to building a local and regional workforce of infectious disease specialists.
Benefits for Successful Candidates
- Supported training and mentorship for 3 years during the PhD program
- Research funding (equipment, materials, supplies, and data collection)
- Access to research and career development workshops
- Support to publish manuscripts and present at scientific meetings
- Opportunities to attend international conferences, have laboratory exposure and leadership training
- Exposure to grant writing, research management, and translational science
1
Makerere University
Full-time
3 Years
Principal Investigator
2025-08-13 10:59:52.000
The Graduate Trainee Statistician will join the Statistics Unit in the Research Department, supporting database design, data management, analysis, mathematical modelling, and interpretation of clinical or research data. The role involves collaborating with multidisciplinary experts and national/subnational partners to produce actionable health evidence for informed decision-making.
1
Kampala
Full-time
1 Years
MANAGER STATISTICS UNIT
2025-08-12 09:31:42.000