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

SCHOLAR

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 the

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)

More Details

Job Code: Scholar-08 - Re-advertised
No of Position: 5
Station: Makerere University OR MUST
Classification: Full-time
Duration: 2 Years
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Posted Date: 2025-09-08 15:50:45.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-12 23:59:00.000

Nutrition Assistants

About Stop TB Partnership/UNOPS PULMq-TB Project

The Ministry of Health (MoH)-National TB/Leprosy Division (NTLD) adopted digital X-ray and CAD as a strategy to increase TB case detection and thus facilitate the finding of the missing TB cases that are not usually reached by the health infrastructure in place due to systemic or patient-level factors. IDI received a grant from the Stop TB Partnership/UNOPS introducing new tool project (iNTP), to implement the Ultra-Portable MinXray Impact System with Qure.ai qXR Software for Community TB Screening in Uganda (PULMq- TB Project). PULMq-TB project will conduct community TB screening among the high-risk populations in the urban and peri-urban settings of Kampala metropolitan and other selected districts of Uganda, inclusive of those in the Karamoja region. The project will also integrate supplementary feeding care aimed at preventing TB infection progression to disease in household contacts of diagnosed bacteriologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients and those households with children diagnosed with TB in three districts of the Karamoja sub-region.

In order to successfully implement the activities for this project, IDI is looking for competent and experienced individuals to fill the positions below.

Purpose: The Nutritionist will provide technical guidance in the implementation of the nutrition supplementation component of the project in line with the current Ministry of Health nutrition guidelines and supervise the Nutrition Assistants. S/he will provide technical guidance on food values and advise patients and the community on nutrition. S/he will ensure that the Project Coordinator is up-to-date with the implementation progress.

More Details

Job Code: NAX001
No of Position: 3
Station: Abim,Nabilatuk,Nakapiripirit
Classification: Full-time
Duration: 3 Months
Reports to: Specified position reporting
Posted Date: 2025-09-08 09:29:05.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-19 11:28:00.000

Nutritionist

About Stop TB Partnership/UNOPS PULMq-TB Project

In order to successfully implement the activities for this project, IDI is looking for competent and experienced individuals to fill the positions below.

More Details

Job Code: NX001
No of Position: 1
Station: Moroto
Classification: Full-time
Duration: 3 Months
Reports to: Specified position reporting
Posted Date: 2025-09-08 09:27:47.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-19 23:59:00.000

VOLUNTEER - Human Genomics

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda is offering two (2) internship opportunities supported by the SHEDS project in partnership with the Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS), University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Interns will participate in real-world, data-driven health research projects while building practical skills.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biomedical Laboratory Technology, Biotechnology or a related field

Desirable Skills and Attributes:

Demonstrated interest in the application of health data science or bioinformatics or structural biology in human genomics.
Willingness to learn and contribute in a multidisciplinary environment.
Plans to pursue a career in health data science or a related field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Eligibility:

Recent graduates or final year students awaiting graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Biomedical Laboratory Technology, Biotechnology or a related field

How to Apply:

Submit a single PDF document including:

Certified academic transcripts or a stamped testimonial if pending graduation.
Copy of UACE results.
Two reference letters on institutional letterhead from academic referees.
Cover page (max 1500 words) outlining:
- A general introduction about yourself e.g. student, recent graduate and field of study.
- The area you are applying for (human genomics).
- Any relevant experience in the area of human genomics.
A one-page research idea aligned with the application of health data science or bioinformatics or structural biology in human genomics.
Updated CV (maximum 3 pages)

Note:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
We will only accept one application per individual.

Application deadline is 19th September 2025

More Details

Job Code: VHG-003
No of Position: 2
Station: Kampala
Classification: Volunteer
Duration: 4 Months
Reports to: BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST
Posted Date: 2025-09-05 12:11:17.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-19 23:59:00.000

VOLUNTEER - Systems Administration

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda is offering one (1) internship opportunity supported by the SHEDS project in partnership with the Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS), University of California San Francisco (UCSF). The intern will participate in real-world, data-driven health research projects while building practical skills.

How to Apply:

Submit a single PDF document including:

Certified academic transcripts or a stamped testimonial if pending graduation.
Copy of UACE results.
Two reference letters on institutional letterhead from academic referees.
Statement of motivation (max 1500 words).
Updated CV (maximum 3 pages).

Note:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
We will only accept one application per individual.

Application deadline is 19th September 2025

More Details

Job Code: VSA-002
No of Position: 1
Station: Kampala
Classification: Volunteer
Duration: 4 Months
Reports to: ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Posted Date: 2025-09-05 12:10:24.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-19 23:59:00.000

VOLUNTEER - Mathematical Modelling

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda is offering three (3) internship opportunities supported by the SHEDS project in partnership with the Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS), University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Interns will participate in real-world, data-driven health research projects while building practical skills.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Statistics or a related field.

Desirable Skills:

Practical experience in building and validating models, such as predictive models, optimization models, or simulation models.
The ability to clean, process, and analyze complex datasets. Experience with databases and data visualization tools is a plus.
A strong foundation in mathematics and statistics, with experience in areas like calculus, linear algebra, probability, and differential equations.
Proficiency in a programming language like R and Python.

Desirable Attributes:

Demonstrated interest in health data science, mathematical modelling or bioinformatics.
Willingness to learn and contribute in a multidisciplinary environment.
Plans to pursue a career in health data science or a related field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Eligibility:

Recent graduates or final year students awaiting graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Statistics or a related field.

How to Apply:

Submit a single PDF document including:

Certified academic transcripts or a stamped testimonial if pending graduation.
Copy of UACE results.
Two reference letters on institutional letterhead from academic referees.
Statement of motivation (max 1500 words) outlining:
- A general introduction about yourself e.g. student, recent graduate and field of study.
- The area you are applying for (mathematical modelling).
- Demonstrated interest in the area of mathematical modelling.
- Any relevant experience in the area of mathematical modelling.
- A one-page research idea aligned with the application of mathematical modelling, statistical analysis, and computational methods to predict and understand real-world phenomena, such as infectious disease dynamics, health data science or bioinformatics.
A one-page research idea aligned within the application of mathematical modelling.
Updated CV (maximum 3 pages)

Note:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
We will only accept one application per individual.

Application deadline is 15th September 2025

More Details

Job Code: VMM001
No of Position: 3
Station: Kampala
Classification: Volunteer
Duration: 4 Months
Reports to: BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST
Posted Date: 2025-09-05 12:08:17.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-19 23:59:00.000

Bioinformatics Research Officer

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intesive Sciences Uganda (ACE-Uganda) is seeking a Part-Time Bioinformatics Research Officer to support capacity building, research, and technical integration. The role involves mentoring interns, contributing to grant writing, leading working groups, and collaborating with the HPC team to ensure a bioinformatics-ready environment. This is an exciting opportunity for a master’s-trained bioinformatician with programming expertise (Python, R, Bash) and prior mentoring experience to make a direct impact on ACE’s research and training initiatives.

Application deadline: 19th September 2025

Submission

Submit the following documents as a single pdf file to the IDI application portal

CLEAR copies of certified relevant academic documents.
Two reference letters from academic referees
Cover letter (max 1000 words)
An updated CV (max 3 pages)

More Details

Job Code: BRO01
No of Position: 1
Station: Kampala
Classification: Part-time
Duration: 3 Months
Reports to: BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST
Posted Date: 2025-09-05 12:06:28.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-19 23:59:00.000

Postdoctoral Fellow

The African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences (ACE-Uganda) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioinformatics/Data Science for a 3-month appointment, renewable based on performance. This position is ideal for a highly motivated early-career researcher with strong skills in bioinformatics, grant writing, and scientific leadership. The researcher will contribute to ACE’s mission in research, training, and strategic partnerships by leading grant development, mentoring young scientists, and representing ACE at key scientific and institutional events.

Submission

Submit the following documents as a single pdf file to the IDI application portal

CLEAR copies of certified relevant academic documents.
Two reference letters from academic referees
Statement of motivation (max 1000 words)
An updated CV (max 4 pages)

Application Deadline 19th September 2025

More Details

Job Code: PDF01
No of Position: 1
Station: IDI MKC
Classification: Full-time
Duration: 3 Months
Reports to: BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST
Posted Date: 2025-09-05 12:04:50.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-19 23:59:00.000

Masters fellow

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

More Details

Job Code: MFPF-02-Re advertised
No of Position: 2
Station: IDI MKC
Classification: Full-time
Duration: 5 Months
Reports to: BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST
Posted Date: 2025-09-05 10:32:57.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-12 23:59:00.000

Masters fellow

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

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.

More Details

Job Code: MFF-01--Re-advertised
No of Position: 1
Station: IDI MKC
Classification: Full-time
Duration: 5 Months
Reports to: BIOINFORMATICS SCIENTIST
Posted Date: 2025-09-05 10:06:51.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-12 23:59:00.000

FACILITIES ASSISTANT

The EXPrESSIVE-10 trial is a phase 3 clinical study assessing the safety and efficacy of MK-8527, an investigational once-monthly oral PrEP medication for adolescent girls and young women at five sites in Uganda: Entebbe, Kalangala, Kampala, Masaka, and Mityana.

More Details

Job Code: FA02092025
No of Position: 1
Station: Kalangla
Classification: Full-time
Duration: 2 Months
Reports to: ADMINISTRATOR
Posted Date: 2025-09-02 15:49:42.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-16 23:59:00.000

FELLOWSHIP GRANTEE

Call for Applications

Funded Scholarship Opportunities in Infectious Disease Research

Program Goal

Background

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

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)

More Details

Job Code: FLG003 - Readvertised
No of Position: 2
Station: Makerere University OR Mbarara University (MUST)
Classification: Full-time
Duration: 1 Years
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Posted Date: 2025-08-29 16:07:38.000
Closing Date: 2025-09-12 23:59:00.000