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

1. About O.R. TAMBO AFRICA RESEARCH CHAIR INITIATIVE 

The Strengthening Neuro-Infectious Disease Research Capacity at Makerere University through Tiered Mentorship and Institutional Collaboration project funded through the O.R. TAMBO AFRICA RESEARCH CHAIR INITIATIVE (ORTARCHI) at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, invites applications for fully-funded training scholarships in infectious and neurological diseases research for academic year 2026/2027.

2. Program Overview

This training program is a collaborative 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 provides multidisciplinary research training in Immunology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Pharmacology and Quality Improvement. Trainees will conduct research using existing neuro-infectious disease platforms or other related areas, under expert mentorship. Additionally, the program aims to establish an Infectious Disease Fellowship within the Department of Medicine at Makerere University. This will contribute to building a local and regional workforce of infectious disease specialists.

3. Background

Infectious and neglected tropical diseases remain a leading cause of death in Africa. Neuro-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, neuro-infections remain under-researched and under-diagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and preventable deaths.

4. 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, with a specific focus on infectious and neurological diseases.

5. Position: MMed Scholar (5 vacancies at MakCHS and MUST)

  • 1 Position MMed Paediatrics at MakCHS
  • 2 Positions at MMed Internal Medicine at MakCHS
  • 2 Positions at MMed Internal at Mbarara University (MUST)

Eligibility:

  • Currently enrolled in second year of the MMed Internal Medicine or Paediatrics programs at Makerere or MMed Internal Medicine at MUST
  • Commitment to completing the program full-time
More Details
MSOR005
5
Makerere University, College of Health Sciences and Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Full-time
1 Years
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT- RESEARCH
2026-10-22 09:30:12.000

1. About O.R. TAMBO AFRICA RESEARCH CHAIR INITIATIVE 

The Strengthening Neuro-Infectious Disease Research Capacity at Makerere University through Tiered Mentorship and Institutional Collaboration project funded through the O.R. TAMBO AFRICA RESEARCH CHAIR INITIATIVE (ORTARCHI) at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, invites applications for fully-funded training scholarships in infectious and neurological diseases research for academic year 2026/2027

2. Program Overview

This training program is a collaborative 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 provides multidisciplinary research training in Immunology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Pharmacology and Quality Improvement. Trainees will conduct research using existing neuro-infectious disease platforms or other related areas, under expert mentorship. Additionally, the program aims to establish an Infectious Disease Fellowship within the Department of Medicine at Makerere University. This will contribute to building a local and regional workforce of infectious disease specialists.

3. Background

Infectious and neglected tropical diseases remain a leading cause of death in Africa. Neuro-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, neuro-infections remain under-researched and under-diagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and preventable deaths.

4. 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, with a specific focus on infectious and neurological diseases.

5. Position: PhD Fellowship at Makerere University (1 Position – Department of Internal Medicine – MakCHS)

Eligibility:

  • Completed MMed program
  • Commitment to fellowship training over 1-2 years.
More Details
PhDOR001
1
Makerere University, College of Health Sciences
Full-time
1 Years
Head Of Department - Research
2026-10-22 09:26:53.000

1. About O.R. TAMBO AFRICA RESEARCH CHAIR INITIATIVE 

The Strengthening Neuro-Infectious Disease Research Capacity at Makerere University through Tiered Mentorship and Institutional Collaboration project funded through the O.R. TAMBO AFRICA RESEARCH CHAIR INITIATIVE (ORTARCHI) at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Makerere University, invites applications for fully-funded training scholarships in infectious and neurological diseases research for academic year 2026/2027

2. Program Overview

This training program is a collaborative 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 provides multidisciplinary research training in Immunology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Pharmacology and Quality Improvement. Trainees will conduct research using existing neuro-infectious disease platforms or other related areas, under expert mentorship. Additionally, the program aims to establish an Infectious Disease Fellowship within the Department of Medicine at Makerere University. This will contribute to building a local and regional workforce of infectious disease specialists.

3. Background

Infectious and neglected tropical diseases remain a leading cause of death in Africa. Neuro-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, neuro-infections remain under-researched and under-diagnosed, leading to delayed treatment and preventable deaths.

4. 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, with a specific focus on infectious and neurological diseases.

5. Position: Post-MMed Fellowship, MakCHS (1 Vacancy)

Eligibility:

  • Completed MMed program
  • Commitment to fellowship training over 1-2 years.
More Details
RFOR001
1
Makerere University, College of Health Sciences
Full-time
1 Years
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT- RESEARCH
2026-10-22 09:26:03.000