The Makerere University-Behavioral and Social Science Research (Mak-BSSR) in HIV Training Program, in partnership with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), invites applications for Master’s and Fellowship-level training opportunities in Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (BSSR) focused on HIV. This five-year research training program, funded by the Fogarty International Center (FIC) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to develop the next generation of scientists who use behavioral and social science research to generate evidence that improves outcomes across the HIV care cascade, from HIV prevention and testing through linkage to care, retention in care, treatment adherence, and sustained viral suppression.
The program supports research addressing key behavioral and social determinants that influence HIV cascade outcomes. Priority areas include:
- Intersectional stigma
- Alcohol and substance use
- Mental health and psychosocial well-being
- Limited social support, social isolation, and loneliness
- Ageism
Who Should Apply
Through this program, trainees will develop advanced competencies in behavioral and social science research and learn to apply social and behavioral theories and frameworks to HIV research. They will gain the knowledge and skills to design, conduct, and translate rigorous behavioral and social science research that complements epidemiology, clinical medicine, and public health. By the end of the program, trainees will be equipped to generate evidence that informs policies, programs, and interventions to improve HIV prevention, HIV testing and diagnosis, linkage to care, retention in care, ART adherence, viral suppression, healthy aging with HIV, and quality of life.
What You Will Learn
Through this program, trainees will develop core competencies in behavioral and social science research and learn how to apply these approaches rigorously to HIV-related research and practice. The curriculum emphasizes how behavioral and social sciences interface with epidemiology, public health, and medicine to address complex HIV challenges and broader public health problems.
Master's eligibility
Nationality and Enrollment
- Must be a Ugandan national
- Must be enrolled at Makerere University in a health, or behavioral and social sciences-related discipline such as; Social Sciences: MA in Sociology, Anthropology, Gender Studies, Social Work and Social Administration, Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology; Master of Organizational Psychology; Master of Medicine in Psychiatry, Public Health and Epidemiology: MSc in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics; MPH; Masters of Health Services Research.
Academic Progress
- Must have completed at least one full academic year of the master's program
- Must have an HIV-related research concept (strictly 2-pages) with a BSSR component in any of the above-listed research priority areas. (Applicants with approved concepts or proposals will have added advantage).
- Must be willing to conduct the dissertation project under rigorous mentorship as part of the training program.
Commitment
- Demonstrate strong interest in BSSR in HIV, care, and prevention.
- Show commitment to developing a long-term research career in BSSR in HIV.
2. Fellowship (2 Years)
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a Ugandan national
- Must hold a master's degree in biomedical or behavioral sciences
Institutional Affiliation
- Must be junior faculty at Busitema University, Mountains of the Moon University, or Makerere University
Research Experience and Commitment
- Demonstrate strong interest in BSSR.
- Provide evidence of participation or leadership in HIV prevention, treatment, care, or research
- Submit strictlya 2-page concept with clear objectives addressing a BSSR problem in HIV in the above-listed research priority areas (Applicants with approved concepts or proposals will have added advantage).
Application Process
Interested applicants must address their applications to: Training Coordinator, Mak-BSSR Project and submit the following documents as a single PDF file (maximum 6 MB) to makbssr@gmail.com:
Required Documents:
- Cover letter (maximum 1 page) expressing interest in the program.
- Copies of academic certificates and transcripts.
- Curriculum vitae (maximum 4 pages)
- Concept note (maximum 2 pages) focusing on BSSR in HIV aligned with any of the listed research priority areas
Important Notes:
- Recommendation letters are NOT required at this stage.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted