Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Zimbabwe – University of Oxford & THRU-ZIM (2027)

# Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Zimbabwe The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU-Zim), within the Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI), in collaboration with the University of Oxford, is offering a Wellcome Trust-funded PhD opportunity for a candidate with a background in immunology or molecular biology research in Zimbabwe. The successful candidate will be employed by BRTI in Harare and registered for a DPhil in Clinical Medicine at the University of Oxford within the Medical Sciences Division, NDM Centre for Global Health Research. The student will spend approximately 75% of their time at THRU-Zim in Zimbabwe and 25% in Oxford, United Kingdom. ## About the PhD Opportunity - **Programme**: DPhil in Clinical Medicine - Characterising Integrative Hallmarks of Ageing in Children with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy in Zimbabwe - **Institutions**: University of Oxford and The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU-Zim), Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) - **Location**: Harare, Zimbabwe, with research and training visits to Oxford, United Kingdom - **Funding**: Wellcome Trust - **Stipend**: USD 1,500 per month - **Tuition**: Fully funded for 3 years - **Application Deadline:** 5 November 2026, 17:00 CAT - **Expected Start Date**: 1 October 2027 The project forms part of the international ARTful Ageing consortium, which investigates biological ageing, immune function and child health among children living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy. ## Research Objectives The primary project objectives are to: - Measure biological ageing parameters including bone marrow and thymic output, telomere length and immune cell subset distribution across two timepoints (baseline and follow-up visit at 24 months). - Characterise humoral responses to common childhood vaccinations and infections. - Evaluate cellular immune function in response to vaccine antigens and non-specific immunostimulants using a whole blood assay. - Integrate biological ageing features with clinical and environmental parameters in children with HIV. ## Funding and Benefits The PhD is funded by the Wellcome Trust and includes: - Full PhD tuition fees for three years. - A stipend of USD 1,500 per month to cover living costs in Zimbabwe. - Travel and accommodation costs in the United Kingdom. - A laptop provided by the University of Oxford. - Research training and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in Zimbabwe and the UK. - Access to seminars, training courses and learning resources at THRU-Zim and the University of Oxford. The programme is planned as full-time study, although part-time study over a longer period may be possible. ## Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the following requirements: - IELTS in the last 2 years with overall score at least 7, and no score lower than 7 in any domain. - Masters in a relevant discipline including Immunology, Infection & Immunity, Biology of Ageing, Biomedical Research, Molecular Medicine. - Experience working in a research laboratory. - Experience working with human primary immune cells. - Evidence of contributing to publications. - A proactive attitude to learning, troubleshooting and team science. - Fluent in English (in speaking and writing). - The right to live and work in Zimbabwe. ## Research Location and Supervision The successful candidate will be mainly based at Newlands Clinic in Harare, where the ARTful laboratory team is located. The programme includes two six-month research visits to the United Kingdom and additional short-term visits as needed. At Oxford, the student will be based at the Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research. The student will be primarily supervised by Dr Barbara Kronsteiner-Dobramysl, together with colleagues in Zimbabwe and the UK. ## Selection Process Appointment will follow a competitive, staged selection process: 1. Initial THRU-Zim selection interview in November 2026. 2. Formal application to the University of Oxford DPhil in Clinical Medicine programme by 1 December 2026. 3. University of Oxford shortlisting, interview and admissions process. 4. Confirmation of admission and successful award of scholarship funding. Participation in the selection process does not guarantee admission or funding. Candidates must successfully complete all stages. ## How to Apply Interested candidates must submit: - A full CV. - A cover letter including a personal statement describing their training and experience, motivation for pursuing a PhD, interest in this specific project, reasons for applying to THRU-Zim and the University of Oxford, and why they should be selected. Send applications to: **ArtfulOxfordPhD@gmail.com** Interviews will take place in November 2026 at the THRU-Zim offices, with some interviewers participating online from the UK. - **Application Deadline:** 5 November 2026 at 17:00 CAT. - For enquiries, contact: **barbara.kronsteiner-dobramysl@ndm.ox.ac.uk**. For more information: **DOWNLOAD FULL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS**