MUII-Plus Co-Director Advert

Makerere University-UVRI Centre of Excellence for Infection and Immunity Research and Training (MUII-plus)

Background:
Established in 2008, the Makerere University/UVRI Infection and Immunity Research Training Programme (MUII; www.muii.org.ug) aims to bring the premier research University (Makerere University) together with the premier health research institute (the Uganda Virus Research Institute) in Uganda, to help train health researchers in the 21st Century. Over the period 2016-2020, MUII-plus is working to transition to a Centre of Excellence, offering strong mentorships not only for trainees, but for all scientists in Uganda interested in the field of infection and immunity. MUII-plus has strong collaborations with regional and international partners, including the University of Cambridge and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Since its inception in 2008, this research and capacity development programme has supported new initiatives in immunology and bioinformatics for Uganda, and over 60 fellowships (including Masters, PhD and post-doctoral fellowships, and awards to support emerging scientific group leaders). Members are making significant contributions to research on HIV, tuberculosis, parasitology, virology and reproductive biology, and in understanding links between infectious and non-communicable diseases.

The Centre, which is based at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and collaborates with the Makerere University Colleges of Health Sciences (CHS), Natural Sciences (CoNAS) and Veterinary Medicine, Animal Health and Biosecurity (CoVAB) as well as the Infectious Diseases Institute and the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, is seeking to fill the position of Co-director. The position is estimated at 20% time. The appointee will be based in Uganda, at any of the collaborating institutions. The appointment will be at a level equivalent to associate professor or above, with commensurate remuneration benchmarked against international salary scales.

Job Summary:
The Co-director will work with the Director over the forthcoming 12-14 months to develop the strategic direction of MUII-plus and participate in on-going activities. During this period, we anticipate to undertake a renewal process of funding renewal for a forthcoming five-year period. The Co-director will be expected to participate intensively in the proposal development for funding renewal, and in other fund-raising activities, with a view to transitioning to Director during the subsequent funding period if funds are secured. The timing of the transition will be open to negotiating between the Co-director and Director.

The work will involve regular participation in meetings and activities both in Entebbe (at UVRI) and in Kampala (at the partner colleges and institutions at Makerere).

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
• An African national
• PhD or equivalent higher degree
• A clinical or basic scientist with an exceptional research track record, including in immunology or bioinformatics and relating to at least one of the disease areas listed above
• Evidence of a passion for training and mentorship for the next generation of African scientists

Further information may be obtained from the MUII-plus Centre Manager, (Victoria Bukirwa, vbukirwa@uvri.go.ug) or director (Alison Elliott, alison.elliott@mrcuganda.org).

Additional information.
MUII-plus is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community including candidates with disabilities. Africans in the diaspora who are considering a return are encouraged to apply. The anticipated start-date for the position is 1st November 2019.

How to Apply:
Candidates are requested to send an application letter, curriculum vitae and names, email addresses and telephone contact details of two (2) professional referees, via E-mail to: mkatusabe@uvri.go.ug and copy to mkizza@uvri.go.ug and vbukirwa@gmail.com

Deadline for receiving applications is 8th September 2019