PhD Student

The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) in partnership with University College London (UCL) offers a fully funded PhD studentship for the academic cycle.

• Full tuition fees
• Living costs in Durban for two years
• Living costs in London for up to one year
• Two return economy flights between South Africa and the UK
• UCL bench fees

Duration: 3 years, with most time at AHRI and designated periods of study at UCL.

Up to two studentships available across seven research projects.

• Be domiciled in South Africa at the time of application
• Have completed or be close to completing a master's degree (or equivalent)
• Be able to take on a full-time PhD if successful
• Obtain letters of recommendation from both a UCL and an AHRI supervisor
• Obtain three referee letters from previous academic supervisors/line managers
• Meet the UCL English language requirements:
• Be willing to spend up to one year in London (this may be split into four three-month periods)
• Hold a valid passport at the time of application
• Possess a valid work permit (desirable for non South African applicants)
• Meet any additional project specific requirements

Supervisors: AHRI Dr Kobus Herbst and UCL Prof Amitava Banerjee

• Investigate the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease and related conditions in South Africa, including among individuals with HIV and TB.
• Examine prevalence, healthcare utilisation, and outcomes, and compare risks between populations with and without HIV/TB, as well as with data from the United Kingdom.
• Use epidemiological and health informatics approaches, including regression modelling and risk prediction tools, to generate evidence that informs clinical practice, service planning, and policy.
• Contribute to improved understanding of cardiovascular risk in diverse populations.

• Stage 1: Initial interview of shortlisted candidates.
• Stage 2: Final interview and joint panel interview with AHRI and UCL supervisors.

Complete the AHRI UCL PhD studentship application - Project 4 of 7: Long term cardiovascular risk in the context of HIV and TB infection in South Africa. Submit the following supporting documents:

• Academic CV
• Passport or ID document
• Certified copies of academic transcripts
• Original degree certificates

Contact the AHRI Education and Training Unit at with the subject heading: " AHRI-UCL PhD Studentship - Project 4 of 7_Herbst_Banerjee".

Worker Type: Contingent Worker

Application closing date: 12 Jun 2026

Employment equity: AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants.

AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted; kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.