The Research and Capacity Building in Antimicrobial Resistance in West Africa (RECABAW) Training Programme is funded through a grant from the National Institutes of Health, USA, and hosted primarily at the Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School. The goal of the training programme is to help establish a core of West African scientists through PhD and Postdoctoral training to efficiently advance the understanding and management of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the sub-region. The RECABAW Training Programme is seeking to engage well-qualified and highly motivated individuals from September 2023, to undertake cutting-edge research using modern tools, such as metagenomic sequencing, to help design interventions in key areas of AMR. Selected fellows will receive funding covering research costs, stipend, conference attendance, and tuition, where applicable. In addition, fellows who excel during the research training, may be offered seed grants upon completion, to help them establish independent careers in AMR research. In accordance with the excellence that the RECABAW Training Programme intends to achieve, PhD and Postdoctoral fellows will be selected through a highly rigorous procedure.
1. PhD Fellowships
To apply for this fellowship, you must
(i) Be a West African national who holds a relevant Master’s degree that was awarded by a recognized university within the last four years.
(ii) Have obtained a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 or its equivalent at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
iii) Demonstrate strong aptitude for, and the ability to conduct independent research.
Successful applicants will be registered for a four-year PhD degree in Medical Microbiology at the University of Ghana, which involves a first year of mandatory coursework, followed by a research phase. While the coursework must be completed at the University of Ghana, PhD fellows will have the opportunity to undertake part or all of their research at one of the collaborating institutions of the RECABAW Training Programme in West Africa or the United States. PhD fellows are expected to be full-time and conduct high-quality research leading to the publication of at least 2 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
2. Postdoctoral Fellowships
To apply for this fellowship, you must:
(i) Be an African national who holds a relevant PhD degree that was awarded by a recognized university within the last five years.
(ii) Demonstrate strong aptitude for, and the ability to conduct independent research.
Successful applicants will be offered postdoctoral fellowships for a period of 1-2 years to develop and execute innovative research projects in AMR leading to scientific publications in high impact factor journals. Postdoctoral fellows will be based primarily at the University of Ghana, with the opportunity to undertake part of their research at any of the other collaborating institutions of the RECABAW Training Programme, depending on the postdoctoral project. All RECABAW postdoctoral fellows are expected to be full-time and conduct high-quality research, as well as participate in teaching and supervision of undergraduate and graduate students to build their academic profiles.
How to apply:
Please submit the following as part of your application:
· A cover letter demonstrating your motivation and suitability for the fellowship
· A one-page summary outlining your research interest and how this opportunity may advance your future professional trajectory
· A concise PhD or postdoctoral research proposal in AMR (four pages maximum)
· A full up-to-date curriculum vitae
· Copies of all qualification certificates and academic transcripts
· A copy of National ID or passport
· Names and contact details of at least two referees who have supervised or worked with you, and can speak about your experience and skills
Completed applications should be sent as a single PDF file by email to recabaw@ug.edu.gh with a copy to Professor Eric Sampane-Donkor (esampane-donkor@ug.edu.gh) by Monday June 26, 2023. Applicants should use the email subject heading: Application for RECABAW Fellowship, indicating PhD or Postdoc as appropriate. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted a few days after the submission deadline for an interview, after which fellowship awards will be made.
