Join UNIABUJA as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Spatial Epidemiology | PACTS Consortium

The University of Abuja, in conjunction with its prestigious Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training (CESRTA), is inviting applications for a highly coveted Postdoctoral Research Fellow position within the PACTS Consortium. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on sickle cell disease (SCD) management across Sub-Saharan Africa. If you are driven by innovation and seeking a platform to apply your expertise in disease mapping and epidemiology, this full-time, two-year position could be your next career move, starting in May 2024.

Exciting Research Role in the Heart of Africa

Project Overview

You will be joining a dynamic Global Health Research Group (GHRG) funded by the UK National Institute for Health & Care Research (NIHR). This consortium is a collaborative effort led by Professor Imelda Bates from the Liverpool School of Medicine (UK) and Professor Obiageli Nnodu from the University of Abuja (Nigeria). The project is focused on enhancing patient-centred sickle cell disease management across Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia.

Core Objectives

• Improve SCD detection and treatment through optimised clinical interventions.
• Patient-Centred Approach: Tailor strategies to meet the unique needs of SCD patients in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Capacity Building: Enhance the ability of institutions and individuals to conduct impactful implementation research.

Specific Duties

Your primary role will involve:

• Analyzing geographical, socio-economic, and cultural barriers that SCD patients face in accessing care.
• Utilizing GIS data to map health facilities and model geographical factors impacting access to care.
• Collaborating closely with local experts in Abuja, Kumasi, and Lusaka to leverage their contextual knowledge for more accurate data interpretation.

Training and Collaboration

The position will also allow you to:

• Work under the guidance of Dr Frédéric B. Piel of Imperial College London, UK.
• Engage with international teams from prestigious institutions including Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, the University of Zambia, and Syracuse University, USA.
• Travel to the UK for specialized training and collaborative research efforts.

Who Should Apply?

Essential Qualifications

• PhD in Epidemiology, Data Analytics, Statistics, or a related field.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills and meticulous attention to detail.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Proficiency in statistical software like SPSS, Stata, R, or Python.
• Familiarity with RedCap and Endnote.

Application Details

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter.
• A comprehensive CV.
• A personal statement detailing your suitability for the role.
• Contact information for three references.

Send your application to: ijiezueo2@gmail.com.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by Monday, 22nd April 2024. Interviews are scheduled for the first half of May 2024.

More Information

For further details about the project and additional contact information, please visit Patient-Centred Sickle Cell Disease Management in Sub-Saharan Africa (PACTS).

This position not only offers the chance to advance your research career but also the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals living with sickle cell disease in Sub-Saharan Africa. If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, we look forward to your application.