(MD-)PhD in Clinical Epidemiology: Management of HIV in Southern Africa
Join to apply for the (MD-)PhD in Clinical Epidemiology: Management of HIV in Southern Africa role at University Hospital Basel
The Division of Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Basel and the University Hospital Basel generates evidence for decision‑making in health care and health service planning and promotes the application of research findings in clinical care and global public health. Beyond research in Switzerland, the Division has long‑term international research collaborations including with partners in southern Africa. The Clinical Research Global Health (CRGH) group, headed by Professor Niklaus Labhardt, invites applications for a PhD position starting in January 2026 or shortly thereafter.
The position: HIV is highly manageable with appropriate antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, a small proportion of people with HIV receiving ART have ongoing viraemia, i.e., do not achieve full viral suppression. In this PhD project, you will conduct research on the clinical management of HIV viraemia in Lesotho, southern Africa. The position includes planning and implementing a randomised controlled trial (RCT) alongside quantitative analyses and project management. You will collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and diagnostic laboratory partners, and contribute to supervising the study team. The role includes multi‑month research stays in Lesotho.
What you will be doing:
* Planning and implementation of an RCT
* Data management and quantitative analysis
* Project management and contribution to broader research activities
* Presentation and publication of results at scientific conferences and in peer‑reviewed journals
* Collaboration within international, interdisciplinary teams
* Contribution to the teaching and mentoring activities of the Division of Clinical Epidemiology
Your profile:
* Master's degree in Medicine, Biology, Pharmacy, or a closely related field
* Applicants without an MSc in a biomedical discipline should provide evidence of knowledge in HIV epidemiology and treatment
* Willingness to undertake multi‑month research stays in Lesotho
* Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English
* Strong motivation and aptitude for quantitative analyses; prior experience with statistical software (e.g., R, Stata) is an asset
* Strong communication and organizational skills, with a high level of initiative to manage international projects
* Ability to work independently as well as part of an international, interdisciplinary research team; prior experience in clinical research, wet‑lab diagnostics or research, or global health is an asset
Your benefits at the USB:
* Attractive salary policy and exceptional social benefits
* Discounts for shopping, sport and recreation
* 25 vacation days, plus 5 flexible free days
* Support in further training and education, plus career planning
* Campus in the heart of Basel and the tri‑border region
* Comprehensive childcare options
* Free‑of‑charge sport and fitness program
* Fully funded 3‑year PhD position in Clinical Research at the University of Basel, Switzerland
* Participation in a structured PhD programme
* Supportive and collaborative international research environment
* Excellent opportunities for academic development in Clinical Epidemiology
* Work experience in both Switzerland and Lesotho
* Opportunities for international collaboration, conference presentations, and scientific publications
We look forward to receiving your application.
Monique Imhof
HR Beraterin
+41 61 265 32 90
About The USB: Working at the USB primarily means being part of a dedicated team of over 7500 employees from around 90 nations. Our lively day‑to‑day lives are characterised by forward‑looking research, cutting‑edge medicine and the transfer of knowledge at the highest level. In addition, there is a modern organisational culture, interdisciplinarity, inspiring innovation and a wide range of training and professional development opportunities. Do you want to shape the hospital of the future together with us? Then join us! #TeamUSB
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