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- Tasks: Conduct PhD research on state formation influenced by epidemics in Uganda.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a leader in social and political science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, waived tuition fees, and comprehensive staff benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while exploring vital issues in a vibrant international community.
- Qualifications: Must meet PhD admission requirements and have a passion for research.
- Other info: Fixed term for 3 years, starting September 2026, with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 40604 - 56845 £ per year.
ARC Grade: £40,604 per annum
School of Social and Political Science / CAHSS
Full Time: 35 hours per week
Fixed term: for 36 months, from September 2026
The Opportunity: Your next step starts here. Be part of something bigger. In Edinburgh, you are in one of the world’s most attractive cities with active arts and social sectors, while working in a University that has made significant contributions to society, medicine, physics and teaching for over four centuries. We provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We have a genuine focus on our students' performance and wellbeing.
As a Doctoral Candidate you will conduct a PhD research project examining processes of state formation and how they have been shaped by epidemics and infectious diseases in Uganda. This will include undertaking empirical fieldwork in Uganda. You will be registered as a PhD student in the School of Social and Political Science, and will submit a PhD thesis at the end of the project. This is a double degree awarded by the University of Edinburgh (UK) and Makerere University (Uganda). Tuition fees will be waived.
You will be part of the Health and Environment in Africa and Europe (HEALENAE) Doctoral Network funded by the EU Research and Innovation Programme Horizon Europe, under a grant by Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA‑DN). You must meet requirements for admission as a PhD student at the University of Edinburgh and EU mobility requirements set by Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions Doctoral Networks.
As part of the University, you are a valued part of our community. We are looking for people with drive, determination, and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you. A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:
- Professional development and subject matter expertise
- Good salary/pay rates
- Excellent benefits and support
This post is full-time (35 hours per week), and will require regular attendance on campus in Edinburgh. This post is fixed term from September 2026 for a period of 3 years.
How to apply: Applications must include the following documents in the required formats:
- Cover letter including a statement of motivation and research interests
- Curriculum Vitae
- Project description
- Copies of Bachelor and Masters degree certificates
Informal questions about this post can be directed to the Hiring Manager, Dr Gerhard Anders, Senior Lecturer, via email at Gerhard.Anders@ed.ac.uk. External applicants, please refer to the guidance in ‘How to Join Us’ to support your application process. Current employees, please apply as an internal applicant through the People & Money Current Jobs app using your staff email address.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion: The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.
Key dates to note: The closing date for applications is 1 March 2026. Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone. Interviews will typically be held 2-3 weeks after the closing date.
Doctoral Candidate (Epidemics, Disease, State Formation in Africa) employer: The University of Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
The University of Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Doctoral Candidate (Epidemics, Disease, State Formation in Africa)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD candidates or faculty members in your field. They can provide insights about the application process and might even give you a heads-up on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to your research interests. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When discussing your motivation for the role, make sure to highlight why you're excited about researching epidemics and state formation in Africa. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to make your application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Doctoral Candidate (Epidemics, Disease, State Formation in Africa)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your motivation and research interests clearly. We want to see your passion for the subject and how it aligns with our goals.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Doctoral Candidate role. We’re looking for drive and determination, so let that come through in your application.
Project Description Matters: When writing your project description, be specific about your research ideas and methodologies. We want to know how you plan to tackle the challenges of state formation and epidemics in Uganda!
Follow the Application Guidelines: Make sure you check the job description for the required formats and documents. We appreciate attention to detail, so ensure everything is in order before hitting that submit button on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of your proposed PhD research project. Be prepared to discuss how epidemics and infectious diseases have influenced state formation in Uganda, and think about the empirical fieldwork you'll be conducting. This shows your passion and commitment to the subject.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the University
Research the University of Edinburgh and its contributions to society, especially in the fields of social and political science. Understanding the university's values and how they align with your own will help you articulate why you're a great fit for their community.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Doctoral Network, the support available for your research, and the opportunities for professional development. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Showcase Your Drive and Determination
During the interview, share examples from your past experiences that highlight your determination and drive. Whether it’s overcoming challenges in your studies or your passion for research, these stories can make a lasting impression on the interviewers.
