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- Tasks: Conduct PhD research on vector borne diseases in East Africa and Europe.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a leader in social and political science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, waived tuition fees, and excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health while studying in vibrant Edinburgh.
- Qualifications: Must meet PhD admission requirements and have a passion for research.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community with strong support for equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 40604 - 40604 £ per year.
The Opportunity
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
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 changing patterns of vector borne disease (VBD) in humans and livestock animals in a frontier region of East Africa and/or Europe where climate related ecological change has led to increased populations of disease-bearing insect vectors. This will include undertaking empirical fieldwork overseas. 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 University of Nairobi (Kenya). 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 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.
Benefits
- 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.
What 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 also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, 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 (Frontiers of Vector Borne Disease: Expertise and Response in Africa and Europe) 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 (Frontiers of Vector Borne Disease: Expertise and Response in Africa and Europe)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD candidates or faculty members in your field. They can provide insights and might even give you a heads-up about opportunities that aren't widely advertised.
✨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 you get the chance to speak with potential supervisors or during interviews, make sure to express why you're excited about the research area and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Doctoral Candidate (Frontiers of Vector Borne Disease: Expertise and Response in Africa and Europe)
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 you can contribute to our community.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Doctoral Candidate role. We’re looking for drive and determination, so make sure that comes through in your application.
Follow the Application Guidelines: Check the job description for specific requirements on document formats and content. We appreciate attention to detail, so ensure you include all necessary documents like your project description and degree certificates.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process!
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 research project. Be prepared to discuss the significance of studying vector-borne diseases, especially in the context of climate change. Familiarise yourself with recent studies and findings in this area to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Show Your Passion for the Subject
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for the topic shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue this PhD. This will help the interviewers see your commitment and drive, which are crucial for a successful doctoral candidate.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the programme, the team, and potential fieldwork opportunities. This shows that you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework, plus it helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You may need to present your project ideas or previous work during the interview. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your delivery and receive constructive feedback.
