PhD Studentship
Mosquito ecology and vector-borne disease surveillance in Mozambique (VectorGrid Africa)
Jointly supported through Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM) and the Medicine Faculty - University of Eduardo Mondlane (UEM
Host institution (PhD registration): University of Glasgow, UK
Location: Based in Mozambique (CISM/UEM), with periods in Glasgow, UK
Funding: £1,600/month stipend, full-time, maximum 3 years, tuition fees for a maximum of three years, and Joint supervision with the University of Glasgow team
Start date/Deadline: May 2027
Completion date: May 2030
VectorGrid-Africa is establishing a network of permanent observatories for mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases across East and Southern Africa (Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa), integrating entomological, genomic, and environmental surveillance to detect threats such as insecticide resistance, invasive species (An. stephensi, Ae. albopictus), and shifting malaria/arbovirus transmission. The Mozambique work is led through CISM with joint training at the Medicine Faculty - UEM. We seek a highly motivated, driven PhD student to develop PhD research integrating entomological, genomic, and environmental surveillance in Mozambique—setting up study nodes and protocols and coordinating day-to-day implementation while registering for a PhD at the University of Glasgow. Fieldwork is mandatory, and the student will primarily be based in Mozambique, with periodic visits to the University of Glasgow for training and supervision.
Key responsibilities
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Lead set-up of entomological surveillance in Mozambique nodes: community engagement and validating of SOPs.
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Coordinate mosquito collection, identification, and data recording across study sites.
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Laboratory setup for amplicon analysis as well as arboviruses
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Supervise and train local field teams and technicians.
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Liaise with PNCM, CISM, and local authorities to ensure smooth implementation.
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Prepare samples for downstream molecular, genomic, and/or environmental analyses, and quality-check field data.
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Design and conduct an independent PhD research project within VectorGrid-Africa’s scope and contribute to consortium reporting and publications.
Possible PhD research focus
The exact research question will be developed with the candidate and supervisory team. We particularly welcome interest in mosquito ecology and population dynamics, including the spread of invasive vector species; vector-borne disease epidemiology (malaria and/or arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile virus); insecticide resistance surveillance and vector genomics; and the influence of climate, land use, and environmental change on mosquito populations and transmission.
Student specification
Essential
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Master’s degree in biological sciences, entomology, ecology, epidemiology, public health, or a related field, from a recognized university.
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Fluent in both English and Portuguese (spoken and written).
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Meets University of Glasgow PhD admission requirements, including English language requirements. For further information, please refer to the University’s Student Immigration Hub guidance on working while studying.
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Highly motivated and self-driven; able to work independently in a field setting with limited supervision.
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To be based mainly in Mozambique (share time between CISM and UEM), including travel to study nodes, with periodic UK travel; committed to completing the PhD within the funded 3-year timeline.
Desirable
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Experience with mosquito/vector sampling and identification, molecular/laboratory techniques, data analysis or GIS, modelling, prior work in the Mozambican health/research system, and/or a scientific publication record.
Requirements
Applicants should submit:
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Curriculum Vitae (CV);
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Motivation letter (maximum two pages) outlining the applicant’s motivation and relevant experience for the position;
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Certified copies of the Master’s degree certificate and academic transcript;
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Proof of English proficiency (where applicable);
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Contact details of two academic or professional referees;
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Institutional Support Letter, signed by the Head of Institution or relevant Director, endorsing the application and confirming institutional support for the applicant’s participation in the program (required for employed applicants).
Application deadline: 8 November 2026.
For informal enquiries, interested candidates may contact Teresa Machai (teresa.machai@manhica.net) or Adilson Bauhofer (adilson.bauhofer@manhica.net).
All CVs and motivation letters must be submitted in English, and all interviews will also be conducted in English.
How to apply
Submit a CV and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) on your motivation and relevant experience, certified copies of your master’s certificate/transcript, and evidence of English proficiency (if applicable), and contact details for two referees, to teresa.machai@manhica.net and adilson.bauhofer@manhica.net.
Deadline: 8th November 2026.
Informal inquiries: Teresa Machai (teresa.machai@manhica.net) and Adilson Bauhofer (adilson.bauhofer@manhica.net).
All CVs and cover letters must be submitted in English, and all interviews will be conducted in English.
For more information on VectorGrid Africa, consult https://www.vectorgridafrica.org/
VectorGrid-Africa is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or background.
Funding & support
