Call for applications: CEBHA+ Cochrane South Africa Master’s Scholarship for 2019

The closing date is 30 September 2018.

The Cochrane South Africa based at the South African Medical Research Council has opened the above call for applications.

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa is affected by a substantial burden of disease, with premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and unintentional injuries on the rise. There is thus a substantial need to develop and implement evidence-based interventions to prevent and treat NCDs and unintentional injuries in Africa, as well as to address their root causes. CEBHA+, a research network with partners in many African countries, including Cochrane South Africa, has emerged from this need. The network aims to build long-term capacity and infrastructure for evidence-based healthcare and public health in sub-Saharan Africa, by focusing on both prevention of disease and delivery of care for NCDs.

Eligibility

be South African citizens or permanent residents with a SA identity document

• Be accepted or registered for a full-time master’s programme at a public South African university
• Have an honour’s certificate or equivalent, or a letter from the university confirming that all requirements for the honour’s degree have been met
• Have an academic and / or research background in one of the following fields: public health, global health, epidemiology or nutrition
• Have a keen interest in NCDs-related research and evidence synthesis methods
• Intend to pursue full-time master’s studies
• Not hold full-time employment, but may be employed on a part-time basis (not more than 20 hours per week)

Value of the award

Master's scholarship: R144 000 will be paid out in 3 instalments depending on the progress.

The conditions of the scholarship

The successful candidate will be expected to

• conduct a systematic review of effectiveness on diabetes screening interventions
• write up and submit a manuscript for the systematic review to a peer-reviewed journal
• complete his or her master’s dissertation within two years of being awarded the scholarship
• re-pay the scholarship amount given, if the candidate fails to complete his or her studies within the reasonable expected period

Application process

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria should submit the following documents:

• Completed application form
• Copy of a South African identity document
• Letter of acceptance or proof of registration for a master’s programme at a South African university
• Letter of support from current academic supervisor, if available, or reference letter from another senior researcher
• Full CV and motivational letter outlining research-related experience and interest in NCD-related systematic review work

For more information or to submit your applications, please send an e-mail to bey-marrie.schmidt@mrc.ac.za
No late and incomplete applications will be accepted.

* Posted by Mr Tau Moholoopa, Research Grants Assistant, Research Support Directorate: 012 429 3565 / moholt@unisa.ac.za