ViGOR Research Fellowships

About ViGOR Research Fellowships

The Virus Genomics for Outbreak Response (ViGOR) in Central/East Africa consortium invites applications for Research Fellowship from qualified candidates in two areas: Virus Genomics and Outbreak Modelling.

The ViGOR consortium is an NIHR-funded Global Health Research Project bringing together the Mathematics Department of the University of Warwick (UK), KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme (Kenya), KEMRI-Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (Kenya), the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB, Democratic Republic of the Congo), and the Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, la Pêche et l'Environnement  (INRAPE, Comoros).

The ViGOR project aims to strengthen public health systems in the Central/East Africa region by expanding access to genomics, bioinformatics, and outbreak modelling tools during virus outbreaks. The fellowships are an enhanced development of local expertise on the African continent, capable of driving outbreak research and innovation and effective responses to viral disease threats.

 

Two types of fellowships are available

Genomic Research Fellowships (GRF) focused on sequencing and bioinformatics (5 positions) and Outbreak Modelling Fellowships (OMF) focused on the application of mathematical/epidemiological modelling (5 positions). The fellowships are expected to run for 9-12 months.

 

Key dates

  • Call opening date: March 24, 2026
  • Call closing date: April 30, 2026
  • Date of Interviews: Third week of May 2026
  • Projected fellowship start: 1st July 2026

 

About the funding

The fellowship involves undertaking a few months' research project that has clear public health significance in one of the two major areas listed (virus genomics or outbreak modelling). Applications include a research project description and a justified budget. Successful applicants will receive a budget support of up to:

  • £10,000 maximum for Outbreak Modelling Fellowships
  • £15,000 maximum for Genomics Fellowships

This funding is aimed at supporting components of the research project, for example:

  • Key laboratory reagents and consumables
  • Data analysis resources, e.g., software and/or/and computing equipment
  • Local travel for conference or workshop, meeting, or visit to Mentor Lab

Note that fellowship funds cannot be used for salary, stipends, or support for new fieldwork activities.

 

Training and professional development opportunities offered through the fellowship programme

  • The fellows will be invited to join appropriate short courses run by the consortium, e.g.,  in bioinformatics, infectious disease modelling, and research methods
  • Supervisors from the home institute will take responsibility for the overall progress of the fellow’s project, with assistance from the assigned mentor with publication and dissemination, and advise on career progression.
  • In addition to their home institute supervisor, all fellows will be assigned a Mentor from either KWTRP, KEMRI-CVR, INRB, INRAPE, or the University of Warwick to support them in implementing their projects, preparing scientific manuscripts, and policy briefs
  • The consortium will encourage the fellows to take up opportunities to present their work at regional and international conferences
  • Fellow will be integrated into the consortium's regular scientific discussions to benefit from discussions in this dynamic, multidisciplinary research community

 

Eligibility criteria

  • Individuals working in the public health labs/departments/early-career researchers with a Master’s and or PhD qualification (up to 6 years post PhD Award) already have many of the relevant skills to undertake the proposed project.
  • Full time Affiliation/employment in a recognized academic institution (universities), government /public health labs, or research institution in Eastern or Central Africa

 

About the proposed project

  • The proposed projects should be ongoing and should already have relevant ethical and regulatory approvals.
  • Should have clear public health relevance
  • Should not involve extensive collection of new data or purchase of major equipment.
  • Should be aligned with ViGOR’s thematic areas:
    • Virus genomics and sequencing
    • Virus bioinformatic analysis pipelines
    • Virus outbreak modelling
    • Viral Phylodynamics
    • Integration of virus genomic and epidemiological data for policy impact.

 

Application requirements

  • A brief 2–3 page research proposal including budget and clear justifications (use the proposal and budget template provided).
  • Up-to-date CV (maximum 3 pages)
  • Details of the home institute supervisor, including appropriateness.
  • Relevant academic certificates
  • Motivation statement of why you should benefit from this fellowship scheme.
  • Institutional support letter confirming availability of stipend/salary support during the proposed fellowship period ( 9-12 months)
  • Support letter from immediate institutional supervisor/ project supervisor

 

Further notes

Fellows will be expected to produce reports for policy makers, peer-reviewed publications, and to engage with relevant stakeholders such as government departments involved in disease surveillance and response, and national immunisation technical advisory committees

 

NOTE: ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS will be accepted. 

NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Click here to apply