Doctoral Research / Stipendiat SKO 1017

Applications are invited for two full-time three-year PhD positions at the Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo. The positions are part of the PREPTA project, which will focus on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis against HIV (?PrEP") among same-sex attracted men (SSAM) and transgender women (TGW) as well as among persons who sell sex (PWSS) in Tanzania.

The project, which is funded by the Norwegian Research Council, will be implemented in close collaboration between the University of Oslo, Norway (UiO) and the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania (MUHAS) between 2019 and 2023.

PREPTA will have a total of four PhD candidates, two of whom will be recruited and employed by each of the two collaborating universities. Close interaction and collaboration is expected between all four PhD candidates throughout the life of the project. Much training and supervision will occur in groups involving all PhD candidates.

The fieldwork for the project will take place in Tanzania, primarily in the cities of Dar es Salaam and Tanga, and successful candidates will be stationed in Tanzania for extended periods of time (for a combined total duration of up to one year).

The project will employ a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods and will first endeavour to explore perspectives on HIV prevention in general and PrEP treatment in particular at a point in time when PrEP is about to become widely available in Tanzania. It will thereafter follow a cohort of study participants over time in order to study their uptake of, experiences with and adherence to PrEP in two Tanzanian cities. In one of them, an intervention aiming to improve uptake of and adherence to PrEP will be implemented and evaluated. The intervention combines a peer education approach with a mobile application through which study participants can access information and interact with peers as well as with health personnel.

The PhD candidates will be part of an interdisciplinary and multicultural team of researchers in Norway and Tanzania, including persons with backgrounds from medicine, public health, epidemiology, and the social sciences.

At UiO, PhD candidates will be part of the Department of Community Medicine and Global Health and its research groups.

Starting date 1 August 2019.

The appointment is a full time position for a period of 3 years. A main purpose of a PhD position is to complete advanced level research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship therefore requires successful admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Medicine  and it is expected that successful candidates will be able to complete a PhD within the period of employment.

• Applicants must hold a master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., medicine, public health, anthropology, sociology or epidemiology).
• Fluent oral and written English language skills.
• Education or experience from the health sector, with the HIV epidemic, and/or with populations with particular HIV-related vulnerabilities, will be considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of Swahili will be considered an advantage.

We seek persons who are highly motivated, able to work both independently and as part of a team, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to work with a diverse range of persons and organisations with highly different backgrounds.

• Salary: NOK 449.400 - 505.800 per annum depending on qualifications in position as PhD candidate 1017 plus funds for research stays abroad, conference participation, research dissemination, and equipment.
• An academically stimulating work environment including the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary and multinational environment.
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo's family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities.

The application must include

• A cover letter (including a statement of motivation)
• A CV (summarizing education, positions held, relevant experience (e.g. research, teaching, administration) and other qualifying experience and skills
• Copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• A list of publications (if any)
• A list of 2 to 3 references (name, institution, e-mail, telephone number and relation to candidate)

Applications are to be delivered through our electronic recruitment system.

International applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their university's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

Applications will be assessed in a two-step process. First, documented qualifications and the candidates' motivation and personal suitability will be assessed. Shortlisted candidates will thereafter be invited to develop a short concept note for their doctoral work and to take part in an interview about the position.

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments PhD positions at the University of Oslo. No one can be appointed for more than one specified period at the same institution.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

The University of Oslo is an equal opportunity employer and strives for diversity.

Questions regarding the project and position:

• Associate Professor Elia John Mmbaga  E-mail: eliajelia@yahoo.co.uk
• Associate Professor Kåre Moen Phone number: +47 22 85 05 99/+ 47 909 23 780  E-mail: kare.moen@medisin.uio.no

Practical information regarding  the application process:

• HR Advisor Åse Ragnhild Halfstad Phone number: +47 22 85 05 08   E-mail: a.r.halfstad@medisin.uio.no