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Call for Pre-PhD Internship Applications – IMPACT-Malawi Project
- Blantyre
- Contract (Full-Time)
- Closing Date: 21/04/2025
Job Description
Investigating Maternal Infections—with a Focus on Malaria—in Pregnancy: A Case-Control and Tracking Study in Malawi (IMPACT-Malawi Project)
The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme (MLW) is dedicated to advancing research and training led by both Malawian and international scientists. Our mission is to enhance health outcomes for people in Malawi and the surrounding region.
MLW has a distinctive translational research portfolio that connects outstanding laboratory science with robust hospital and community-based research, along with direct involvement in policy development. Our research strategy focuses on six key thematic areas:
- Infection Biology
- Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine
- Vaccines
- Population Health
- Social Science
Researchers are organized into 22 active groups. To learn more, visit: https://www.mlw.mw . Malawi has committed to eliminating malaria by 2030. However, this goal is threatened by two major challenges:
- The growing threat of antimalarial drug resistance, particularly to artemisinin, which is central to current treatment strategies.
- A changing and heterogeneous malaria epidemiology, influenced by climate change, intervention uptake, and parasite-vector dynamics.
Available Internship Position
The global goal for malaria by 2030 is “zero malaria cases.” Achieving this will require a strong emphasis on implementation science research and practice to enhance the uptake of evidence-based interventions (particularly those targeting high-risk populations). The IMPACT-Malawi project aims to advance this agenda by producing actionable evidence on malaria’s role in severe maternal infections, identifying diagnostic and service delivery gaps, and co-designing a targeted intervention to enhance early detection, timely management, and health system responsiveness for pregnant and postpartum women in high-malaria areas.
The Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), through its Infectious Epidemiology Disease Group, is inviting applications for a Pre-PhD Internship Opportunity under the IMPACT-Malawi study. This opportunity is intended for early-career professionals with interests in malaria research, maternal health, implementation science, and policy engagement. It forms part of a strategic capacity-building initiative under the MLW and contributes to the Malawi National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP).
Responsibilities
About the Internship
The selected intern will work closely with a Postdoctoral Fellow on the IMPACT-Malawi project. The intern will contribute to the development of a complex intervention aimed at increasing the uptake of evidence-based malaria strategies among pregnant and recently pregnant women in high-burden districts. Under the supervision of an MLW postdoctoral fellow, the intern will also participate in data analysis, training sessions, manuscript and policy brief development, and local and international dissemination efforts. This role supports the development of a future PhD application.
Internship Benefits
- A 12-month fully funded internship, including a stipend and research support (aligned with the MLW Pre-PhD Internship package)
- Mentorship from local and international research experts
- Direct engagement with the Malawi National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP)
- Opportunities to contribute to policy-relevant research and strengthen your PhD application
- Support for academic writing, publication, and participation in short courses or trainings
- Guidance in preparing for and applying to competitive PhD funding opportunities
Requirements
We Encourage Applications from Individuals Who
- Are actively engaged in or closely affiliated with the public health or malaria control sectors
- Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Biomedical Sciences, Implementation Research, Biostatistics, or a related field
- Have a strong interest in pursuing PhD studies in the near future
- Are motivated to support evidence-based malaria control efforts in Malawi
- Demonstrate potential for contributing to research, policy translation, and implementation science
Internship Location
The internship will be based primarily in Blantyre, with field activities in Chikwawa and Mwanza districts.
Application Process
Submit the following documents to training@mlw.mw with the subject line:
“IMPACT-Malawi – [Your Name]”
- A CV (maximum two pages)
- A 1-page cover letter describing your motivation, career goals, and how this internship aligns with your future plans
- A Malaria research concept
- A letter of recommendation from a current supervisor or manager
For more information, please contact: training@mlw.mw
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
The deadline for application is 21st April 2025