The Makerere University Behavioral and Social Science Research (Mak-BSSR) in HIV Training Program, in partnership with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and collaborating partners, invites applications for Master’s-level training and a two-year fellowship in Behavioral and Social Science Research with a focus on HIV.
Program overview
This multi-year training programme aims to strengthen capacity in behavioral and social science research applied to HIV. Through structured coursework, mentorship and practical research experience, selected trainees will develop core competencies in behavioral and social science theories, frameworks and methodologies, and will learn to apply these approaches to HIV-related research and practice.
Research priority areas
Applicants should align proposals with one or more of the following priority areas:
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Intersectional stigma
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Alcohol and substance use
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Mental health (psychosocial health)
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Limited social support, social isolation and loneliness and their impact on HIV outcomes
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Ageism and HIV
Who should apply
The programme targets candidates from diverse disciplinary backgrounds who aim to advance research careers in HIV-related behavioral and social sciences. Separate streams are available for Master’s-level trainees and for two-year fellows (early career/junior faculty).
Master’s (eligibility highlights)
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Must be a Ugandan national.
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Must be enrolled at Makerere University in a health- or behavioral/social-sciences related Master’s programme (examples: Social Sciences; Psychology; Public Health; Epidemiology; Clinical Psychology; Psychiatry; etc.).
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Must have completed at least one full academic year of the Master’s programme.
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Must submit an HIV-related research concept (strictly 2 pages) addressing a BSSR component in one of the priority areas.
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Must be willing to conduct a dissertation project under programme mentorship and demonstrate commitment to pursuing a long-term research career in HIV BSSR.
Fellowship (2-year) — eligibility highlights
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Must be a Ugandan national.
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Must hold a Master’s degree in biomedical or behavioral sciences.
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Institutional affiliation required: junior faculty at Busitema University, Mountains of the Moon University, or Makerere University.
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Should demonstrate research experience and commitment to HIV prevention, treatment, care or related research.
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Must submit a strictly 2-page concept with clear objectives addressing a BSSR problem in HIV aligned with the listed priorities.
Application process & required documents
Interested applicants must compile a single PDF (maximum 6 MB) and submit it to: makbssr@gmail.com
Include:
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Cover letter (maximum 1 page) expressing interest in the programme.
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Curriculum vitae (maximum 4 pages).
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Concept note (maximum 2 pages) focusing on BSSR in HIV and aligned to one or more priority areas.
Important notes
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Recommendation letters are not required at this stage.
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Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Deadline
Friday, 19 December 2025 — 06:00 PM (EAT)
For enquiries or clarification, send an email to makbssr@gmail.com.
Apply now to join a multidisciplinary training environment designed to advance rigorous, policy-relevant behavioral and social science research that addresses critical HIV challenges.
