Main Duties & Responsibilities
Lead the design and implementation of participatory social science studies on VBD
control and surveillance in Cameroon and Kenya, in alignment with approved protocols.

Post PhD Position in the Social Science of Vector-Borne
Diseases
Department Medical Entomology / Social Science Unit
Location CRID, Yaoundé, Cameroon (with fieldwork in Cameroon and
Kenya).
Contract PhD Contract – Fixed Term (36 months)
Report to PhD Supervisor and Project Principal Investigator
Project
Background:
Integrated Multi-vector-borne Diseases Platform to Assess
Global Change Impacts on Transmission Using Innovative
Systems Modeling, Novel Monitoring Tools, and Transmission- blocking Microorganisms (IMPACTING). IMPACTING is an EU- funded, multi-country program led by icipe (Nairobi, Kenya) with partners across East, Central, and Southern Africa and Europe (France, Portugal). It integrates innovative vector monitoring, disease modeling, diagnostics, and policy tools to address malaria, dengue, human African trypanosomiasis, onchocerciasis, and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever transmitted by Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes
Glossina tsetse flies, Simulium blackflies, and Hyalomma and
Rhipicephalus ticks.
Job Purpose
The PhD fellow will lead the social science component under
Objective 4 of IMPACTING, focusing on participatory, community-driven approaches to vector-
borne disease (VBD) surveillance and control. The fellow will co- develop locally tailored solutions with affected populations and collaborate with entomology, epidemiology, modeling, and policy teams to inform evidence- based interventions and policy.
Develop qualitative data collection instruments (FGD/KII guides, participatory tools) and oversee field implementation, including community entry and feedback mechanisms.
Conduct and supervise data collection, transcription, translation, coding, and analysis of
qualitative data (FGDs, KIIs, community workshops); support quantitative data collection
where relevant.
Co-create community-based strategies for deploying and scaling VBD surveillance and control tools; pilot digital communication strategies (e.g., SMS platforms) to enhance engagement.
Conduct gender- and age-disaggregated analyses to identify social, economic, and policy barriers to VBD control; document lessons for scale-up.
Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams (entomology, epidemiology, modelling, policy)
to integrate social science evidence into intervention design, dashboards, and decision
tools.
Prepare timely technical reports and presentations for PIs, project scientific and
management teams; contribute to dissemination and policy engagement workshops.
Contribute to manuscript preparation for peer-reviewed publications and to grant writing.
Support capacity building of field teams and junior researchers in qualitative and
participatory methods.
Support implementation of other CRID research activities as necessary.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
Essential
– Master’s degree in Sociology, Anthropology, Public Health, Development Studies,
Environmental Health, or a related field.
– Strong experience in qualitative research (FGDs, KIIs, participatory approaches).
– Skilled in using qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., NVivo).
– Strong protocol development skills.
– Proficiency in English and French (written and oral).
– Commitment to community-based and interdisciplinary research.
– Willingness to work in rural/peri-urban areas in Cameroon and Kenya.
CENTRE FOR RESEARCH IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Desirable
– Experience in VBD or global health research.
– Experience with digital tools for community engagement.
– Familiarity with gender and inclusion frameworks.
– Strong interpersonal communication and teamwork skills.
Benefits
– Supervision by experts from CRID, ICIPE, and other partner
institutions.
– Monthly stipend, travel allowance, and fieldwork support.
– Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure and mentoring.
– Opportunities to publish in high-impact journals.
– Training in scientific writing and grant development.
– Fieldwork and research training support.
– Health insurance plans
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Applicants must submit the following documents as a single PDF
A cover letter expressing your interest and suitability.
A curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages).
Copies of MSc and BSc certificates and transcripts.
A 5-page maximum research proposal describing your proposed approach to the PhD.
A sample of academic writing (e.g., MSc thesis or published article).
Names and contacts of two referees.
Working
conditions
Full time, 40 hours per week.
Fixed Term 3 years

How to Apply See Application Instructions above
Click on this link to apply: https://forms.gle/ga2HQjUpHgRRVWsWA
Deadline for applications 15 September 2025
Note:
– Women, individuals with disabilities, and candidates from VBD-affected
communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
– Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted applicants may undergo
a written assessment and interview.