The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in partnership with the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), is inviting applications from qualified MSc and PhD students for a fully funded Research Assistantship under a multinational research project.
The project, titled “Professional Personhood among Africa’s Paradoxically Surplus Health Workers,” will investigate the socio-cultural and political economy of health workforce issues in Nigeria, Zambia, and Uganda using mixed-methods research.
Successful applicants will receive financial support, mentorship from leading academics, opportunities for international collaboration, research training, and professional development.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
– A monthly stipend.
– Professional mentorship from experienced researchers.
– Opportunities to travel to partner institutions involved in the project.
– Training in qualitative and mixed-methods research.
– Opportunities for co-authorship of publications and conference presentations.
– Access to international professional networking.
Eligibility Criteria
MSc Applicants
Applicants must:
– Be prospective or currently enrolled in an MSc programme in Medical Anthropology, Sociology, Demography, Public Health, Health Policy, Health Systems, Development Studies, or a related discipline.
– Demonstrate an interest in health systems and workforce research.
– Possess good communication and organisational skills.
– Have experience in research data collection and analysis.
PhD Applicants
Applicants must:
– Be prospective or currently enrolled in a PhD programme in a relevant discipline.
– Demonstrate interests in health systems, health workforce research, labour studies, sociology of professions, or related fields.
– Have experience in qualitative research methods.
– Be familiar with research software such as NVivo, Atlas.ti, SPSS, Stata, or similar analytical tools.
Required Documents
Applicants are required to prepare the following:
– A two-page cover letter explaining their suitability for the position.
– A current Curriculum Vitae (CV).
– Evidence of current MSc or PhD enrolment.
– A sample of academic writing, such as a publication, conference paper, dissertation chapter, term paper, or research report.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should follow these steps:
1. Prepare all the required application documents.
2. Merge the documents into a single PDF file.
3. Send the PDF by email to aloysius@unn.edu.ng or chidi.ugwu@unn.edu.ng.
4. Use the appropriate email subject:
– Application for Research Assistant Position – MSc Student, or
– Application for Research Assistant Position – PhD Student.
5. Submit the application on or before 15 July 2026.
6. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid last-minute delays.
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