Training Support in Behavioral and Social Science Research (BSSR)

The Makerere University - Behavioral and Social Science Research (Mak-BSSR) in HIV Training Program, in partnership with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), invites applications for Post-doctoral, PhD, Master's, and Fellowship-level training opportunities in Behavioral and Social Sciences Research (BSSR) with a focus on HIV.

About the programme This five-year research training program, funded by the Fogarty International Center (FIC) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to strengthen research capacity along the HIV care cascade. Behavioral and social science research plays a critical role in understanding and addressing the human, social and community factors that influence HIV prevention, testing, care engagement, adherence and long-term health outcomes. Through this programme, trainees are equipped to conduct rigorous BSSR that can inform policies, programmes and interventions for HIV and related health issues in Uganda.

Training levels The programme offers training at multiple levels to support a research career pathway: Post-doctoral training for researchers who have completed their doctoral studies; PhD-level training for those seeking to pursue a doctorate in behavioral and social science research; Master's-level training for students pursuing graduate degrees; and Fellowship-level opportunities for other researchers seeking structured research training and mentorship. Each track is designed to provide mentored research experience, coursework and skills development appropriate to the trainee's stage of career.

Mentorship and support Trainees benefit from mentorship by experienced behavioral and social scientists within the Mak-BSSR network, including collaboration between Makerere University College of Health Sciences and UCSF. The programme emphasizes the application of social and behavioral science methods to HIV research, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, intervention design and evaluation, and community-engaged research.

How to apply Detailed information for each training level is provided in the attached posters, which should be reviewed for the full eligibility requirements, required documents, and the application procedure. For further information, contact Rhoda Namubiru Kiwanuka at Makerere University College of Health Sciences by phone on 0759870471 or 0785519924.

Why BSSR in HIV The HIV care cascade - from prevention and testing, through linkage to care, retention and viral suppression - depends as much on human behaviour, social context and health systems as on biomedical interventions. Behavioral and social science research examines why people do or do not test for HIV, how stigma and social norms shape care-seeking, how to support adherence to treatment, and how communities and health services can be strengthened to achieve better outcomes. By training researchers in these methods, the Mak-BSSR programme helps generate the evidence needed to design, improve and evaluate interventions along the entire care cascade. Graduates of the programme go on to work in academia, research institutions, NGOs and policy bodies, applying social and behavioral science to improve HIV prevention and care in Uganda and beyond. The partnership between Makerere University and UCSF also gives trainees access to international mentorship and collaboration, strengthening the scientific leadership of Ugandan researchers.

Application notes Because the programme offers training at several levels, applicants should be clear about which track they are applying for and tailor their materials accordingly. Reviewing the relevant poster and preparing a clear statement of research interests and career goals will help the selection committee understand how the applicant's work aligns with the programme's focus on the HIV care cascade. Prospective applicants may contact the programme contact person for clarification on eligibility and requirements before assembling their application.