MRCG PhD STUDENTSHIPS INTHE GAMBIA

GUIDANCE NOTES2016

  1. Introduction to MRC Studentships …………………………………2
  2. When and where the Studentships are held …………………………………2
  3. What the studentships may cover …………………………………………….2
  4. Application information …………………………………………………………2
  5. Responsibilities of studentship holders ………………………………………3
  6. Enquiries ………………………………………………………………………...3

2.Who can apply? ……………………………………………………….4

2.1Academic qualifications ……………………………………………………….4

2.2Residential eligibility …………………………………………………………..4

2.3Length of funding eligibility …………………………………………………...4

  1. The Competition ……………………………………………………….5
  1. Application documentation ……………………………………………………….5
  2. How to apply ……………………………………………………………………….5
  3. Application form ……………………………………………………………………5
  4. Returning the application in time ……………………………………………...... 5
  5. Withdrawing an application ……………………………………………………….6
  6. How the applications are judged …………………………………………………6
  7. Interviews …………………………………………………………………………..6
  8. Outcome notification ………………………………………………………………6
  9. Appeals ……………………………………………………………………….6
  1. Studentship financial information …………………………………..7
  1. Research Studentship Rates & Allowances ………………………………………7
  2. Income tax ……………………………………………………………………………7
  3. Further information ………………………………………………………………..7
  1. Project Details …………………………………………………………. 8-9

Project 1:

Malaria transmission dynamics in The Gambia: Defining the spatial

and temporal spread of malaria at micro-level……………………………….. 8

Project 2:

Red Blood Cell Determinants of Malaria Susceptibility...... 9

1.Introduction to MRCGPhD Studentships in The Gambia

The Medical Research Council is an independent, UK-Government funded body set up by Royal Charter.

Present in The Gambia since 1945, the Vision of MRC Unit The Gambia is:

Leading health research in West Africa to save lives and improve health across the world

OUR MISSION

  • To deliver innovative, world-leading research aimed at reducing the burden of illness and death in low and middle income countries, supported by an enabling research environment.
  • To maintain the ability to attract and retain the highest calibre of staff by ensuring that MRCG’s reputation for scientific integrity, quality and excellence is preserved.
  • To transform the outputs and outcomes of the MRCG’s research, using a variety of mechanisms, into changes in health practices and policies that maximise the health and economic impact of our research.
  • To train and develop MRCG staff in order to meet the required capacity to manage processes, people and resources effectively, and to increase capacity in health research in the West African Region and beyond.
  • To address health issues of priority in low and middle income countries by strengthening partnerships and engagement with a range of stakeholders, including the people and the Government of The Gambia and the West African Region, funding partners and research collaborators.

The MRCGis offering studentships in The Gambia for the support of full-time post-graduate research training leading to PhD qualifications (Research studentships).

The studentship awards will be made following a competitive process.

These Guidance Notes describe the project areas in which the MRCGPhD studentships are to be undertaken and explain the application process. The MRCG accepts applications on the understanding that students agree to observe the rules and procedures set out in these Guidance Notes.

1.1 When and where the studentships are held

The studentships will start in October 2016, and will be full-time for four years, involving collaboration between MRC UnitThe Gambia and a European institution. More details can be found in sections 2 and 6 of these guidance notes.

1.2 What the studentships may cover

MRC studentships cover fees, maintenance, and other expenses.More details can be found in section 4 of these guidance notes.

1.3 Application information

Application forms forMRC PhD studentships in The Gambia are ONLY available by contacting the Research Training and Career Development Department, MRC Unit The Gambia via e-mail: .

The closing date for applications for an MRCG PhD Research studentship in The Gambia is 16:00 Wednesday, 10th August 2016. This deadline will be strictly enforced. To avoid unnecessary disappointment, candidates should read carefully the information on How to apply inSection 4.2.

Graduates from any related subjects or disciplines may apply, as long as they meet the requirements for academic qualifications and residential eligibility described in Section 3.

The MRCGreserves the right to deal as they think fit with applications of unusual character, and to waive rules on any matter of discretion.

The MRCGreserves the right to refuse the application of any previous MRCGstudentship holder whose studies, for the period supported by that studentship, were not completed satisfactorily.

No studentship may be considered as definite until the MRCG has sent the candidate formal confirmation of the offer and it has been signed and returned by the student.

The MRC decision on each application is final and in any matter of discretion, the ruling of the MRCG is final.

Due to the number of applicants, unfortunately only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

1.4 Responsibilities of studentship holders

Those receiving studentships through the MRCG scheme are expected to abide by the studentships rules and regulations from the date of acceptance of the offer of a studentship.

1.5 Enquiries

All of the principal documentation for these MRCG Studentships is held with Research Training and Career Development Department. If you have any further queries about them they should be made by email to: .

APPLICATION FORMS & TESTIMONIALS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE RESEARCH TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT,

MRC UNITTHE GAMBIA BEFORE 16:00, WEDNESDAY, 10TH AUGUST 2016.

2.Who can apply?

Anyone who can meet the following requirements for both academic qualifications and residential eligibility may apply for an MRCG studentship in The Gambia. Eligibility is explained below.

2.1 Academic qualifications

Candidates must have qualificationsof the standard of a good honours degree at first or upper second class level. In the majority of cases, candidates will have undertaken an undergraduate course at a recognised UK higher education institution. However, some may have qualifications from outside UK, or be able to offer a combination of qualifications and/or experience. In both cases, it will be necessary to ascertain whether these qualifications can be equated to an honours degree, and at what level. Membership of professional bodies or learned societies usually requires the candidate to have achieved, through formal training or work experience, a level of expertise which can be equated to that achieved by an honours degree student. The MRCG will accept such a professional qualification provided that the candidate has also undertaken three years' subsequent full-time relevant professional work experience.

A less than sufficient first degree may be enhanced by the attainment of a Master's degree. In exceptional circumstances, the MRC may also accept candidates for doctoral study who have never undertaken an undergraduate degree but have achieved a Master's degree.

Candidates holding overseas academic qualifications may be eligible providing that the MRCGis satisfied that these are equivalent to a comparable UK Master's degree.

2.2 Residential eligibility
To be eligible to make an application for a PhD studentship from the MRC UnitThe Gambia, candidates must at the date of application be:

  • Individuals with African citizenship irrespective of their current country of residence;
  • Individuals who were not born in the UK but have been granted UK citizenship;
  • UK nationals.

2.3 Length of funding eligibility
These full-time studentships are for four years commencing October 2016.

3.The Competition

3.1Application Documentation
You will need to request an application form from in the first instant. You should also read and ensure that you fully understand these Guidance Notes for applicants.

3.2 How to apply
Completed application forms should be submitted electronically to by 16:00 onWednesday, 10thAugust 2016.

If any part of the form is missing or late, the whole application becomes ineligible. Faxed copiesto fax number +220 4495919are also acceptable if it proves impossible for you to scan the applicationand e-mail it locally. In cases of dispute over loss or lateness, the MRCG’s decision will be final.

3.3Application form

Most of the questions in this section are self-explanatory but the following points should be noted.

Section 1: Applicant's details
Question 4b
Please provide address, e-mail and telephone contact details that we may use to notify you of interview arrangements if you are shortlisted.

It is vital that you provide all your contact details at which you can definitely be contacted during this time, or, if you will be away, the details of someone who will be able to act on your behalf. Similarly, you must inform us immediately of any change to these details, or discuss with us whether any other arrangements could be put in place. MRC will not accept responsibility if you forfeit your studentship because the contact details you have provided are incorrect or out of date.

Question 7
Previous contact with MRCG. You should record here any significant previous correspondence with MRC especially MRC Unit The Gambia.

Question 8
Residence details. This section is intended to establish whether you satisfy the residential eligibility criteria as for these studentships. Only African and UK Citizens need to apply.

Section 2: Equal opportunities policy
MRCG takes seriously its commitment to equal opportunities. We ask you to complete this page for monitoring purposes. It will be detached from your application on arrival at the MRCG and will not be a factor in the assessment of your application.

Section 3: Testimonials
Your application must be supported by two testimonials from people able to comment on your academic ability and potential. The only restrictions that MRCG places on your choice are:

Your first testimonial writer should normally be your undergraduate or Master's degree tutor. If this is not possible you must explain why;

Neither of your testimonials should normally be written by your prospective supervisors. However, we accept that prospective supervisors can sometimes be the most logical choice of testimonial writer where they have tutored you previously. If this is the case then the circumstances must be fully explained.

Applicants should not write anything on either testimonial.

It is your responsibility to ensure that both your testimonial writers provide their comments in time for your application to be received by us by the closing date of16:00 Wednesday, 10th August2016.

If you do not provide two testimonials your application will be ineligible.

3.4 Returning the application in time
Having completed all of the relevant questions in Sections 1 and 2 a copy of the form should be sent to the Research Training and Career Development Department at MRC Unit The Gambia via e-mail: or faxed to the Research Training and Career Development Department, MRC Unit, The Gambia on+220 4495919.

You should also send copies of the form to your two testimonial writers. On completing their sections, they should also forward them to the Research Training and Career Development Department at MRC UnitThe Gambia via e-mail: or fax +220 4495919to arrive no later than 16:00 Wednesday, 10th August 2016.

You should make sure that your testimonial writers are aware of the return date for the application form. If you think your intended testimonial writers may not be available to complete Section 3, you should make suitable arrangements so that these Sections are still submitted on time. For example, an alternative testimonial writer may be asked to complete Section 3.

The closing date for ALL applications is 16:00 Wednesday, 10thAugust 2016. This closing date is adhered to very strictly. It is the applicant’s responsibility to make sure that all sections of the application form be received by MRC Unit The Gambia by the closing date.

Incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible.

3.5 Withdrawing an application
If you decide to withdraw your application for a studentship, you should immediately inform the Research Training and Career Development Department at MRCUnit The Gambiain writing via E-mail or Fax.

3.6 How the applications are judged
Applications will be assessed by the Higher Degrees Committee which will include the research project supervisors. The system is designed to judge candidates applications based on the evidence of:

  • their initial qualifications (although the qualifications in themselves do not attract specific marks);
  • their aptitude for research and the description of their project;
  • the matching of the candidate's and his/her supervisors' interests;
  • the suitability of the specific training already undertaken; and,
  • any previous relevant experience.

3.7 Interviews

After grading, a first shortlist will be drawn and those shortlisted are likely to be invited to participate in a telephone interview. Following the telephone interviews, a final shortlist will be drawn and those candidates on the final list will be invited to the interviews or participate via Go-to-meeting. These will be held at the MRC premises in Fajara, The Gambia inAugust/September2016.

3.8 Outcome notification
Candidatesmay assume that if they have not heard from MRC UnitThe Gambia by the end of September 2016, that their applications have been unsuccessful.

3.9 Appeals
The MRC decision on each application is final and there is no appeal against this decision.

4.Studentship Financial Information

MRC Postgraduate studentship rates and allowances are reviewed each year. The information given in these Guidance Notes focus on fees and maintenance payments and quotes current figures (i.e. for the year 2016).

All successful candidates will be sent a letter detailing maintenance grants and allowances in 2016.

4.1 Research Studentships Rates & Allowances

The total PhD Studentship Allowance for the year (January to December) 2016 is in the order of £23,589 and includes provision for the following:

  • Stipend;
  • Tuition Fees;
  • Research Training Grant;
  • Conference Allowance;
  • Travel Allowance to European institution;
  • Supervisor Liaison Costs
  • Health Insurance

However, a clinician recruited for this scholarship will be receiving £30,290 per year and provided with one economy flight per year to the base country and his/her accompanying dependents as the PhD student will be on the on-call rota.

4.2 Income Tax
Stipend payment under an MRC studentship is not regarded as income for tax purposes in the UK.

4.3 Further Information

For further information contact the Research Training and Career Development Departmentat MRC Unit The Gambia, email:

5.Project Details

PROJECT 1

Malaria transmission dynamics in The Gambia: Defining the spatial and temporal spread of malaria at micro-level

Description of Research Project

This research project is part of the Disease Control and Elimination Theme malariaprogramme grant funded by the MRC UK. The overall objective is to understandthe determinants of malaria heterogeneity and the spatial and temporal spread ofmalaria infections. This implies characterizing the human reservoir of infection andthe factors maintaining it. We have identified (by carrying out a nationwide schoolsurvey at the end of 2012) 6 locations of ongoing malaria transmission across TheGambia, namely west, central and east; and north and south bank. In eachlocation, we carried out a malariometric survey in 6 villages and then included thevillage with the lowest and the village with the highest prevalence of infection. Forthe transmission season of the years 2013, 2014, and 2015; all inhabitants of studyvillages had a blood sample collected every month, plus a blood sample during thedry season. A passive case detection system has also been set up so that anyclinical malaria case originating from these villages has been captured and anadditional blood sample collected. Moreover, in 2014 and 2015, just before thetransmission season, we carried out a mass drug administration (MDA) exercisewith dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine. Basically, all inhabitants were given a fulltreatment of this antimalarial. We have also collected entomological data (one PhD student is doing his on this specific aspect), and anthropological data. For thetime being, the PCR analysis and the genotyping has been completed only forblood samples collected during the 2013 season; we are currently analysing byPCR the samples collected in the 2014 transmission season. So far, we have beenable to do only the most basic statistical analysis. The field work has ended butthere is substantial work to be done in the lab and also in terms of analysis. Thelatter should focus on the dynamic of transmission of asymptomatic infectionswithin the study villages and the relationship between asymptomatic infections and

clinical cases. In addition, the study will offer a golden opportunity to investigatethe effect of MDA on the parasite population structure and on transmission.

Benefits of Project to the Student

Student will acquire analytical skills in terms of genetic and spatial analysis. H/She will acquire a broad knowledge of malaria research field.

PhD Supervisors: Professor Umberto D’Alessandro, MRC Unit The Gambia

Professor Geertruyden Jean-Pierre, University of Antwerp

Dr Jane Achan, MRC Unit The Gambia

PROJECT 2

Red Blood Cell Determinants of Malaria Susceptibility

Falciparum malaria remains one of the largest global infectious disease burdens, killing nearly 700,000 people annually in Africa1. However, this number is only a small proportion of the total number of individuals who are infected each year with the malaria parasite. The majority of people infected with malaria recover without developing life threatening or severe complications. This resistance to severe malaria is mediated partially by immunity and, at least in part, by host genetic factors.

In this project, we will focus on host genetic polymorphisms in red blood cell (RBC) physiology, specifically ATP2B4 and ADORA2B. These are genes expressed in RBCs which we predict will have an impact on RBC physiology and have been linked to malaria susceptibility in previously published studies. We will work within the Keneba Biobank, which is embedded within the Kiang West Longitudinal Population Study (KWLPS) cohort in The Gambia (West Africa), as the basis for study participant selection. This allows us to ‘recall’ individuals from a malaria endemic country by known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in exons of our genes of interest. Although malaria prevalence has dropped dramatically in the past 10 years in The Gambia, the genetic polymorphisms in this population represent a unique window into the evolutionary genetic arms race between humans and malaria. This genetic database, is currently comprised of data on >3000 Gambians, with Illumina HumanExome array data on 80K directly genotyped known or putative functional variants as well as imputation data on 20M variants. These individuals are permanent residents in the region and can be recruited for the proposed study via the Kiang West Demographic Surveillance System in place. Participant selection using a pre-determined genetic variant of interest improves statistical power by eliminating recruitment of non-informative participants, thus providing major ethical benefits.