Aga Khan University, Nairobi in collaboration with the BRIDGE NETWORK consortium, is pleased to announce the 2nd call for applications for Post-Doctoral (Post-Doc) Fellowship positions in Integrated Data Science and Health Informatics. This prestigious fellowship opportunity is aimed at developing the next generation of African research leaders in the field of infectious diseases, through cutting-edge data science, health informatics, and collaborative research in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The fellowship is hosted under the BRIDGE NETWORK Program – an ambitious, multi-institutional initiative co-funded by the European Union and the Global Health EDCTP3. The program focuses on scaling up research capacity in African countries by integrating data sciences and health informatics to combat infectious diseases, one of the most pressing public health challenges in the region.
The Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health at Aga Khan University, Kenya, invites motivated and skilled post-doctoral researchers from Kenya to apply for this opportunity, which will provide a platform to lead impactful research projects, mentor future doctoral candidates, and actively participate in international collaborations within and beyond Africa.
About the BRIDGE NETWORK Program
The “BRIDGE NETWORK – African-European Training Network in Integrated Health Informatics and Data Sciences” brings together 12 institutions from Africa and Europe, led by Ghent University. The project’s goal is to establish five Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Benin, and South Africa. These CoEs will function as health data hubs, generating impactful, context-relevant research and fostering innovation to address infectious diseases that still burden millions of people in Africa.
The program is structured into several training and mentorship streams, including doctoral and post-doctoral fellowships, postgraduate certifications, and international workshops. It also supports the development of infrastructure and capacity to conduct health data harmonization and apply advanced analytics for real-world health applications.
Post-Doctoral Fellowship Overview
Title:
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Integrated Data Science and Health Informatics (Focus: Infectious Diseases)
Number of Positions:
Three Post-Doctoral Fellowships are available:
- Two positions for Kenyan nationals (to be hosted at Aga Khan University, Nairobi)
- One position for a Rwandan national (to be hosted at Rwanda Biomedical Center)
Location:
Kenya: Aga Khan University – Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Nairobi
Rwanda: Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), Kigali
Target Applicants
The call targets post-doctoral researchers with a specialization in data science and health informatics, particularly those interested in applying these skills to infectious disease challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. The fellowship is ideal for candidates who are passionate about collaborative research, data harmonization, and advancing local health systems through innovative and data-driven solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Post-Doctoral Fellows will engage in a range of activities that contribute directly to the mission of BRIDGE NETWORK. Responsibilities include:
- Research Leadership
- Lead high-level, collaborative research projects focusing on infectious diseases within the BRIDGE NETWORK’s Centres of Excellence.
- Address real-world infectious disease challenges by integrating data science and health informatics methodologies.
- Methodological Development
- Develop frameworks and tools for data harmonization, particularly using ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes.
- Gain mastery of the OMOP Common Data Model (CDM), promoted by the Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) community.
- PhD Student Supervision
- Mentor and supervise doctoral candidates undertaking research within the BRIDGE NETWORK framework.
- Facilitate learning and professional growth in health data science within the SSA Country Health Data Hubs.
- Collaborative Networking
- Build partnerships with health institutions, research organizations, and European and African BRIDGE NETWORK collaborators.
- Promote knowledge exchange and strengthen research capacity at national and regional levels.
- Scholarly Dissemination
- Publish at least three peer-reviewed articles during the fellowship tenure.
- Present findings in international conferences, stakeholder meetings, and policy briefings.
- Public Health Impact
- Develop user-friendly data dashboards to communicate findings to policymakers and health professionals.
- Support the development of data-driven health interventions and strategies.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be of Kenyan (for AKU positions) or Rwandan (for RBC position) nationality.
- Must be willing to dedicate at least 50% of full-time equivalent (FTE) to the fellowship, with options up to 100% FTE.
- Must possess a PhD in one of the following disciplines:
- Data Science
- Health Informatics
- Computer Science
- Biomedical Sciences
- Public Health
The focus of the PhD should align with infectious diseases or public health data.
- The PhD must have been awarded within the last five years from a recognized university.
- Must demonstrate strong analytical capabilities and experience in:
- Data wrangling
- Statistical analysis
- Data harmonization
Preferred Skills and Assets (Not Mandatory):
- Proficiency in tools such as R, SPSS, STATA, or SAS.
- Experience with programming languages such as SQL, JSON, Python, or R.
- Familiarity with OMOP and other health data harmonization techniques.
- Understanding of standard vocabularies (e.g., SNOMED, ICD).
- Prior experience with federated data networks or multi-institutional studies.
- Demonstrated track record of scholarly publications and conference presentations.
- Knowledge of ethical and regulatory standards in health data use.
- Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
BRIDGE NETWORK Country Health Data Hubs
Fellows will engage with the five established Country Health Data Hubs, namely:
- Institut Régional de Santé Publique (IRSP), Benin
- Aga Khan University – Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Kenya
- Rwanda Biomedical Center, Rwanda
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Uganda
These hubs serve as focal points for integrated research, training, and application of health data analytics to solve priority health challenges.
Fellowship Benefits
- A highly competitive stipend based on FTE engagement:
- 18-month duration for 100% FTE
- 36-month duration for 50% FTE
- Other flexible FTE options between 50–100% are possible
- Immediate start upon final selection
- Access to advanced training, mentoring, and development tools
- Collaboration with an international network of data scientists, public health professionals, and academic researchers
- Participation in global conferences and joint publications
- Contribution to impactful public health policy and implementation in SSA
How to Apply
The application process consists of two steps:
Step One: Country-Level Application
Applicants must submit their application to the designated country partner:
- Kenyan Applicants:
Apply to Aga Khan University – Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health
Contact: Prof. Dr. Marleen Temmerman, MD, PhD – Director
Email: [email protected] - Rwandan Applicants:
Apply to Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC)
Contact: Prof. Dr. Claude Muvunyi Mambo, MD, PhD – Director General
Email: [email protected]
Application Documents Required:
- Motivation letter addressed to the BRIDGE NETWORK Coordinator.
- Include your area of interest for your research (suggest a title and a brief 10-line concept idea).
- Copies of all academic certificates (from the baccalaureate level upwards).
- One letter of recommendation (minimum from an Associate Professor or equivalent academic).
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) with a list of relevant scientific publications (if applicable).
- Clearly justify any gaps in the academic or professional trajectory.
Deadline for Step One Applications:
15th July 2025
Step Two: Selection and Hiring Process
Only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the second phase. BRIDGE NETWORK will conduct a pre-selection process. Those selected will be supported with an official letter from BRIDGE NETWORK to proceed with the hiring process at their respective institution.
Final Submission Address (Kenya-based Applicants)
Applications together with all required documentation should be submitted to:
The Manager, Recruitment
Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
P. O. Box 30270-00100, NAIROBI
Or by email to: [email protected]
Note: Applications by email are preferred. Ensure the title of the position is clearly indicated in your application subject line.
Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
This is a rare and impactful opportunity for post-doctoral scholars seeking to apply their expertise to high-priority health challenges in Africa, while engaging with a leading international network of institutions. Successful candidates will be at the forefront of transformative research and will play a key role in advancing health informatics and infectious disease control in the region.
