Associate Professor or Professor – Head of Viral Pathogens Theme

Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit (MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit) is one of Africa’s leading research institutions. Established in 1988 to improve the understanding and control of the HIV epidemic, the Unit has evolved to address a wide range of pressing global challenges – from emerging and re-emerging infections to non-communicable diseases.  

The Unit’s science is structured around three interlinked research Themes: Viral Pathogens, Vaccine Research, and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), each led by a senior scientist and supported by strong social science integration. The Viral Pathogens Theme focuses on understanding the transmission, evolution, and impact of HIV, arboviruses, hemorrhagic fevers, and other viruses of major public health importance. The Theme collaborates closely with the Vaccine Research Theme to inform vaccine development and evaluation, and with the NCDs Theme to explore links between chronic infections and conditions such as cancer and metabolic disease. The Unit’s well-established cohorts and biobanks with state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure provide unique opportunities for viral discovery, pathogen surveillance, and cross-Theme research, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to complex health challenges in Uganda and beyond. 

The MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit is now seeking to appoint a new Theme Lead for Viral Pathogens. The appointee will shape and drive a forward-looking research strategy that capitalises on Uganda’s status as a hotspot for emerging infections and leverages one of Africa’s strongest research infrastructures. This Theme Lead appointment is being made alongside recruitment to the NCDs Theme Lead, creating a rare opportunity for new senior leaders to work together to shape a truly integrated, cross-Theme scientific strategy. In close partnership with the Vaccine Research Theme and the Unit Director, the successful candidates will help define a coherent Unit-wide vision that aligns discovery science with translational impact. Together, they will contribute to delivering the MRC’s mission to improve human health and drive economic growth through a mechanistic understanding of biology and disease, enabling earlier diagnosis, advanced therapies, and precision prevention. The role offers rich opportunities to lead virus discovery, translational immunology, vaccine development and diagnostic innovation, while fostering links with local medical, veterinary, and ecological scientists working in a region of remarkable biodiversity. The Unit also has a long-standing collaboration with the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), linking population-based cohorts, real-time outbreak response and cutting-edge field research in Uganda with advanced laboratory and translational science in the UK.

The new Theme Lead will be an internationally leading scientist with a strong track record in virology, viral immunology or viral epidemiology. The appointee will have proven experience of leading impactful, multidisciplinary research and of securing significant competitive grant funding. The appointee will combine a strong record of strategic leadership, vision-setting, and managing collaborative research programmes with a commitment to mentoring, capacity building, and fostering equitable partnerships in global health research. The Theme Lead will have a passion for collaborative, cross-cultural science with real-world impact.

How to Apply 

MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit has engaged the services of Perrett Laver to assist with the appointment process.

The closing date for applications is 9am BST on Monday 18^th May. 

For more information, please visit the Perrett Laver website at https://plusportal.perrettlaver.com/ quoting reference 8376. 

Application is by submission of a curriculum vitae and a covering letter of application, addressing the job description and person specification.

If you wish to discuss this role further in confidence, please contact:

Dr Devin Dattan at Devin.Dattan@perrettlaver.com.

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Esther Elbro on Esther.Elbro@perrettlaver.com. 

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