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Application Requirements

Overview

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The URBAN-VECTOR Training Program is an interdisciplinary, international training initiative designed to build sustainable research capacity in vector-borne and tropical infectious diseases, with a primary focus on urban malaria. The program brings together investigators and trainees from Africa, India, and partner institutions in the United States and United Kingdom to address emerging health threats through rigorous research, hands-on training, and cross-continental collaboration. The program supports postdoctoral scholars and early-career faculty through individualized mentoring, a structured curriculum, and robust professional development in grant writing, scientific communication, leadership, and ethical global-health research practices. Beyond long-term trainees, the URBAN-VECTOR Training Program also cultivates a broader community of researchers through annual intensive courses and collaborative workshops. By fostering durable international partnerships and supporting investigators at pivotal career stages, the URBAN-VECTOR Training Program aims to strengthens global research capacity, advances innovative approaches to vector-borne disease control, and develops the next generation of leaders in tropical infectious disease research.

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Requirements

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The program emphasizes research and training in medical entomology, public health, malaria biology and ecology, vector-borne diseases, environmental health, and tropical infectious diseases. We encourage applications from exceptional candidates whose backgrounds or research interests complement these areas, even if they do not fall squarely within one of the listed fields.

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Post-doctoral Researchers:

  • Candidate must be affiliated with Jigjiga University or other regional Ethiopian universities.

  • Postdoctoral candidates must be within three (3) years post-PhD, with the PhD conferred within May 2026. 

  • Must be studying medical entomology, public health, malaria biology or ecology, vector-borne disease, environmental health, tropical infectious diseases, or adjacent fields

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Junior Faculty:

  • Candidate must be affiliated with Jigjiga or other regional Ethiopian universities

  • Candidates must be within six (6) years of the start of their assistant professorship at the time of application

  • Must be working in the fields of medical entomology, public health, malaria biology or ecology, vector-borne disease, environmental health, tropical infectious diseases, or adjacent fields

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Application Materials (All Applicants)

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  • Personal Statement (2 pages): Please include your background and research experience, your interest in the training program and qualifications for this opportunity, and how this training program will benefit your professional goals.

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  • CV: Upload a current curriculum vitae.

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  • Mentor Letter of Support: Identify at least one (1) mentor who has agreed to provide a letter of support.

    • Contact mentors by email to request permission before listing them. Include: (1) your background and research interests, (2) why you’re a good fit for their lab, and (3) what draws you to URBAN-VECTOR.

    • See the program website for the current mentor list: Faculty Page

 
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Additional Requirements

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  • Postdoctoral Researchers: Selected applicants will be invited to give a ~30-minute oral presentation on their proposed, network-aligned, research projects (see Research Page for acceptable topics).

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  • Junior Faculty Applicants:

    • Institutional Support Letter: Upload a letter of institutional support from your department chair, dean, or university president demonstrating permission to adjust current job responsibilities to participate in the training opportunities.

    • Training Proposal (1 page): Include timelines, milestones, and goals for your proposed training experience.

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Important Dates

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  • Applications Open: February 15, 2026

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  • Applications Close: April 15, 2026 by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (U.S.A.)

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