PhD fellowship in mental health
The United Republic of Tanzania
Ministry of Health
National Institute for Medical Research
Date: 31st July, 2026
PhD attachment and employment positions
Background
The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) is a corporate body established by an Act of Parliament No. 23 of 1979 with a mandate to: carry out and coordinate medical research, promote the use of research findings, and support the training of local personnel for carrying out scientific research into health problems, among other things.
The Institute is currently collaborating with the Centre for Psychiatric Care in Copenhagen, Denmark, in implementing the DIMENSION study (Digital Empowerment for Mental Health in Tanzania).
Mental health disorders are a major global health concern. In low-income countries like Tanzania, they are often overlooked and underdiagnosed. Common mental disorders, especially depression, affect a large proportion of the population—particularly people living with HIV. Depression prevalence in this group is up to five times higher than in the general population, driven by biological, psychological, and social factors, including stigma and reduced access to care.
With fewer than 70 psychiatrists nationwide and limited mental health training for healthcare workers, many patients are undiagnosed and untreated. The DIMENSION study, which will be implemented in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza, seeks to address this gap by developing and testing a digital training platform to strengthen the capacity of health care workers in identifying and managing mental health disorders using a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial design.
DIMENSION will work in HIV clinics at the primary care level, leveraging existing healthcare infrastructure to deliver scalable and sustainable mental health intervention. As part of its training mandate, the Institute invites interested individuals to apply for a PhD fellowship.
PhD fellowship in mental health
Duty Station: NIMR Muhimbili Centre – Dar Es Salaam
Description of planned PhD study
The PhD student will work on a sub-study on a theme related to the DIMENSION study. It is expected that the PhD work will produce several publications which will contribute to informing relevant policies and guidelines.
The PhD student is expected to register in any locally recognised university and submit their thesis within 36 months.
Note: Interested applicants should note that this is only a PhD attachment and not an employment with NIMR.
Essential qualifications
- Holding a good Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Mental Health, Psychiatry or related field from a recognized university.
- Demonstrated experience in writing and publishing scientific work. It is expected that the suitable candidate will have published as the first author in a peer-reviewed journal at least one quantitative or mixed methods research paper emanating from their master’s degree or other scientific work.
Desirable qualification/attributes
- Working experience in health research of at least 2 years.
- Good understanding of epidemiological and clinical trials principles.
- Intermediate to advanced quantitative skills, including data management, statistical analysis, and use of statistical software like Stata or R.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with supervisors, statisticians, clinicians and field teams.
- Passionate and highly motivated, and able to meet tight deadlines.
Remuneration
A stipend will be provided in accordance with institutional guidelines.
General conditions
- Application letters should be written in English.
- Applications should be headed: PhD Fellowship in DIMENSION study.
- For a PhD application, an applicant should submit a 2-page well-written concept note for PhD research ideas.
- Applicants should indicate two reputable referees who will be contacted before recruitment.
- Applicants must attach their detailed relevant certified copies of academic certificates, including Form Four, Form Six and Degree certificates.
- Academic certificates obtained outside the country should be approved by the Tanzania Commission of Universities.
- All application letters should be written in font size 12 Times New Roman.
- Application letters should be attached with a detailed curriculum vitae.
- Closing date for applications: 2 weeks from the date of this advert.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Application method
Apply to:
Centre Manager
NIMR, Muhimbili Research Centre
Box 3436
Dar es Salaam
E-mail:muhimbili@nimr.or.tz
