MRC Uganda is hiring a Scientist B/ Physician to play a key role in delivering a large, multidisciplinary Oculomics research programme in Uganda. The project will conduct comprehensive ocular phenotyping and imaging – repeated after five years – within an existing general population cohort in Uganda.

In parallel, the team will collect detailed clinical, laboratory, genotyping data spanning major systemic health domains (cardiovascular, neurological, renal, liver, musculoskeletal, mental health). These integrated datasets will be used to develop, refine and validate AI foundation models capable of analysing images from this African population for a range of systemic disease and ocular diagnostic applications.

The programme will further explore cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between ocular biomarkers and key health conditions, assessing their diagnostic, prognostic and predictive value. The postholder will contribute to prospective implementation studies evaluating the use of oculomics-supported diagnostics in routine health care settings, including the performance of AI-assisted tools deployed with novel lowcost imaging devices.

The post holder will have an opportunity of undertaking a PhD research fellowship registered at LSHTM as part of this research Programme.

Position Code: SBP-1225
Reports to: Research Programme team leader
Station: Entebbe
Level of Effort: 100 % (Full time)

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Protocol Development

  • Make substantial contributions to the development of the scientific plan for this programme;

  • Support the development of the standard operating procedures and logs, including the detailed analysis plan of the research;

  • Support the development of the study informed consent forms; and,

  • Support the development of the data collection tools;

2. Clinical Data Collection

  • Contribute to field staff team recruitment, and the training of the field team;

  • Contribute to the development and pilot testing of the field processes and data collection tools;

  • Co-lead the field teams in participant recruitment, sample collection and examination;

  • Conduct the general clinical examinations of study participants as indicated within the protocol (these mostly relate to the cardiovascular and neurological sub-studies);

  • Participate in the clinical support/care and referral of study participants, as appropriate;

  • Coordinate with faculty at Makerere on remote consultation and physical patient support visits;

  • Support the delivery of the research project in the field with excellent adherence to the protocol to ensure high quality data; and,

  • Participate in the data review, analysis and dissemination including preparation of scientific manuscripts.

3. Quality Assurance

  • Conduct regular audits and quality checks to ensure adherence to SOPs and regulatory requirements;

  • Prepare sites for monitoring, audits, and inspections; and,

  • Implement and assess corrective actions for any identified issues or non-compliance.

4. Regulatory Compliance

  • Ensure all clinical trials are conducted in compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements, and other regulatory guidelines;

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant regulations and ensure the clinic’s practices adhere to them through training and other procedures; and,

  • Maintain essential study documents.

5. Communication and Reporting

  • Maintain clear and effective communication with the field team, oculomics research programme team lead and other key stakeholders; and,

  • Prepare and present regular reports on study progress, operational issues, and performance metrics.

6. Academic Contribution

  • Participate and even take lead in preparation of scientific manuscripts; and,

  • Utilise the research programme data/themes to identify, develop and implement a PhD research study (funded through this research programme).

7. Others

  • Participate in the development and review of Department/Unit SOPs;

  • Conduct monitoring of other studies conducted at the Unit;

  • Participate in scientific and management meetings;

  • Maintain department databases, trackers and resources;

  • Support department administration;

  • Drive and advocate for good research practice at the Unit;

  • Collaborate and work closely with the study teams;

  • Be willing to undertake local and international travels related to the research programme; and,

  • Undertake any other duty assigned by their line manager within the broader remit of the post.

8. Line Management

  • Co-supervises the field teams and data assistants.

  • Reports to Research Programme team leader.

9. LSHTM Integration

  • Participate positively and proactively in the process of integrating and harmonising procedures across all LSHTM sites; and,

  • Participate in activities across the Unit in Uganda and Gambia, and the wider LSHTM.

10. Environment

  • Develop strategies to reduce adverse environmental impact of the Research Governance department.

  • Participate in carbon emission reduction activities across the Unit and wider LSHTM; and,

  • Act as an advocate for the responsible and efficient use of resources.

Person Specification

  • Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery;

  • Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine;

  • Full registration with the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council and a valid annual practicing license;

  • Should possess a certificate in Good Clinical Practice;

  • Should possess experience in Internal Medicine;

  • Should possess research experience in clinical or epidemiological studies;

  • Understanding of key NCDs (cardiovascular, neurological, renal, hepatic, musculoskeletal, mental health);

  • Should possess Clinical examination skills (general medicine focus);

  • Good Clinical Practice and Research Ethics;

  • Understanding of AI applications in healthcare;

  • Data collection and documentation skills;

  • Protocol development and writing skills;

  • Statistical literacy / ability to interpret study data;

  • Communication and reporting skills;

  • Team leadership & supervision;

  • Integrity & ethical conduct;

  • Attention to detail;

  • Adaptability & problem-solving ability;

  • Strong organizational skills;

  • Team-oriented and collaborative;

  • Scientific curiosity & desire for academic growth;

  • Resilience & ability to work under pressure;

  • Willingness to work in the community;

  • Willingness to travel.

How to Apply

Follow the link below to fill a form and submit your application documentation:
https://redcap.link/Physician_P-0126

Filling the form more than once will lead to automatic disqualification. High level of integrity while filling the form is required and will be considered during shortlisting.

Combine all your application documentation i.e. cover letter, CV & certified copies of academic documents into one PDF document. Deadline for application is 22nd January 2026, 5:00pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.

This position is open to Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the application procedure as failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification. Only online applications through the link provided will be accepted. You will receive a notification in your email if your application and documentation have been successfully received.

N.B: You will be required to present certified copies of your academic documentation before employment.

Address Applications To

The Head of Human Resources,
MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit,
P.O. Box, 49,
Entebbe,
Uganda.

Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification.

By submitting your personal information, you consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure. The Unit reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to authenticate their validity.

Equal Opportunity Statement

MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit strives for inclusion and diversity and therefore considers all job applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, age, marital status, and disability. We highly encourage persons with disabilities to apply and compete for different job openings at the Unit.

The Unit is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse work force and does not ask for money at any stage of recruitment.

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