Call for Applications

As part of the implementation of the groundbreaking research initiative “Elimination of Onchocerciasis in Co-endemic Areas Using Moxidectin (EMINENCE)”, supported by EDCTP, the Higher Institute for Scientific and Medical Research (ISM) is inviting applications for competitive PhD fellowships.

These fellowships are embedded within two key components of the project:

• An adaptive clinical trial investigating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of ascending doses of moxidectin in individuals with escalating Loa loa microfilaremia
• A Phase IIIb community-based trial evaluating moxidectin’s effectiveness and acceptability among populations in the Mbam and Lékié river valleys, Centre Region of Cameroon

Selected candidates will actively contribute to parasitological, serological, clinical, and social science aspects of the study. The call is open to highly motivated applicants with demonstrated interest in parasitology, public health, tropical diseases, and field-based research.

Fellowship Overview

EMINENCE is awarding Four (04) competitive fellowships including three (03) PhD and one (01) Master to outstanding individuals dedicated to advancing global efforts against onchocerciasis.

• Duration: 03 years for PhD and 01 year for Master
• 1 Position (PhD): Parasitology, Entomology, Biochemistry or related field
• 2 Positions (PhD): Public Health
• 1 Position (Master): Pharmacovigilance
• Host Institutions: 

• • Any university in Cameroon 

• • Higher Institute for Scientific and Medical Research (ISM), Cameroon

PhD Registration: Fellows will be enrolled at a recognized university (local or international partner) and supervised by a multidisciplinary team within the EMINENCE consortium.

Research Orientation

Master: Parasitology, Entomology or related fields

Supervisor: Prof KAMGNO / Dr Efon and Mr. Andre Domche

Title: Post-Treatment Safety Surveillance of Moxidectin Mass Drug Administration

Focus Areas:

• Pharmacovigilance and safety monitoring to detect adverse events and contribute to moxidectin’s risk–benefit profile

PhD 1: Parasitology, Entomology or related fields

Supervisor: Prof KAMGNO / Mr. André Domche / Dr Arnauld EFON

Title: “Parasitological, Entomological, and Serological impact of Moxidectin’s in Onchocerciasis Hotspots of Centre Cameroon”

Focus Areas:

• Baseline and post-treatment microfilarial load assessment to monitor infection clearance and treatment efficacy
• Serological profiling (e.g. Ov16) to track exposure and shifts in transmission dynamics
• Evaluation of anti-macrofilarial effects of moxidectin on adult Onchocerca volvulus viability
• Immunological analysis to identify treatment-responsive biomarkers and potential indicators of parasitological cures
• Entomological surveillance, including blackfly (Simulium spp.) collection, dissection, and infectivity assessment to evaluate ongoing transmission

 PhD 2: Public Health – Implementation & Operational Research

Supervisor: Prof KAMGNO / Dr. Arnauld Efon / Stéphanie JOUEGO

Title: “Operational Effectiveness and Community Acceptability of Moxidectin-Based Mass Drug Administration”

Focus Areas:

• Comparative Implementation of Moxidectin vs. Ivermectin: Evaluating delivery models, logistics, and field-based challenges in transitioning to moxidectin
• Community Engagement & Behavioral Dynamics: Investigating treatment acceptability, health communication, and behavioral drivers of uptake
• Treatment Coverage and Compliance Monitoring: Assessing MDA participation rates, adherence, and equity in coverage
• Operational Comparison of CDTI and Moxidectin-Based Strategies: Measuring effectiveness, feasibility, and scalability in real-world contexts
• Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Translation:  Supporting evidence-based dialogue with national programs and informing strategic decision-making

PhD 3: Public Health/Epidemiology or Biochemistry– Clinical trial

Supervisor: Prof KAMGNO / Dr. Linda Yemeli/ Dr. Guy Wafeu

Title: “An adaptive clinical trial investigating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of ascending doses of moxidectin in individuals with escalating Loa loa microfilaremia”

Focus Areas:

• Dose-escalation design and safety profiling: Monitoring adverse events, tolerability thresholds, and pharmacodynamic parameters across moxidectin dosing 
• Clinical endpoints and efficacy evaluation: Measuring microfilarial load reduction, symptom resolution, and therapeutic thresholds
• Immunological and biochemical response characterization: Profiling cytokine modulation, inflammatory markers, and immune signatures associated with dose response
• Loa loa risk stratification and patient selection frameworks: Refining eligibility protocols and risk scoring to prevent SAE emergence

Fellowship Expectations

Selected fellows will be expected to:

• Develop and execute a doctoral research project in alignment with one of the EMINENCE pillars: clinical trials, implementation science, or parasitological–entomological impact assessment
• Publish at least two peer-reviewed articles in high-impact international journals, contributing new insights into tropical medicine, parasitology, and global health
• Present original findings at scientific conferences, consortium workshops, and EDCTP-linked events to foster knowledge exchange and visibility
• Support the production of EMINENCE technical reports and policy briefs, bridging evidence with actionable guidance for national NTD programs and stakeholders
• Fulfill academic requirements including coursework, thesis submission, and institutional milestones for PhD graduation
• Engage actively in consortium activities, including capacity-building sessions, data harmonization workshops, and stakeholder dialogues
• Conduct fieldwork in endemic communities, adhering to ethical standards, enhancing community trust, and strengthening research relevance
• Collaborate across disciplines with parasitologists, immunologists, entomologists, social scientists, and public health professionals within the EMINENCE network
• Contribute to robust data collection, analysis, and dissemination, ensuring quality and impact across clinical, operational, and transmission-focused components

Fellowship Support

The EMINENCE PhD fellowship offers a comprehensive support package to empower each fellow’s academic journey and research contribution

• Monthly stipend
• Research costs (laboratory, fieldwork, data analysis)
• Travel support for fieldwork and conference participation
• Training & Mentorship: Access to specialized workshops, technical guidance, and interdisciplinary mentoring through the EMINENCE consortium

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Academic Background: Hold a master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. parasitology, public health, epidemiology, immunology, biomedical sciences)
• Research Excellence: Demonstrate a strong academic track record and clear potential to contribute meaningfully to the project’s research goals
• Field Commitment: Show motivation to engage in field-based work within onchocerciasis-endemic communities and contribute to public health impact
• Language Proficiency: Possess excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French

Application Process

Deadline: October 30, 2025

Submission: Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file to: stephanie.jouego@ismcm.org

Subject Line:

EMINENCE PhD Fellowship Application – [Your Name]

Application Package:

• Cover Letter (max 1 page): Outline your motivation, research interests, and clearly specify which of the three PhD topics you are applying for:
  1. Parasitology 
  2. Public Health – Implementation & Operational Research
  3. Public Health – Clinical Trial
• Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages)
• Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Writing Sample (e.g. thesis abstract, published article, or technical report)