Makerere University PhD Scholarship 2026: Midwifery, Maternal and Newborn Health Research Opportunity in Uganda - Global South Opportunities

Makerere University School of Public Health is inviting applications from qualified Uganda-based candidates for a PhD research opportunity under the MIDWIZE component of the EMBOLDEN Health Programme.

The opportunity is open to Uganda-based applicants who meet the academic and professional requirements.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in one of the following disciplines:

• Midwifery
• Maternal and Newborn Health
• Public Health
• Implementation Science
• A closely related field

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• A strong interest in maternal and newborn health.
• An interest in strengthening healthcare systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Willingness and ability to conduct field-based research involving health facilities and communities in Uganda.

The successful candidate will combine doctoral research with practical implementation coordination and engagement with relevant stakeholders.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting research on the adaptation and implementation of the MIDWIZE maternity care model in Uganda.
• Supporting the scale-up and evaluation of the maternity care intervention.
• Coordinating day-to-day implementation activities.
• Engaging healthcare stakeholders, health facilities and relevant institutions.
• Conducting field-based research and collecting relevant research data.
• Supporting the dissemination of research findings through academic and professional platforms.
• Contributing to collaboration between Ugandan and international research partners.

The position provides an opportunity to combine academic research with practical health systems implementation.