The University of Nigeria PhD Research Assistantship 2026 is a funded research opportunity jointly supported by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). The assistantship supports one PhD student who will contribute to an international research project titled “Not Enough and Too Many: Professional Personhood among Africa’s Paradoxically Surplus Health Workers.” The project examines the paradox of health workforce shortages and surpluses in Africa through a mixed-methods research approach across Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia.
About the University of Nigeria PhD Research Assistantship
The research team invites applications from highly motivated postgraduate students for two Research Assistant positions.
The project investigates the socio-cultural, political, and economic dimensions of health workforce shortages in government hospitals despite the existence of a large pool of trained health workers. Researchers will examine how health workers experience and navigate this paradox within African health systems.
The project adopts a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative research techniques to generate evidence for health workforce policy and practice.
The successful candidates will work primarily at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with possible travel to selected study locations.
Why Choose The University of Nigeria PhD Research Assistantship?
This assistantship allows students to participate in a major international health systems research project while developing advanced research skills.
You benefit from:
- Monthly stipend support
- Mentorship from experienced researchers and academics
- Exposure to advanced qualitative and mixed-methods research
- Opportunities for academic publications
- Conference presentation opportunities
- Professional development and networking
- Experience working on an international collaborative project
- Training in health systems and workforce research
The programme prepares students for careers in:
- Academic research
- Public health
- Health policy
- Development studies
- International organizations
- Government agencies
- Research institutes
University of Nigeria PhD Research Assistantship Summary
- Host Country: Nigeria
- Host Institution: University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
- Partner Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
- Scholarship Name: PhD Research Assistantship
- Project Title: Not Enough and Too Many: Professional Personhood among Africa’s Paradoxically Surplus Health Workers
- Study Level: PhD
- Funding Type: Research Assistantship
- Number of Positions: One
- Duration: Initial 12-month appointment, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and project needs
- Location: University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- Application Deadline: 15 July 2026 (16:00 WAT)
Scholarship Benefits
The PhD Research Assistantship provides:
- Monthly stipend in accordance with project guidelines
- Mentorship from experienced researchers
- Participation in a major international research project
- Advanced training in qualitative and mixed-methods research
- Opportunities for conference presentations
- Opportunities for publication co-authorship
- Professional development and research networking opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the PhD Research Assistantship, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in a PhD programme
- Study one of the following or a related discipline:
- Medical Anthropology
- Demography
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Health Systems
- Development Studies
- Demonstrate interest in:
- Health systems research
- Health workforce research
- Labour studies
- Sociology of professions
- Possess experience in qualitative research methods
- Demonstrate strong academic writing and communication skills
The following skills provide an advantage:
- NVivo
- Atlas. ti
- SPSS
- Stata
- Other analytical software
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will:
- Support literature reviews and evidence synthesis
- Assist with the development of research instruments and fieldwork materials
- Participate in qualitative and quantitative data collection activities
- Support transcription, coding, data management, and analysis
- Contribute to report writing and policy briefs
- Assist with conference presentations and manuscript preparation
- Participate in project meetings and stakeholder engagements
- Support dissemination activities
- Perform other research-related duties assigned by the Principal Investigator
Required Document
Applicants must submit:
- Cover letter (maximum two pages) explaining suitability for the position
- Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Evidence of current enrolment in a PhD programme
- Sample of academic writing, such as:
- Publication
- Dissertation chapter
- Term paper
- Research report
Applicants must combine all documents into a single PDF file.
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps:
- Review the project description and eligibility requirements.
- Prepare a cover letter explaining your suitability for the role.
- Update your CV.
- Obtain proof of current enrolment.
- Select an academic writing sample.
- Combine all documents into one PDF file.
- Submit the application electronically to:
- Use the following email subject line:
- Application for Research Assistant Position – PhD Student
- Await the shortlisting and interview process.
