Master's Student

The application closing date:
23 Oct 2026
Description:
Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) has an opportunity for a highly motivated master’s candidate to join the Makhado research group.
About the position:
This two-year master’s position will be an opportunity to analyse histopathological human biological samples, including resected human lung samples, and characterise nontuberculous mycobacteria using whole genome sequencing and targeted sequencing.
The candidate will be based at AHRI’s state-of-the-art facility in Durban, South Africa. AHRI is an independent, transdisciplinary scientific research institute based across two campuses in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa. AHRI’s vision is optimal health and well-being of under-resourced populations. The institute works in partnership with local communities and South African academic, governmental and other policy stakeholders.
Background
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have emerged as opportunistic pathogens worldwide, causing a wide spectrum of diseases that lead to different symptoms on infection site, exposure, and host immunity.
A significant proportion of variable NTM species have been isolated from pulmonary and extra-pulmonary sites in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals worldwide, with the HIV epidemic worsening the condition. This is further complicated by the lack of standardised NTM treatments due to inherent resistance to first-line anti- tuberculosis (TB) drugs. NTM infections largely remain undetected from both pulmonary and extrapulmonary sites, despite the advanced rapid molecular methods in pulmonary TB diagnostics. Thus, there are limited diagnostic methods for diagnosing extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), worsened by the inability to make a conclusive diagnosis of EPTB due to its low sensitivity. These include histological examination of tissues, analysis of fresh or fixed tissue biopsies using culture and/or molecular tests. However, for formalin-fixed tissue specimens as well as formalin fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) that are not appropriate for mycobacterial culture, diagnosis is performed by histological testing. Furthermore, the use of PCR based methods for NTM detection in FFPE tissues is limited.
Responsibilities
The student will characterise and analyse nontuberculous mycobacteria using whole genome sequencing and targeted next generation sequencing using Deeplex Myco-TB, to further investigate NTM species relatedness, and further investigate specific functional genomic changes, drug resistance, and structural variations. Identifying NTMs and characterising NTMs drug resistance will assist clinicians to improve the much-needed individual patient care. The project will involve regular interactions with an extensive international research network and is an excellent opportunity for growth for the student.
Minimum qualifications and experience
Honours degree in any of the following areas: medical microbiology, molecular biology or any related biomedical sciences field
Experience with standard tuberculosis diagnosis tests
Experience with PCR based methods and data analysis
Knowledge of infectious disease research is preferable but not essential (particularly tuberculosis)
Ability to work under guided supervision
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Good interpersonal skills and team orientated
How to apply
Please send a cover letter, 1–2-page CV and academic records with the subject listed as ‘Makhado_ NTMs in FFPE tissue samples study’ to education@ahri.org. The salary for this position depends on previous experience and brackets are according to AHRI’s official scheme and NRF grades, which will be without tax deduction due to tax exempt status for students.
If you have enquiries about the position, please email education@ahri.org with the subject line: ‘Makhado_ NTMs in FFPE tissue samples study’
Worker Type:
Contingent Worker
AHRI is a values-driven organisation. As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership.
Our values
The successful candidate will be expected to live by AHRI’s values, including collaboration, ubuntu, leadership, innovation, transformation, and excellence.
Employment equity
AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants, with a valid work permit desirable. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.