This exciting new initiative aims to expand and strengthen the contribution of South African investigators to HIV vaccine research through a structured research, mentorship and PhD program. SHAPe seeks to build scientific research capacity by helping to develop and foster the careers of early stage investigators interested in clinical trials, laboratory and epidemiological research that support preventative HIV vaccine development.
The intent of this RFA is to identify, support and retain young clinicians interested in committing to a career in HIV research. Early stage investigators, by working closely with established South African HIV vaccine researchers to identify priority HVTN research topics/questions, will design and propose a novel research project to conduct within the framework and support of an HIV vaccine research unit. This mechanism will allow investigators to develop new collaborations or build upon existing collaborations and prior research efforts to address any of a number of research questions in areas including but not limited to clinical trials, immunology and other topics related to HIV vaccinology.
This program is supported by the HIV Vaccine Trials Network and the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre (DTHC), with funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and Fogarty International Center.
Program Overview
The SHAPe Program will establish a cohort of young scientists who will conduct research at established HIV vaccine research units in South Africa. Research projects will address critical priorities of the HVTN scientific agenda and further South Africa’s meaningful scientific, academic and practical contribution to HIV vaccine development. Ongoing support for scholars will be available in the form of training, mentoring and technical assistance.
Funds Available and Anticipated Number of Awards
36 months of full-time funding including salary, research-related costs and participation in career development/mentoring activities is available to support 4 investigators. Support may also be available to cover Ph.D. program fees.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants will be South Africans who have received an MBChB degree AND a specialty degree or a Masters of Public Health (MPH) degree. Eligible applicants will have received their terminal degree in the past 10 years and will have completed their community service. Applicants should have a commitment to maintaining a long-term career in HIV research in South Africa. SHAPe supports transformation in science.
Application Process
Identification of SHAPe scholars will occur through a two part selection process. The first part involves the submission of an application. Please submit your application by August 2, 2010. Promising applicants will be invited to work with one or more of the Principal Investigators of the HIV vaccine trial sites to identify a priority research topic that fits their individual interests. The second part of the application process requires the applicant to develop a short (3 page) research proposal by September 3, 2010. Applicants who submit successful research proposals will be eligible for a SHAPe ESI Scholar award.
To apply
Please submit the SHAPe Application form, a biographical sketch and two letters of reference to Kristen Terblanche. For more information, please contact Kristen Terblanche or visit www.dthf.org.za.
Additional Information
A faculty contact list, ideas for potential research topics, and a bibliography of key HIV vaccine science publications is available from Kristen Terblanche upon request.
Application materials
Contacts
Linda-Gail Bekker
Chair, SHAPe Program
Desmond Tutu Research Centre
Linda-Gail.Bekker@hiv-research.org.za
telephone +27 21 650 6966
Kristen Terblanche
Program Coordinator
Desmond Tutu Research Centre
kristen.terblanche@hiv-research.org.za
telephone +27 21 650 6966
Danna Flood
HVTN Associate Director for Training
HIV Vaccine Trials Network Core Operations Center
dflood@hvtn.org
telephone +1 206-667-6679
