Early-career biomedical scientists can build independent research projects through the Crick Africa Network (CAN), which is a fellowship funded by LifeArc. The overall expectations from ambitious early-career African scientists  include an interest in translational science and an ambition to found their own research groups and pursue their careers on the African continent.

The fellows will also be required to spend some time in the UK using the Francis Crick Institute’s and LifeArc’s research and laboratory resources.
One or more of the Crick’s 21 science technology platforms (STPs) will be able to support fellows. Additionally, LifeArc will host fellows for three to twelve months at one of their UK facilities and offer translational development courses.

Mentorship from the Crick, LifeArc, and the chosen African partner institution will help with grant writing, publishing, research ethics, and translation.
Fellows will be encouraged to learn from one another as well as their mentors because there is a strong attitude of collaboration and interaction throughout the network. Salary, research expenses, and travels will all be covered by the fellowships.

Duration

3-12 months

Location

Francis Crick Institute and LifeArc, United Kingdom

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Eligibility

1. Citizenship or permanent residence in an African nation
2. A clinical PhD (MBChB) with at least three years of relevant research experience, or a PhD in a relevant subject with two to five years of postdoctoral work
3. A solid track record that suggests potential for leadership in science on the African continent
4. A compelling proposal for translational science in one of the CAN study areas.
5. Before submitting your scientific proposal, you must have engaged a mentor in the African partner institute of your choice and your mentor at Crick and got an understanding over your planned research.

Research Areas

– Drug and vaccine discovery and development
– Antimicrobial resistance
– Pandemic preparedness
– Diagnostics and biomarkers
– Host-pathogen interaction
– Pathogen genomics and bioinformatics
– Tropical diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, helminths and other neglected infections.

Application

Apply here

Please email Andy Merritt, LifeArc project lead and head of academic engagement, at andy.merritt@lifearc.org if you have any queries concerning the possibility for translation of your suggested research topic and how LifeArc could support your research development.

You can contact Jennifer Brown, the programme manager for the Crick Africa Network, at can-fellowships@crick.ac.uk for assistance and suggestions on potential mentors.