Opportunity: policy modelling fellowship on measles and/or polio based in Africa

Deadline for applications is 1 December 2025.

The South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling & Analysis (SACEMA), based at Stellenbosch University have announced an opportunity that combines epidemic modelling capacity building with policy-focused information service delivery in Africa. SACEMA is seeking 6-8 outstanding individuals for our 2026 Policy Modelling Fellowship program, focused on measles and polio outbreak risk and vaccination strategies.

This 10-month fellowship (Feb-Nov 2026) combines part-time remote work with two fully funded visits to South Africa.

Requirements:

• Training or work experience in a quantitative field. 
• An established working relationship or partnership with Ministry of Health decision makers in your country.
• Access or ability to gain access to sub-national measles or polio vaccination and incidence data from your country’s surveillance system through the Ministry of Health.
• If you do you not have direct access to this data and/or existing relationships with decision makers, identify a “champion” within the Ministry of Health who can provide mentorship and facilitation during your process of data acquisition and stakeholder engagement.
• Some coding experience.
• Ability and willingness to travel to South Africa for 6-8 weeks mid 2026 and 2 weeks in early October 2026.
• Availability and willingness to spend 8-10 hours per week on fellowship activities throughout fellowship period (February – November 2026).
• Awareness of public health challenges in Africa.