CALL FOR APPLICATIONS- PHD TRAINEES-TRAIN Program (Training and Research on Arboviruses and Zoonoses) Cameroon Track – Cohort 2026–2027

Position: Three (3) PhD students
Host site: Centre Pasteur of Cameroon (CPC)
Status: Academic research internship (PhD)
Duration of internship: 48 months (including a TRAIN-funded training period at UTMB, USA)

1. Background and TRAIN program overview
1.1 Background
In line with its mission to train students and health professionals, The Centre Pasteur du Cameroun invites applications from Cameroonian nationals for three (3) PhD trainee positions to conduct research on arboviruses and zoonoses under the Training and Research on Arboviruses and Zoonoses In Cameroon (TRAIN) program, coordinated by the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Following guidance and confirmation from the TRAIN/UTMB coordination, Cameroon is eligible to submit applications for the 2026–2027 cohort through this CPC call.

Leveraging on the formerly NIH-supported West African Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases (WAC-EID) and the Centers for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases (CREID) pilot program, the outstanding research leaders at Centre Pasteur du Cameroon, and the exceptional breadth of advanced expertise in emerging viral diseases at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), this program seeks to provide multidisciplinary training for young scientists from Cameroon. TRAIN aims to:
1. Provide general on-site training in Cameroon for PhD students enrolled in a local doctoral program in Cameroon.
2. Provide specialized training at UTMB (USA) on the advanced methods and techniques to support technology transfer to Cameroon.
3. Provide on-site research training at CPC to ensure successful local implementation of the program, which will include training of laboratory staff, among others, as needed;
4. Integrate trainees into the WAC-EID’s and CPC’s research programs to gain hands-on experience in surveillance activities, diagnostics, and data management.

Upon the completion of the TRAIN program, trainees are expected to progress toward independent research careers in Cameroon. They will contribute to strengthening national and regional capacity for surveillance and research to better understand the circulation of emerging viruses and re-emerging viral threats in the region, including mechanisms of emergence, virus discovery, transmission dynamics, pathogenesis, and countermeasures to mitigate emerging viral threats.

1.2 Objectives and Training Priorities
The TRAIN Program supports, trains, and mentors the next generation of emerging infectious disease researchers. This program will help develop capacity for emerging infectious disease research in Cameroon through multidisciplinary scientific and public health training.
To apply, trainees will submit a package containing a short research proposal and statement of professional goals tailored to their specific needs (detailed in section 2.3).
Applicants should propose projects aligned with arboviruses and zoonoses, including but not limited to
• pathogen transmission, emergence, or maintenance in an ecosystem;
• pathogenesis and host–pathogen interactions;
• characterization of viral antigens; phylogenetics; viral diversity;
• vector biology
• sociological or behavioral influences on emerging or reemerging viral diseases.
• Epidemiology (statistical and mechanistic modelling)
Training Competencies
Training opportunities may include but are not limited to:
Orientation at UTMB and onboarding requirements
Assessment of needs and gaps
Laboratory biosafety training program (including Respirator training and fit testing; Animal laboratory biosafety
Shipping biological agents training
Isolation, cultivation, and quantification of arboviral and zoonotic pathogens (BSL-2, ACL-2, and ABSL-2)
Techniques for isolation, cultivation, and quantification of arboviral and zoonotic
pathogens (BSL-3, ACL-3, and ABSL-3)
Statistical and mechanistic modeling
Select agent training
Data acquisition and management
Grant writing
Specialized techniques (e.g., next-generation sequencing, etc.)
Vector Biology

1.3 Eligibility criteria
Applicants must meet all the following criteria
The TRAIN program is seeking students

a) Must be a citizen of Cameroon
b) Have a Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, entomology, Immunology, epidemiology, public health, or related field
c) Willing to apply for a PhD program in a doctoral program in Cameroon
d) Available and willing to undergo comprehensive, multidisciplinary training, generally lasting 6 months, at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), USA
e) Able to identify a supervisor at CPC and at a local University (academic supervisor)
f) Interested in research and training on arboviruses/zoonoses and related competencies (vector biology, genomics, epidemiology/modeling, surveillance)
g) Able to express themselves and work in an English-speaking academic environment. (Applications must be submitted in English)

1.4 Program structure (indicative)
• Phase 1 (Cameroon – ~3 months): classroom and hands-on training at CPC (emerging viral pathogens, research methods, grant writing, and relevant curricula).
• Phase 2 (USA – up to 6 months): advanced training at UTMB (plus short visits to partner institutions, as applicable), with ongoing mentorship.
• Phase 3 (Cameroon): continued PhD research and implementation under joint supervision (CPC + University + TRAIN mentors).
1.5 Funding
A monthly stipend is provided to TRAIN fellows during their US-based training period. Cost of living expenses, including housing, transportation, phone service, childcare, etc., will be the responsibility of the trainee; However, administrative support will guide the trainee through the onboarding and arrival process and will be available for assistance when needed for the duration of the visit. During the Cameroon-based training period, the fellow will be supported by their CPC supervisor with some research supplies provided through the TRAIN program.

1.6 Program timeline
Call for applications February 13, 2026
Deadline to contact Centre Pasteur du Cameroun for collaboration/ supervisor identification February 20, 2026
Deadline for questions 23 February 2026
Deadline to submit letter of intent February 25, 2026, 5 PM local time
Deadline for full application March 10, 2026
Notification of award March 2026

2. Application Process
2.1 How to apply
Questions will be received until 23 February 2026 by email to: abanda@pasteur-yaounde.org and copy: cakleier@utmb.edu

All applications must include the following elements (as applicable) in the order listed below. Page limits are noted where applicable. Failure to include a required element may result in the application not being reviewed. Where indicated, start each component on a new page with the component title, PI name, and study title at the top of the first page. All applications must be in English.
Questions about the application process will be received until February 23rd, 2026, by email to abanda@pasteur-yaounde.org coping cakleier@utmb.edu

2.2 Letter of Intent
A Letter of Intent (LOI) must be submitted by February 25, 2026, by 5 pm ET, via email to cakleier@utmb.edu. The collaborating research site (Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, secretariatds@pasteur-yaounde.org should be copied on the LOI submission. The LOI should not exceed 2 pages, excluding the biosketch.
LOI submission includes:
– Completed LOI template. (Annex 1)
– NIH Biosketch ( NIH Biosketch Instructions: (Annex 2)
Note: The LOIs are for planning purposes only, and no response from the TRAIN Program is needed to proceed with the full application. If any concerns or questions are identified upon review of the LOI, TRAIN leadership will contact you to share that information.

2.3 Application Format and Deadline
All full applications must be submitted electronically via email as a single PDF to cakleier@utmb.edu and secretariatds@pasteur-yaounde.org.
All documents submitted electronically should also be printed and deposited at the secretariat of the Director General of CPC in a sealed envelope by the same deadline.

All submissions, electronically and in hard copies, must occur no later than March 10th, 2026.

2.4 Full Application Submission Requirements
Carefully follow the format instructions listed for each section below. Application packages that do not follow the rubric will be ineligible for the award. All text should be in Arial with a font size of 11 or 12, single
spaced with ½ inch margins.
Failure to include required elements may result in ineligibility. (more details in the table below)
1. Application Cover Sheet (Annex 3 – template provided)
2. Title and Table of Contents
3. Specific Aims (1 page maximum)
4. Study Rationale / Research Gap / Impact (3 pages maximum)
5. Significance and Approach (3 pages maximum)
6. Research Methods (3 pages maximum; include sample size justification and analysis plan; risks/mitigation and alternatives)

7. NIH Biosketch (per NIH instructions)
8. Mentorship Plan (Annex 4 – template provided; aligned with TRAIN competencies and project plan for Cameroon + US training period)
9. Educational transcripts (copies from accredited Cameroonian or international institutions)
10. Letters of support (2 required; each max 2 pages, signed): (i) CPC mentor/supervisor; (ii) University academic/scientific supervisor. If the same person serves both roles, provide a second letter from another mentor of your choice.
Item
Application Cover Sheet (Annex 3)
Title and Table of Contents
Specific Aims (1-page limit)

Description: Per the NIH grant format, include a 1-page Specific Aims section that summarizes the goals and objectives of your research project. Specific aims and objectives should be clearly defined and sensibly tied to a definite research question. A clear endpoint or set of endpoints should be tied to each objective. Please refer to NIAID guidance on developing specific aims:
https://www.niaid.nih.gov/grants-contracts/draftspecific-aims
Study Rationale/
Research Gap/Impact
3-Page Limit Projects should address an important problem, gap, or critical barrier to progress in the field of study. The project should address an area of need targeted by the West African Center of Emerging Infectious Diseases (WACEID).
Priorities specific to this Call for Applications are included in Section 1.2. See the WAC-EID website for more information on Center priorities
(https://www.utmb.edu/waceid/home).
Significance and Approach
State how the project has the potential to significantly address an important problem or critical barrier to progress in the field. A successful application will also describe how the proposed research meaningfully expands on existing research without overlapping current studies or the unique
contribution of the project to the research community and how it will not replicate current studies but move beyond with an innovative approach or objectives.
Research Methods The overall strategy, methodology, statistical plan, and analyses should be well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the project. A sample size estimate must be included, and a justification that demonstrates the adequacy of the sample size; one approach could be a power calculation. Address how potential problems will be resolved, identify possible alternative strategies, and include benchmarks for success.
Biosketch https://grants.nih.gov/grants/forms/biosketch.htm
Mentorship Plan (Annex 4)
With the help of your West African and US-based mentors, summarize overall professional goals, as well as future competencies that align with the research plan to be completed during training period in the US and in Cameroon. Available competencies at UTMB are listed in section 1.2.
Education Transcripts Copies of educational transcripts from an accredited Cameroonian or international institution.
Letters of support (2 required) Letter of support from Centre Pasteur du Cameroun
Mentor (two-page limit): Provide a signed letter from the
designated Centre Pasteur du Cameroun mentor that demonstrates how they will support the applicant as outlined in the mentoring plan.
Letter from University academic \/Scientific Mentor (two-page limit): Provide a signed letter from the designated scientific mentor that attests to your readiness for the program through prior education and experience and demonstrates how the mentor will support the applicant.
Letter of support from mentor of your choice (two- page
limit): demonstrating academic excellence and interest in
emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases

3. Application Review and Selection Process
3.1 Review Criteria
Applications will be evaluated by a peer-review committee. Review criteria follow NIH-style scoring focused on significance, innovation, investigator, and research strategy/feasibility, as well as academic record and alignment with TRAIN objectives.
3.2 Trainee Selection
Selected trainees will be notified in March 2026. After acceptance, the trainee and mentors (CPC + University + TRAIN/UTMB) will agree on the training and research timeline between March 2026 and February 2027. The trainee will work closely with the University of Texas Medical Branch Human Resources to begin the onboarding and visa application process.
Annexes (templates)
• Annex 1: Letter of Intent (LOI) Template: Dowload here: LOI template
• Annex 2: NIH Bio-sketch Dowload here: Biosketch_template (1)
• Annex 3: Application Cover Sheet Template, dowload here:Cover Page_TRAIN Template
• Annex 4: Mentorship Plan Template, dowload here: TRAIN Mentorship Plan_Template 
N.B. All templates (Annexes mentioned in this call are available on the following webpage at the bottom under Resources: https://www.utmb.edu/waceid/train/2024-call-for-applications

Dowload here: CALL FOR APPLICATIONS PHD TRAINEES CPC

Dr. Mirdad Kazanji
Director General
Centre Pasteur du Cameroun