The Department of Molecular Medicine at the KNUST School of Medical Sciences invites applications for a fully funded, three-year PhD scholarship under the Navigating Educational Pressures and Stressors (NEPS) project for the 2026/2027 academic year. Applications close on 13 November 2026.

Research focus

The successful applicant will investigate how educational pressure, poverty, stigma and other psychosocial stressors influence young people’s biological responses, cognitive function and mental health. The research will also examine what makes some young people more vulnerable to these pressures and others more resilient.

Who can apply

Applicants should hold an MPhil, MSc or equivalent postgraduate qualification in a relevant biomedical discipline. Eligible fields include molecular medicine, molecular biology, chemical pathology, biochemistry, immunology, biomedical science, medical laboratory science, human biology, genetics, genomics, biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Applicants should demonstrate research potential and an interest in biological stress mechanisms, molecular biomarkers, epigenetics, neurocognitive science, youth mental health or biomedical data analysis. Experience in laboratory research, biomarker analysis, bioinformatics, biostatistics or neurocognitive research is an advantage.

Scholarship support

The scholarship covers tuition and approved academic fees and provides a means-tested stipend. The successful applicant will receive multidisciplinary doctoral supervision and, subject to the relevant approvals, access to NEPS research data from Ghana, Sierra Leone and Tanzania. The programme also offers opportunities to publish findings, give scientific presentations and produce research that can inform policy.

How to apply

Submit the following documents by 13 November 2026:

• A curriculum vitae

• Academic certificates and transcripts

• A brief statement outlining your research interests and explaining why you are suited to the project

Apply online through the KNUST Admissions Portal. The admissions short code is *415*55#.