Fully funded: Applications for Post-Doctoral; PhD, and Masters Fellowships in Special Education

Introduction

The University of Zambia extends an invitation for applications from qualified candidates for various positions sponsored by the DELTA II ALMA Project. The Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology, and Special Education, in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, is offering Fellowships in the fields of Post-Doctoral, Doctoral, and Masters in Special Education. The DELTA II ALMA Project aims to advance research focused on maximizing early identification and intervention opportunities for children with neuro-developmental disorders.

Background:

Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia, cover a broad spectrum of conditions impacting overall child development and learning outcomes. The project recognizes the significance of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors contributing to these disorders. Despite advancements in understanding, the identification of children with neuro-developmental disorders lacks attention in the Zambian context, primarily due to the absence of culturally responsive screening and assessment tools. This research project seeks to address this gap for early identification, intervention, and long-term support.

Scope of Work:

The project offers two Doctoral positions and one Post-Doctoral Position with a focus on developing comprehensive assessment tools for two neuro-developmental disorders: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Dyslexia. The scope of work for the Fellowships is outlined as follows:

PhD Position 1: Development of ASD Assessment Tool (1 Position)

The PhD student in this position will adapt, pilot, and validate the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) to the Zambian context. The ADOS-2 is a standardized assessment tool widely recognized for clinically assessing Autism Spectrum Disorders.

PhD Position 2: Development of Dyslexia Assessment Tool (1 Position)

The PhD student in this position will develop, pilot, and validate an assessment tool specifically designed for identifying children with Dyslexia.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit their applications, including CVs and cover letters, detailing their suitability for the positions. Applications can be sent to [Provide Application Email]. Shortlisted candidates will undergo an evaluation process, including interviews, to select the most qualified candidates.

Deadline for Applications

This is an exceptional opportunity for researchers interested in making a meaningful impact in the field of neuro-development disorders. Join us in advancing research for the benefit of children with these conditions and contribute to building culturally responsive assessment tools.

Academic Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

PhD Fellowship (Multiple Positions)

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Zambian Citizen: Applicants must be Zambian citizens.
  2. Age Limit: Should not be more than 40 years old.
  3. Educational Qualifications:
    • Grade 12 School Certificate.
    • Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Psychology from a recognized institution.
    • Master’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Psychology from a recognized institution.
  4. Research Experience:
    • Previous research experience in developmental disorders, education, or any social science field.
  5. Teaching Experience:
    • Teaching experience in Special Education, Educational Psychology, and Early Childhood Education at the undergraduate level.
  6. Development of Assessment Tools:
    • Experience in the development of assessment tools is an added advantage.
  7. Statistical Analysis:
    • Experience with statistical analysis of datasets using SPSS or Stata.
  8. Recommendation and Statement of Purpose:
    • Letter of recommendation from an academic institution and from the employer (where applicable).
    • A well-written statement of purpose, clearly stating the motivation for pursuing the PhD program.
  9. Curriculum Vitae:
    • A well-written Curriculum Vitae highlighting academic and professional accomplishments as well as experience in research.

Duration of the PhD Fellowship:

This is a three-year (3 years) fully funded fellowship. Successful candidates must commit to being full-time on the program and provide proof of leave of absence from the employer at the commencement of the program.

Post-Doctoral Fellowship (1 Position)

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Zambian Citizen: Prospective candidates should be Zambian citizens.
  2. Educational Qualifications:
    • Ph.D. in Special Education, Educational Psychology, Early Childhood Development, or a related field.
  3. Research Skills:
    • Strong research skills, including experience with data collection and statistical analysis.
  4. Knowledge and Skills:
    • Knowledge of child development and assessment tools.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
    • Strong organizational skills.
  5. Experience:
    • Previous experience in child assessment tool validation is an added advantage.

These fellowships offer a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of neuro-developmental disorders. If you meet the specified criteria, we encourage you to apply and be part of a transformative research initiative.

Duration of Post-Doctoral Fellowship

This is a two-year (2 years) fellowship. Successful candidates must commit to being full-time on the program and provide proof of leave of absence from the employer at the commencement of the program.

Masters Fellowships (4 Positions)

Under this position, four fully funded Master Fellowships will be offered. Candidates will support the broader project activities aimed at determining the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Dyslexia. The scope of work will involve conducting extensive systematic reviews on available literature, including data from epidemiological studies in Zambia, evaluating long-term psychosocial indicators of dyslexia among grade 3 learners, and implementing interventions to support learning. Detailed scope of work for each of the four positions will be provided once candidates are selected.

Academic Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

Prospective candidates should fulfill the following criteria:

  1. Zambian Citizen
  2. Age Limit: Should not be more than 35 years old.
  3. Educational Qualifications:
    • Grade 12 School Certificate.
    • Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and/or Educational Psychology from a recognized institution.
  4. Research Experience:
    • Previous research experience in developmental disorders, education, or any social science field.
  5. Development of Assessment Tools:
    • Experience in the development of assessment tools is an added advantage.
  6. Statistical Analysis:
    • Experience with statistical analysis of datasets using SPSS or Stata is an added advantage.
  7. Recommendation and Statement of Purpose:
    • Letter of recommendation from an academic institution and from the employer (where applicable).
    • A well-written statement of purpose, clearly stating the motivation for pursuing the Masters program.
  8. Curriculum Vitae:
    • A well-written Curriculum Vitae highlighting academic and professional accomplishments, as well as experience in research.

Duration of Masters Fellowship

This is a two-year (2 years) fully funded fellowship. Successful candidates must commit to being full-time on the program and provide proof of leave of absence from the employer at the commencement of the program.

Application Procedure

Applications should be addressed to:

Head of Department
Department of Educational Psychology, Sociology, and Special Education
School of Education
University of Zambia
P.O Box 32379
Lusaka
Zambia

Application Link: Apply Now (Application Link)

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