A remarkable attribute of K-RITH is its emphasis on basic science discovery in sub-Saharan Africa. We believe this will allow tools and inventions to percolate up from within the heart of the TB-HIV co-epidemic. This approach, designed by K-RITH’s founding organisations, empowers scientists within Africa to develop innovations locally and then translate them through to clinical reality—all without leaving the continent.

K-RITH seeks basic and clinical scientists who want to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the two dread infections overwhelming KwaZulu-Natal: HIV and tuberculosis. We know that an emphasis on basic science will lead to rational interventions and clinical solutions to many of the problems facing the area. 

K-RITH wants world-class investigators—individuals who would be competitive at any research-based institution around the world. We anticipate that considerable talent will be identified among African scientists, but we also encourage applicants from North America, Europe, and Asia who would like to build a research programme that capitalizes on the unique laboratory and clinical resources at K-RITH.

• K-RITH has openings for basic and translational scientists who study TB and HIV to work at our Durban facility. Positions are available at the assistant, associate, and full investigator levels. These scientists will be expected to maintain independent scientific programmes, supervise groups of 5-8 students and technicians, and contribute to scientific advancement through scholarly publications, research presentations, and conference abstracts.

We also want to identify and encourage long-term relationships with our fellow investigators in South Africa and around the world who want to join us in using basic science to fight TB and HIV. Grant funding for scientists and students interested in HIV and TB research is available via our new K-RITH South African Collaborative Grants programme. Proposals are now being accepted for Durban-based projects, with funds to be dispersed in early 2011.  A new round of grant funding for scientists and students interested in HIV and TB research will be announced in 2012.