HIV Research Jobs

HIV is one of the most challenging problems being faced by mankind. It is one of those few challenges, that man cannot overpower while the microscopic organism is creating a pandemic, to claim thousands of lives every year. No wonder, the quality of the brains, presently involved to resolve the matters related to HIV is inadequate. Therefore, mankind needs more and more human resources, to contribute to the research programs, for overshadowing the disease.

A person who is passionate about microbiology, virology, and can burn the midnight oil being drowned within research works, can definitely opt for HIV research jobs. Many institutes, organizations, hospitals and universities, conduct research projects on HIV. Examples of two famous hospitals that regularly offer HIV research jobs are Massachusetts General Hospital (USA) and Chris Hani Baraghwanath Hospital (South Africa). HIV research groups at Liverpool University and National Institute of Medical research, both in UK, do the same. UCSF AIDS health-project and HIV vaccine-trial network receive hundreds of job applications, for researchers every year. Both the institutes share the common goal of wiping away the HIV virus from the world.

Scholarships available to sponsor HIV research jobs

• HIV research trust scholarships: it is granted annually to very few research scholars
• HIV prevention Research Advocacy Fellowship: this is sponsored by AVAC and the Global Campaign for Microbicides (GCM).
• Post Doctorate in virology and HIV research, at Heidelberg University, Germany.
• Post Doctoral Fellowship Behavioral Sciences Research in HIV Infection is another research program offered by Columbia University School of Public Health.
• UNAIDS Special Youth Programs offers a nine-month remunerated fellowship to research scholars within the age of 20 to 24 years
• LANS, in USA funds a number of NGOs and Scholarship Programs
• amfAR- the Foundation of AIDS Research offers scholarships in basic biomedical research.
• Woodrow Wilson Fellowships

Apart from these there are various other institutes which employ fulltime researchers. It is not a fellowship program, but a permanent employment, with lucrative annual packages. The bodies, UCSF, USMHRP(US military HIV research program), SCHARP (Statistical Centre for HIV AIDS Research Prevention), NAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), National Health Education Institute Department of AIDS/ STD prevention, UNAIDS, WHO, are some of the leading organizations that offer HIV research Jobs.

However, bagging the above mentioned jobs is not easy. At least a fresher cannot expect to take up these with no significant research experience in his/her resume. Therefore, it is always better to apply for these jobs after being part of a few years of fellowship programs or after working as a research assistant under a famous scholar. A good PhD or post PhD degree from a reputed university can also pull you up in the list of preference. The candidate should also produce a well-drafted and strong recommendation from his previous guide, in order to come to the eligibility of these competitive HIV research jobs.

HIV Research jobs are not for those, who run after success. This job does not assure any formula for success. In fact, it could offer more failure than success. The researcher must have the patience and strength to take all the failures on stride yet fight for success.

HIV Research jobs may be very lucrative and interesting. However, once you take up this life; it will not be a bed of roses. It requires much of hard work in the laboratories, and field-work, in case you research on the sociological aspects.