1082-South Africa-Optimizing HIV Prevention and Treatment in South Africa: Implementation Research for Adolescents, Young Women, and Female Sex Workers

This GHEFP offers a unique experience to engage multiple high-impact research studies conducted in partnership with TB HIV Care in South Africa that focus on optimizing HIV programme delivery for historically underserved populations, including adolescents, young women, and female sex workers.

The student will support the final phases of an R01 study utilizing the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) Framework. This study tests the effectiveness of various PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) support strategies to improve uptake and persistence among marginalized young women at high risk for HIV. By engaging with individual, social, and structural factors, the study aims to uncover optimized approaches to overcoming barriers to PrEP. The student will assist with data quality control, reporting, and community dissemination, enabling meaningful dialogue and knowledge sharing with the community.

In addition, the student will support two ongoing studies which will allow for hands-on experience in data collection and program analysis. One study examines how to best deliver long-acting injectable PrEP for female sex workers, a strategy with significant potential to advance HIV prevention. Another study assesses HIV treatment with the goal of improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake and adherence for non-virally suppressed adolescent girls and young women aged 15-24. This work will directly inform implementation strategies and help close critical gaps in care for young women in South Africa.

Through this field placement, the student will engage in community-centered implementation research across various project phases—from data collection and quality control, to community dissemination. They will contribute to impactful HIV programming aimed at tailoring strategies for populations at high-risk for HIV in South Africa. This is an ideal opportunity for a public health student with a passion for HIV prevention and/or treatment, implementation science, and a commitment to ensuring that underserved populations receive tailored strategies that are designed to meet their unique needs.

The student will work closely with TB HIV Care staff and the JHU team in Durban, with opportunities for travel to additional study sites in Mbombela (Nelspruit) and uMgungundlovu. The role will work with local study and programme staff to support day-to-day activities across various research stages. Responsibilities will include:

-Qualitative data collection and analysis: conducting informational interviews with providers, AGYW, FSW, and programme staff to capture insights on HIV care experiences, including perceptions of HIV care, barriers to treatment, and support needs. 
-Data quality control: Ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of data collected.
-Observations: Recording observations and contextual notes to capture environmental or situational factors that may influence implementation of layered interventions and summarizing key findings or themes emerging from interviews to help inform adjustments in future study phases.
-Implementation mapping: Mapping out the layered interventions to identify how TB HIV Care’s support services (e.g., high viral load youth clubs, mental health linkages, and root cause analyses) are integrated. This may also include documenting the roles and responsibilities of different staff involved to understand the program’s implementation structure. 
-Community engagement: Attending community and staff meetings or events related to TB HIV Care’s programming to build rapport, share study results, and enhance understanding of community perspectives in support of the research aims.

This placement offers a well-rounded experience, with the opportunity to gain critical skills in the intersection of health systems strengthening and epidemiological approaches. The student will gain hands-on experience in data capacity-building, community and stakeholder engagement, and relationship building, while contributing to HIV-related implementation science and research aiming to impact public health practice in a low-to-middle-income country. Working in the field with local counterparts gives the applicant the opportunity to develop skills in project management and stakeholder engagement that will inform how they would design and implement future projects.

The professional work environment at the site is extremely positive and fosters mentorship and productivity across team members, partners and program staff. In addition to the TB HIV Care staff, the on-site team will include fellow graduate students completing complimentary placements. The workplace operates in a mature, respectful matter and collaboration and team work are hallmarks of the project. Moreover, we as a team are always available for support and ongoing communication throughout this collaboration.

This placement would be a good fit for someone who is self-motivated and can take the lead on projects. Regular mentoring and supervision will be provided by investigators and staff in the United States and South Africa; however it will be the responsibility of the student to use the ideas and advice provided by the investigative team to move aspects of the project along, requesting additional support along the way when needed. Students with an interest in key populations, women’s health, adolescent health, implementation research, and qualitative research are encouraged to apply.

Required skills and prior coursework include Epidemiology and Biostatistics (620 series or above preferred). Prior coursework in health communications, qualitative research, health equity, and implementation science are preferred, but not required.

Name: Katherine Rucinski, rucinski@jhu.edu 

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

I use a supportive, accessible mentorship approach, providing timely, constructive feedback and fostering a positive learning environment. When working with students, I make sure to establish a culture of open communication, offering guidance at any point whether it be in-person, by phone/WhatsApp, or by Zoom. To promote collective learning, I employ a group mentorship model that comprises other faculty within our core team, staff, and graduate students across multiple degree programs in the School of Public Health. As a complement to this model, I am also available to meet with students to support individual goal setting and career development.

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

A complementary student will be extremely interested in the work, detail oriented, hardworking, and able to work independently and collaboratively. We are looking for students that are excited about the key elements of the research, willing to learn and grow, and are interested in being embedded within a large HIV prevention and treatment programme in South Africa. Students who are able to take initiative and ownership of their responsibilities within the project will be a good fit for this placement.

Estimated costs:

$0. The monthly stipend is sufficient to cover housing, food and use of public transport (see below). Students wishing to further travel for personal reasons may incur out of pocket expenses.

Housing: $600/month
Food: $300/month
Local transportation: $75/month
Data sim card: $30/month
Total: $1,005/month
 

Additional support from PI:

We will work with the student to develop a budget to cover monthly expenses including housing, transportation, groceries, and other basic living expenses. Any living expenses not covered by the GHEFP grant will be covered by the project. If needed, the project will cover the student’s airfare to and from South Africa.   Having previously sent graduate students from the School of Public Health to this site, we will provide the incoming student with materials that include valuable safety tips and recommendations for their time in South Africa, compiled from the experiences of past students and staff.