ANESVAD. Pre-doctoral or doctoral research fellowship on Public Perception and Stigma Associated with Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases on Social Media

Fundación Anesvad

Vacancy: 1 pre-doctoral or doctoral fellowship.

ANESVAD. Pre-doctoral or doctoral research fellowship on Public Perception and Stigma Associated with Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases on Social Media

Research Fellowship on the analysis of public perception and stigma related to Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (Skin NTDs) in digital platforms and social media.

Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (Skin NTDs) are often associated with social stigma due to the visible nature of their lesions, the lack of public knowledge about these conditions, and the perception of them as highly contagious diseases. Social media platforms such as Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok play a central role in the dissemination of health information, but they may also contribute to the spread of misinformation and reinforce negative stereotypes.

Understanding how these diseases are represented and perceived in the digital environment, and how stigma manifests in online discourse, is essential for designing more effective awareness and communication strategies.

This research aims to analyse how Skin NTDs are portrayed in social media content and how public interactions may contribute to shaping perceptions and stigma around these diseases.

Vacancy: 1 pre-doctoral or doctoral fellowship
Modality: In person.
Place: Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid.
Duration: 6 months.
Start/end date: February-September 2027 (approximate dates).
Language of research: English.
Academic requirements: Master’s degree or PhD in Public Health, Global Health, Communication, Sociology, Anthropology, Data Science, Digital Media Studies, or other related fields. Experience in social media analysis, digital communication, qualitative research, or health communication will be an asset.
Additional requirements: English is compulsory (B2-C1 level). Knowledge of French (B1-B2) and/or Spanish (B1) will be an asset.
Attitudinal competencies: Autonomy; professionalism; planning and responsibility to meet deadlines; good stress management; problem-solving skills; excellent writing and communication skills in English; good Microsoft Office and video calling skills (Zoom, Teams). A telephone or Zoom interview will be conducted to assess some of the above competencies.

Documentation to be submitted with the application:

• CV;
• University degree(s);
• Transcript of records;
• ID card or passport;
• Concept proposal for the preparation of the study (background and justification, objectives, methodology, timeline – including deliverables);
• Motivation letter;
• 1 Academic and/or professional reference;
• Community engagement.

Expected results:

A detailed report including:

• A summary of how Skin NTDs are represented on social media platforms
• Identification of patterns of stigma, discrimination, and misinformation
• Visualization of interaction networks and reach of digital content
• Mapping of key actors and analysis of their influence on public perception
• Recommendations for awareness strategies and digital health communication campaigns

Deliverables to submit during the research stay:

• Participation in a 3-minute video explaining the objective and methodology of the research.
• Report of research results.
• Participation in a 3-minute video explaining the results of the research.
• Submission of an article to an indexed scientific journal (Q1-Q2).
• Presentation of research results in a dissemination conference agreed between the parties.
• Other scientific-dissemination materials (with gender perspective and focus on Africa), aimed at promoting the health, well-being, participation, empowerment and advocacy of populations affected by NTDs, awareness, reducing stigma, and improving public understanding of Skin NTDs

Other relevant information: The selected candidate will have to move to Madrid to carry out her research, with occasional trips to Bilbao where the main headquarters of Fundación Anesvad are located. The selected person will be tutored/guided by an ISCIII and Anesvad Foundation professor; however, she will be expected to conduct her research autonomously.

The selected person will receive a monthly stipend to cover her accommodation and living expenses and will have all logistical costs covered (visa, travel, seminars, medical insurance, necessary materials, etc.).