The deadline for submissions is 22 June, 2022
2022 Makerere University MSc & ILRI MSc Graduate Fellowship On Identification Of Improved Extension Protocols For Pig Semen
Makerere University and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) are looking for an MSc student / ILRI graduate fellow to work on identifying improved pig semen extension protocols suitable for use in Uganda. The successful fellow will be hosted at Makerere University while also receiving the benefits of an ILRI graduate fellow.
Pigs are an important source of income for the rural poor in Uganda. ILRI and partners have been working on a strengthened pig value chain to improve the livelihoods of women and men pig keepers, as well as other value chain actors, and to improve food and nutrition security through the MorePork project. ILRI has been working on pig breeding challenges, including artificial insemination, in partnership with Makerere University as part of this broader project. The limited shelf life of pig semen is now a constraint to artificial insemination, making it less accessible to pig caretakers who live far away from boar studs (where the semen is collected).
The goal of this fellowship, which will be carried out through Makerere University, is to improve a pig semen extension technique in Uganda by testing several semen extenders and related protocols.
The chosen candidate will be enrolled at Makerere University in Uganda, where he or she will be supervised by Associate Professor Donald Kugonza and Dr. Karen Marshall of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
Conditions of Participation – 2022 Makerere University MSc & ILRI MSc Graduate Fellowship On Identification Of Improved Extension Protocols For Pig Semen
- Create a research proposal.
- Create study protocols, including the experiment design for testing sperm extenders.
- Carry out the research study (laboratory and field based).
- Document the research study (in the form of a thesis and/or a peer-reviewed journal publication by the first author).
- At the university, defend your MSc thesis.
The ideal candidate must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, biomedical laboratory technology, animal science, veterinary medicine, animal production and management, or a related field.
- Have excellent written and oral English communication abilities.
- Demonstrate your abilities to operate both alone and collaboratively.
- Demonstrate an interest in conducting laboratory tests.
- Have an interest in artificial insemination as a method of reproduction.
Appointment and stipend terms:
The ILRI will provide a competitive stipend to cover living expenses, medical insurance, and research costs. The successful candidate will be mentored by both the university/academic supervisor (Prof. Donald Kugonza of Makerere University) and an ILRI scientist (Dr Karen Marshall). She/he will have access to a variety of capacity development opportunities at ILRI.
Time frame: 1 or 2 years
Makerere University, Uganda is the location.
How to make an application:
Every submissions should include the following documents (applications that do not include these papers will be rejected):
- A cover letter indicating their interest in the MSc job and what they can provide to the fellowship, addressed to Attn. Assoc. Prof. Donald Kugonza, Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University. On the topic line of the cover letter, explicitly mark the position title and reference number REF: MSc GF/ILRI-MU/01/2022.
- Three referees with knowledge of the candidate’s professional qualifications and job experience are listed on the CV, together with their names and addresses (including phone and email).
- Copies of academic degree certificates/transcripts
On or before the 22nd of June 2022, applications should be sent to Prof. Donald Kugonza, Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University (by email [email protected] or postal delivery/hand delivery).
