Makerere University MSc and ILRI MSc Graduate Fellowship: Identification of improved extension protocols for pig semen, suitable for application in Uganda
Makerere University and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit an MSc student / ILRI graduate fellow to work on identification of improved extension protocols for pig semen, suitable for application in Uganda. The successful fellow will be hosted at Makerere University but also enjoy the benefits of being an ILRI graduate fellow.
Makerere University is a thought leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development. It is committed to providing transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and services responsive to dynamic national and global needs. https://www.mak.ac.ug/about-makerere
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices in East, South and Southern Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org
About the position
Within Uganda, pigs are an important source of livelihoods to the rural poor. Under the MorePork project, ILRI and partners have been working towards a strengthened pig value chain, for improved livelihoods of women and men pig keepers, as well as other value chain actors, as well as improved food and nutrition security. As part of this overall work, ILRI in collaboration with Makerere University, have been working on issues around pig breeding, including artificial insemination. One current constraint to pig artificial insemination is the short shelf life of the semen making artificial insemination less accessible to pig keepers located further away from the boar studs (where the semen is collected). This fellowship, which will be undertaken through Makerere University, aims to optimize a semen extension protocol for pigs in Uganda, via trialing different semen extenders and related protocols.
The successful candidate will be enrolled in Makerere University, Uganda under the supervision of Assoc. Professor Donald Kugonza, with co-supervision by Dr. Karen Marshall from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).
Terms of Reference (ToRs):
In close collaboration with supervisors, the MSc fellow will be required to:
- Develop a research proposal.
- Develop study protocols, including design of the experiment to test semen extenders.
- Implement the research study (laboratory and field based).
- Document the research study (as a thesis and / or a first-authored peer-reviewed
journal publication).
- Defend MSc thesis at the university.
Minimum requirements for the ideal candidate
The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications:
- Bachelor in either Biotechnology, Biomedical Laboratory Technology, Animal Science,
Veterinary Medicine, Animal Production and Management, or equivalent degree.
- Have strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Exhibit interest in performing laboratory analysis.
- Possess interest in artificial insemination as a reproductive technology.
Location: Makerere University, Uganda.
Duration: 1 or 2 years
Terms of appointment and stipend: ILRI will offer a competitive stipend to cover living expenses, medical insurance cover, and meet research expenses. The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by the university/academic supervisor (Prof. Donald Kugonza from Makerere University) and ILRI scientist (Dr Karen Marshall). She/he will have access to various capacity development opportunities available at ILRI.
How to apply:
All applications MUST include the following (applications without these documents will not be considered):
- a cover letter addressed to Attn. Assoc. Prof. Donald Kugonza, Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University expressing their interest in the MSc position and what they can bring to the fellowship. The position title and reference number REF: MSc GF/ILRI-MU/01/2022 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
- CV including names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience.
- copies of academic qualification certificates/transcripts.
Applications must be submitted to Attn: Prof. Donald Kugonza, Department of Agricultural Production, School of Agricultural Sciences, Makerere University, (via email rugira.kugonza@mak.ac.ug or Postal delivery/hand delivery) on or before 22nd June 2022.