Exciting opportunity: Are you a Msc Student and interested in conducting thesis research as part of the ARMEA project. Here is a call for application for the ARMEA Project
. Please submit your application by November 10, 2024.
MSc Students recruitment for ARMEA project at RBC, RwandaProject: ARMEA: Artemisinin Resistance Monitoring in East Africa
Start date: October 30, 2024
Duration: 12 months, potentially spread over 2.5 years
1. Background
In collaboration with Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, a multicenter project has been launched involving clinical and research institutions across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This project aims to recruit a total of 3,600 malaria patients across nine sentinel sites through two rounds of recruitment.
The project focuses on genotyping the K13 gene of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, to identify mutations associated with artemisinin resistance. In addition to sample collection, a questionnaire-based patient interview will be conducted to explore potential determinants of emerging artemisinin resistance. The survey will cover various factors, including healthcare-seeking behavior, sources of antimalarial drugs, use of herbal remedies, and socio-economic status.
Data analysis will examine these resistance determinants for the entire study population, with stratifications by country to enhance understanding of regional differences. The project also emphasizes capacity building; MSc-level students will receive supervision, and training workshops on topics such as risk factor analysis will be held.
This research initiative presents a valuable opportunity to advance understanding of artemisinin resistance in sub-Saharan Africa and to strengthen local research capacity through hands-on training and mentoring.
2. Call for application
The ARMEA Project is issuing a call for MSc student applicants to conduct their thesis research as part of the ARMEA project. The project offers MSc thesis opportunities for students in the fields of biotechnology, molecular biology, and epidemiology, who will gain hands-on experience in sequencing P. falciparum isolates and conducting subsequent analysis in relation to patient data collected within the project.
Students selected for this program will be based at the RBC in two divisions mainly, Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases (MOPD) and National Reference Laboratory (NRL), where they will be supervised by their staff.
Eligibility Requirements:
Enrolled in an MSc program in biotechnology, molecular biology, or epidemiology at a recognized Rwandan University.
Eligible to begin the MSc thesis component of their program as of November 2024
Practical laboratory experience in molecular biology and/or experience in epidemiological analysis of infectious disease data
Strong command of the English language and excellent communication skills
We invite all interested and qualified MSc students to apply and become part of this critical research project that aims to understand and address artemisinin resistance in P. falciparum. Applications should follow the RBC/NRL procedures detailed below.
3. Funding
This Project is funded by the Else-Kröner-Fresenius Foundation (EKFS) and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Successful MSc candidates will provided with a monthly stipend to cover monthly living allowances and other research expenses for 12 months. Additionally, they will be invited to participate in workshops and organized meetings covered by the Project or collaborating institutions.4. Application and selection criteria
Interested applicants are required to submit via email, by 10th November 2024, a complete application file in pdf format comprised of 1-page CV, undergraduate degree and transcript as well the recommendation from the university, to
info@rbc.gov.rw with copy to the project managers on
armea@rbc.gov.rw
welmoed.van-loon@charite.de
jlouis.mangara@rbc.gov.rw
The selection of candidates will be carried out based on the submitted documentation by applicants.
Only candidates who meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above, and who will have submitted all the required documents will be invited to interview both online and face to face on 14thand 15thNovember 2024.
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