Background

In Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) there is a documented knowledge gap at higher education institutions related to fish health (aetiologies, diagnostics, and prophylaxis of fish diseases) and environmental stressors. The lack of knowledge hampers the economic development of aquaculture and fisheries industries in the region, precludes evidence-based policies and decision-making from governments and also has societal implication for the development of aquatic resources-dependent communities.  There is also a need to build competence in fish and environmental health to monitor and protect wild freshwater and marine fish populations which are essential for food security and food safety in the region. Furthermore, the quality of fish products and the level of man-made chemical pollutants and biotoxins have implications to human health, sustainable utilization of resources and environmental conservation. Capacity building in these fields is required to ensure an expanded, qualified workforce in institutions with solid research capabilities that can educate and train competent resource persons who will meet tomorrow’s development challenges related to production of quality high-value protein in the aquatic environment.

In light of this, the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) in collaboration with Egerton University and University of Nairobi (UoN) in Kenya; the University of Dar-es Salaam's Institute of Marine Science (IMS) and Mbeya University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Tanzania; Makerere University (MU) in Uganda; University of Zambia (UNZA) in Zambia; Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in Malawi and Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) in Mozambique, is undertaking a collaborative research project entitled “Enhanced Capacity for Aquatic Resources in East and South Africa (ECARESA)”.  The project is supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) under the Norwegian Programme for Capacity Building in Higher Education and Research for Development (NORHED). The goal of the project is to strengthen education and research capacity in aquatic and environmental health in Sub Saharan Africa. The project intends to achieve this through training of human resources at masters, PhD and postdoctoral levels while generating information to fill knowledge gaps in aquatic sciences.

Call for Application

Egerton University wishes to recruit one candidate for a two-year Master of Science position in Aquatic Animal Health and Ecosystem Management which will be funded under the ECARESA project. Applications are invited for this scholarship position.  Following selection at Egerton University, the successful applicant will apply for admission at the hosting institution, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) in Malawi where they will undertake coursework in the first year of the programme. In the second year of study and following successful completion of coursework, the candidate will return to Kenya to conduct his/her research work and thesis writing under supervision at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (FVMS). Thereafter the candidate will defend his/her thesis at LUANAR for the award of the Master of Science degree. The scholarship will cover tuition fees, a monthly stipend and research costs based on successful deliverables.

Entry qualification

Applicants are required to have the following minimum qualifications:

1. Be holders of a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVMS) degree or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in an aquatic-related field from a recognized institution.
2. Be highly motivated individuals to develop a scientific career and be capable of completing the MSc studies within the prescribed period (2 years).
3. Be interested in undertaking research in health of aquatic resources.
4. Not already enrolled in a sponsored MSc programme.
5. Be willing to work in a team and have a strong ambition to accomplish the research goals of the project.
6. Have good academic records /transcripts with at least a credit or strong pass and a GPA of not less than 2.6.
7. Have excellent communication skills as well as good command of spoken and written English.
8. Have perspectives on future use of MSc skills for teaching, research, and extension, as well as for self employment under the Private sector.
9. Have full time availability from July 2022 for a period of 2 years.

How to apply

Potential candidates are hereby invited to apply by submitting an application letter that includes a statement of interest, motivation to study aquatic resources under such a programme, brief summary of scientific work and interests, and a personal assessment focusing on how you fit the description of the person we seek as well as a curriculum vitae (summarizing education, positions and academic work, scientific publications and other qualifying activities), copy of national identification card; academic transcripts and certificates; a list of three referees (names, relation to candidate, email addresses and telephone numbers) where at least one of them is an academic referee or an immediate work supervisor, and a two-page concept note. The concept note should contain an outline of the rationale for the proposed study, objectives, methodological approach and expected outputs. Applications MUST reach the undersigned on or before 27^th May 2022 at 5:00 pm (GMT +3). Only the successful candidate will be notified.

Addressee

ECRESA Project Coordinator at Egerton University,

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (FVMS),

P.O. Box 536 Egerton 20115,

Email: evalyn.mwihia@egerton.ac.ke or drmwihia@gmail.com