The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is a unique and innovative English language undergraduate institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders of Rwanda and East Africa. Students at RICA engage in curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities emphasizing Conservation Agriculture and One Health principles, oral and written communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

In an experiential learning environment, students develop the knowledge and experience necessary for a wide range of careers in agriculture. Students at RICA experience the six Enterprises including Dairy, Poultry and Swine, Food Processing, Row and Forage Crops, Vegetable and Fruit Crops, Irrigation and Mechanization.

The curriculum is designed to incorporate threads of Innovation, Conservation, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship. Communication, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship are woven throughout the curriculum.

All RICA graduates will be innovative problem solvers able to operate farms and ranches, start agribusinesses, assume management roles in cooperatives, NGOs, and other agricultural enterprises, serve their communities as extension agents and technical and policy experts, or assume positions of agricultural leadership in Rwanda.

 POSITION: RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ TICK AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES

DURATION : 6 Months

Position Overview

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) invites applications for the position of a Research Assistant focused on tick and tick-borne diseases, prevention, and experimentation on tick resistance to pesticides using in vitro lab application of available acaricides. This position is part of an exciting, cutting-edge project aimed at addressing the challenges of tick-borne diseases in Rwanda, a crucial aspect of animal health and agricultural sustainability in the region

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in conducting research on tick and tick-borne diseases, focusing on the prevention and control of these diseases through pesticide resistance studies.
• Experiment with in vitro lab applications of available acaricides to evaluate tick resistance.
• Assist in monitoring and documenting the efficacy of acaricides and other pest control measures.
• Collaborate with faculty and other research teams at RICA to integrate research findings into student learning and extension programs.
• Engage with RICA students, mentoring them in research and providing guidance on related topics.
• Contribute to knowledge dissemination through reports, presentations, and publications.
• Any other relevant task that may be assigned.

RUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A degree in Veterinary Medicine or in Animal Production.

• Practical experience with tick and tick-borne diseases, including pest control methods.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience in working with acaricides and conducting resistance testing in laboratory settings.
• Strong interest in research and innovative solutions for animal health and diseases prevention.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Passion for the mission of RICA and commitment to educational and community-oriented work.
• Computer literate especially in Microsoft Word and Excel, and ready to learn other computer programs

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Experience with veterinary research and experimentation on tick resistance.
• Experience working in both smallholder and enterprise-scale agricultural settings.
• Familiarity with conservation agriculture and One Health principles.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Strong ability to coordinate, prioritize busy work and organize workload, take initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines and targets.
• Ability to adapt to a new context and learn new things.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

HOW TO APPLY

• Fill the information required, upload and submit the documents in English to the link provided below.
• Cover Letter summarizing intent and suitability for the position.
• List of Recommenders with contact information.
• Kindly merge your Resume, CV, Degree Certificate, and any other relevant documents into a single PDF file before uploading.

Application Link : https://rica.bamboohr.com/careers/117

Application review will begin February 13^th ,2025 and will continue until the position is filled.

Website: https://www.rica.rw/