PhD Research Opportunity at INES-Ruhengeri: Advancing Nature-Based Solutions

INES-Ruhengeri is thrilled to announce an exceptional PhD research opportunity through the VLIR-UOS TEAM SENSOR² project. This initiative seeks to support one high-potential staff member in advancing their academic career by conducting pioneering research on nature-based solutions aimed at preventing geohazards in urban and rural areas near Musanze, Rwanda.

Study Locations

The selected candidate will benefit from a comprehensive study experience, splitting their time between:

• Belgium: Ghent University
• Rwanda: University of Rwanda and INES-Ruhengeri

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this opportunity, candidates must:

• Be a current staff member of INES-Ruhengeri with an MSc degree (promising MSc students may be considered).
• Have a relevant academic or professional background in geohazards, geomorphology, earth sciences, or nature-based solutions.

• Meet the following requirements:
  1. Hold a master’s degree in science or engineering with above-average results.
  2. Have experience with scientific writing.
  3. Demonstrate expertise in geomorphology, geohazards, and nature-based solutions, including GIS and programming skills.
  4. Possess excellent written and oral English skills.

In cases of equal qualifications, priority will be given to female and early-career candidates, encouraging a diverse and inclusive research environment.

Research Focus

The PhD research will delve into nature-based solutions for preventing geohazards such as landslides and floods in the Mukungwa catchment area. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of various prevention practices under different rainfall conditions, taking into account local needs and traditional knowledge. This research aligns with ongoing projects such as LAFHAZAV and the Volcano Communities Resilience project, contributing to multi-hazard preparedness and response strategies.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
• A CV (maximum 2 pages) including contact details of three references
• Copies of BSc and MSc degrees and grade reports

Applications should be emailed to amaury.frankl@ugent.be, emmanuel.rukundo@rwb.rw, and uwihirwejudith@yahoo.fr with the subject line: “SENSOR² PHD APPLICATION UGENT INES” by August 25, 2024, at 6 p.m.

Selection Procedure

After an initial screening for eligibility, a selection committee will evaluate and rank the applicants. The top candidates will be invited for an interview on September 27, 2024, which will take place both at the University of Rwanda headquarters in Kigali and online. The selected candidate will begin the PhD program on January 1, 2025, with study stipends provided at PhD level (VLIR-UOS standards).

For more detailed information about the research topic, eligibility criteria, and application procedure, please refer to the PDF document provided.