Background
In collaboration with the Department of Public Health at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU), Fort Portal, Uganda, the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda and the Institute of International Health (IIH), Charité Center for Global Health at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany 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 Kelch13 gene of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, to identify mutations associated with artemisinin resistance. In addition to blood sample collections, a questionnaire-based patient interview will be administered to explore potential drivers of the emerging artemisinin resistance in the region. The survey will cover various factors, including healthcare-seeking behavior, sources of antimalarial drugs, use of herbal remedies, and socio-demographic factors
Data analysis will examine potential resistance drivers for the entire study population, with stratifications by study site to enhance understanding of local differences. The project also emphasizes capacity building, and so MSc-level students will receive supervision and training in molecular biology, artemisinin resistance molecular surveillance, and risk factor analysis.
This research initiative presents a valuable opportunity to advance the understanding of artemisinin resistance in sub-Saharan Africa and to strengthen local research capacity through hands-on training and mentoring.
Call For Applications
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 or medical laboratory science, who will gain hands-on experience in molecular techniques for malaria research and conducting subsequent analysis in relation to patient data collected within the project.
Students selected for this program will be based at MMU Department of Public Health and Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital molecular Laboratory, where they will be supervised by their staff.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Enrolled in an MSc program in biotechnology, molecular biology, or medical laboratory science/technology at a recognized Ugandan University.
- Eligible to begin the MSc thesis component of their program in 2025
- Practical laboratory experience in molecular techniques for malaria or experience in DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing for any infectious disease
- 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 procedures detailed below.
Funding
This Project is funded by the Else-Kröner-Fresenius Foundation (EKFS) and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The successful MSc candidate will be provided with a monthly stipend to cover monthly living allowances and other research expenses for 12 months. Additionally, he/she will be invited to participate in workshops and organized meetings covered by the Project or collaborating institutions.
Application and selection criteria
Interested applicants are required to submit via email, by 18th July 2025, a complete application file in pdf format comprised of 1-page CV, undergraduate degree certificate, and transcript as well evidence of admission and completion of the first year of taught modules from a recognized university in Uganda, to jrubaihayo@mmu.ac.ug
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 by the above deadline will be invited for an interview both online and face-to-face on 23rd July 2025.
For more details, download the attachment
Can people with Msc. bio-informatics also apply and be part of the ARMEA project.