MUST-IUC Partnership- Sub-Project Five:  Increased youth employability through skilling, innovations, experiential learning and technology transfer

Mbarara University of Science & Technology > University as Facilitator Community Based Sustainable Solutions to Demographic Challenges in South Western Uganda (UCOBS) > MUST-IUC Partnership- Call for PhD and MSc/MA Scholarship Applications 2022/2023 > MUST-IUC Partnership- Sub-Project Five:  Increased youth employability through skilling, innovations, experiential learning and technology transfer

The sub-project focuses on developing competitive knowledge in order to strengthen individuals’ and society’s proactive and innovative capacities in dealing with change through Entrepreneurship and Innovativeness. The sub-project will use/offer trainings, mentoring, coaching, and industrial placements to equip MUST and community youth with entrepreneurship skills for mind change and Industry will take part in events like entrepreneurship week, exchange visits, innovation cafes and hackathons.

PhD Theme: Increased youth employability through skilling, innovations, experiential learning and technology transfer (1 candidate)

PhD Focus and Activities

This PhD project aims to prepare students for original research that takes a multidisciplinary approach to innovation, policy, and entrepreneurship, as well as to foster independent and innovative thinking in policy, innovation, and entrepreneurship; under four themes:

  1. Spotting and leveraging entrepreneurial opportunities;
  2. Managing and commercializing science of innovations;
  3. Building and operating entrepreneurial ecosystems;
  4. Networks in innovation and entrepreneurship

The PhD applicant’s Profile

  1. The applicant should be aged between 20-40 years
  2. Should hold at least an honors degree in Business, Economics or any related scientific discipline.
  3. Have experience in handling youth entrepreneurial related tasks at a reputable institution
  4. We require highly motivated candidates to undertake academic research in an international context and commit to quality research outputs;
  5. Should be hard-working and able to manage a project independently, taking initiatives and meeting deadlines and finish the PhD training within the stipulated time;
  6. Should be able to develop a detailed concept note (pre-proposal) and demonstrate his/her ability to finish it and produce a fully researchable and competitive proposal;
  7. Should demonstrate creativity, uncovering hidden issues that will benefit the project, science and local livelihood in general;
  8. The candidate is expected to be frank and willing to respect agreements; believe in project confidentiality and proper data handling and processing;
  9. Should demonstrate willingness to contribute to the administrative management of the project;
  10. Should demonstrate academic leadership and willingness to supervise Masters students;
  11. Should demonstrate good interpersonal skills to interact with other project partners and stakeholders;
  12. Should be willing to develop the research at Mbarara University of Science and Technology and continue to contribute to the teaching and research mission of MUST beyond the project’s lifetime

Application Procedure

The application should include:

  1. A concept (not more than 5 pages) is mandatory. The Concept note must include a title for the proposed study, brief background highlighting key literature, research problem, main research question(s)/objectives, methodology and list of key references.
  2. A CV (2 pages)
  3. Certified copies of academic degrees’ documents and transcript of records.
  4. A statement of motivation – why you think you are the best candidate for the PhD position (1 page).
  5. A letter of recommendation from the current employer/immediate supervisor (1 page) – if applicable.
  6. A letter from an academic referee supporting your application – optional (1 page).
  7. A digital copy of your master thesis;

Submission Procedure

The applications should be addressed and submitted to Dr. Manasseh Tumuhimbise (tumuhimbise.manasseh@must.ac.ug)Tel 0701235515 and Annah Amwikirize Email(aamwikirize@must.ac.ug). Hard copies should be delivered to MUST-IUC UCoBS Programme Support Unit offices at MUST Town Campus. For more information, contact aamwikirize@must.ac.ug +256-775888001/701235515

Interviews

The selection process will involve two stages – a pre-selection phase between 15th- 30th August 2022. Pre-selected candidates will be contacted for an interview between 1st and 15th September, 2022. The successful candidate should be ready to start on his/her /PhD/MSc/MA studies by October 2022.  All applications should be submitted by 15th August, 2022, 5:00 pm