MUST-IUC Partnership- Sub-Project Three: Increased access and utilization of affordable Energy Technologies

This PhD position is framed in the context of the sub-project titled “Increased access and utilization of affordable Energy Technologies”. The project specific objectives are to; (i) develop and adapt affordable and environmentally friendly energy technologies for gender responsive outcomes; and (ii) transfer and up-scale new low-cost input and affordable energy technologies.  This sub-project is part of six sub-p

This PhD position is framed in the context of the sub-project titled “Increased access and utilization of affordable Energy Technologies”. The project specific objectives are to; (i) develop and adapt affordable and environmentally friendly energy technologies for gender responsive outcomes; and (ii) transfer and up-scale new low-cost input and affordable energy technologies.  This sub-project is part of six sub-projects under the MUST-IUC UCoBS partnership.

1. PhD Project Theme: Increased Access and Utilization of Affordable Energy Technologies (Socio-Economic Option)- (1 candidate)

PhD Focus and activities

The sub-project focuses on development of solar cooking technologies, improving the energy content and distribution of briquettes and investigating the socioeconomic implications of renewable energy to the local population.  The PhD focuses on the socioeconomic implications of renewable energy to enable and inform a more targeted development of renewable energy options in the subsequent PhD intakes.

The PhD applicant’s Profile

1. The applicant should be aged between 20-40 years
2. Should hold at least an honors degree in Social Sciences, economics, Business administration, Development Studies, or any related discipline.
3. Have a master’s degree in the above mentioned or related disciplines
4. Have research experience in the field of renewable energy research and/or applications.
5. We require highly motivated candidates to undertake academic research in an international context and commit to quality research outputs;
6. 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;
7. 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;
8. Should demonstrate creativity, uncovering hidden issues that will benefit the project, science and local livelihood in general;
9. The candidate is expected to be frank and willing to respect agreements; believe in project confidentiality and proper data handling and processing;
10. Should demonstrate willing to contribute to the administrative management of the project;
11. Should demonstrate academic leadership and willingness to supervise Masters students;
12. Should demonstrate good interpersonal skills to interact with other project partners and stakeholders;
13. 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 (no 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 (1 page).
7. A digital copy of your master thesis;

Submission Procedure

The applications should be addressed and submitted to Dr. Johnes Obungoloch(jobungoloch@must.ac.ug; Tel +256775646496) and Annah Amwikirize (aamwikirize@must.ac.ug). Hard copies should be submitted to the MUST-IUC UCoBS Programme Support Unit offices at MUST Town Campus. For more information, contact Ms Annah Amwikirize,(aamwikirize@must.ac.ug; Tel +256775888001

Interviews

The selection process will involve two stages – a pre-selection phase between 15^th- 30^th August 2022. Pre-selected candidates will be contacted for an interview between 1^st 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 15^th August, 2022, 5:00 pm