Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS) Masters Scholarship at Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) | Apply now

Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS) Masters Scholarship

Apply Now: Join Rwanda’s Fight Against Malaria

The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) is inviting applications for a prestigious cohort of Master’s students to contribute to a groundbreaking national initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of public health, combining academic advancement with tangible national impact.

The Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS) Project aims to establish a state-of-the-art national surveillance platform and reference genomic laboratory in Rwanda. Your research will directly contribute to the real-time detection and monitoring of antimalarial drug resistance, helping to safeguard the progress made against malaria in Rwanda and across the globe.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Malaria remains a significant challenge, and the threat of evolving parasite resistance is a critical concern. The MMS Project is a vital, proactive response to this threat, designed to:

• Strengthen National Surveillance: Integrate cutting-edge molecular surveillance into Rwanda’s existing health systems.
• Inform Policy: Generate crucial evidence to guide national health policies and programmatic decisions on malaria control and elimination.
• Build Local Capacity: Train the next generation of scientists and health professionals in genomics, bioinformatics, and implementation science.
• Contribute to Global Health: Your research will contribute to the global understanding of malaria resistance, putting Rwanda on the map as a leader in the field.

Research Clusters: Choose Your Focus

You will have the opportunity to contribute to one of six integrated research clusters, each designed to produce high-impact, publishable research.

1. Implementation Science: Explore the operational feasibility of integrating molecular surveillance into routine health systems in Rwanda.
2. Health Economics: Analyze the cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability of malaria molecular surveillance strategies.
3. Molecular Diagnostics: Investigate the epidemiology of Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions and their implications for national diagnostic policies.
4. Drug Resistance and Therapeutics: Study the phenotypic susceptibility of Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).
5. Genomics and Bioinformatics: Use genomic tools to characterize malaria parasite populations and inform transmission and resistance surveillance.
6. Capacity Building and Health Systems Strengthening: Assess workforce competency and institutional readiness for sustainable genomic surveillance.

For detailed descriptions of each cluster, Click Here (See Annex 1 below).

Who Should Apply?

We are looking for highly motivated and qualified Rwandan nationals passionate about public health.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a Rwandan National.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Health Financing, Pharmacy, or other related health disciplines.
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in English.
• Have secured or be in the process of securing admission to a Master’s program for the upcoming September intake (local or regional university preferred).
• Be willing and able to comply with all project requirements.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates currently working within Rwanda’s health system, including those at regional hospitals and national health institutions.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must prepare and submit the following documents:

1. Personal Statement
2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. Concept Note (maximum 500 words): Clearly outlining the rationale, proposed methodology, and implementation approach for your chosen research cluster(s).
4. Copy of Bachelor’s Degree Certificate
5. Copy of National Identification Card (ID)
6. Two Academic Reference Letters
7. Proof of Admission/Fee Structure: Submit your admission status or plan, along with the fee structure for your proposed program.

Submission Instructions

• Email: dg@rbc.gov.rw
• Subject Line: Master Scholarship_MMS_[Your Preferred Research Cluster Name] (e.g., Master Scholarship_MMS_Molecular Diagnostics)
• Deadline: August 7, 2026

Don’t miss this chance to advance your career and contribute to a healthier Rwanda. Applications will be evaluated based on scientific relevance, methodological rigor, innovation, and feasibility.

For more information, click here