ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIP – JATROPHA RESEARCH PROJECT

The Jatropha Research Project scholarship is part of a collaborative project between the Government of Botswana and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This project is investigating the potential for the cultivation and use of Jatropha oil as a sustainable energy source in Botswana. The scholarship will cover tuition, costs of field research including equipment, and a monthly stipend to cover living expenses including accommodation.

1.    MPhil/PhD in Natural Resources Management

TOPIC: Life Cycle Analysis of Jatropha Biofuel Production in Botswana offered at the University of Botswana’s Okavango Research Institute (ORI) and the department of Environmental Science.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time MPhil (2 years) scholarship offered by the University of Botswana’s Okavango Research Institute (ORI). ORI is a dynamic academic research institute whose mission is to undertake engaged research and training on wetland eco-systems. Its research agenda is guided by the following strategic goals: (i) To develop Research competencies in the ORI focus areas, (ii) To create an enabling environment for high quality research and training, (iii) To conduct engaged research that responds to problems facing society and (iv)To ensure financial sustainability for the Institute.

Graduate students contribute significantly to the ORI research agenda through scholarships built into a number of research projects and programmes. 

Requirements

To be admitted into the Mphil/PhD Programme applicants must have completed a major/minor, combined major/major, or single major degree programme in Environmental Science or a cognate discipline (e.g. geography, Natural resources management, Wildlife management, Forestry, etc) at the University of Botswana or an equivalent institution. Applicants must also have obtained at least a second class (overall A or B average; GPA of 3.5 on 5 point scale). Candidates whose degrees are not single major must have attained an upper second grade in the portion of Degree that is relevant to intended field of study. Candidates should have done a research project at undergraduate or higher level.  Knowledge of Life Cycle Analysis techniques will be an added advantage, as will proficiency in the use of spreadsheet programmes such as MS Excel or LibreOffice Calc, and openLCA.

 Research Area/Topic

The successful candidate will conduct an in-depth life cycle analysis (LCA) of the production of biodiesel fuel from Jatropha Accessions cultivated in Botswana. The candidate should have a strong background in Environmental Science, Engineering and quantitative (mathematical) techniques. The successful candidate will be a strong team player, capable of independent work, in particular extensive field work under demanding conditions, and will have the staying power to see the research through to its conclusion. 

The programme is fully funded by the scholarship for the duration of the study. Funding eligibility is limited to locals only.

To apply, please submit application letter, CV with contact numbers for yourself and two referees, and academic transcript by 10th February 2016 to:

Prof B. Moseki, Private Bag 00704, Gaborone, Botswana. Block 233; Room 131

Or by e-mail to: mosekib@mopipi.ub.bw.

Tel: 355 2472 or 72578793/73470876