Context

As part of a research for development project (PRD) funded by the Academy of Research and Higher Education (ARES – Belgium), the Molecular Biology Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine (UNIKIN), in collaboration with the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory (University of Liège), are offering a 3-year doctoral contract, with research work to be carried out alternately in DR Congo and Belgium. This thesis will be supervised jointly by Professors Georges Mvumbi Lelo & Marie-Pierre Hayette.

Description of the research theme

The project Artemisia_DRC has the overall objective of evaluating the emergence of resistance to Plasmodium falciparum to artemisinin following the taking of Artemisia-based preparations through an interdisciplinary approach in Kongo Central. To achieve this goal, several disciplines will be involved: molecular biology, pharmacognosy, public health and anthropology. This call concerns the candidate who will be responsible for the Molecular Biology component and who will work in collaboration with doctoral students in Pharmacognosy and Medical Anthropology.

Profile and skills required

The candidate must:

• hold the title of Doctor of Medicine or Pharmacist;
• have completed a DEA/Master in molecular biology, parasitology or infectious diseases (candidates currently in the 2nd year of a Master could be considered);
• have demonstrable knowledge of molecular biology;
• have knowledge of bioinformatics (desirable);
• must have very good writing skills, a perfect knowledge of French and scientific English

Selection criteria:

• Academic quality: CV of the candidate
• Motivation
• Previous experience (publications, internships, etc.)

Submission of applications

The complete application file in digital format must be sent no later than

15/06/2024 at midnight at the following address: georges.mvumbi@unikin.ac.cd

The file must include (in PDF format):

– a Curriculum Vitae (mentioning at least two references)

– a summary of the Master’s thesis

– a cover letter

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a possible interview.

Contract start date: September 2024