The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Makerere University seek to recruit an MSc graduate fellow to work on the Strategic Use of Resources to Benefit Ugandan Smallholder Farming Families and their piglets- creep feeding experiment. The successful candidate will be an ILRI graduate fellow and will be registered at Makerere University.

Makerere University is a leader of knowledge generation for societal transformation and development. It is committed to providing transformative and innovative teaching, learning, research and services responsive to dynamic national and global needs. https://mak.ac.ug/about-makerere-university.

ILRI under Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods (SAAFs) Science Program works to improve people’s lives and well-being in low- and middle-income countries through sustainable transformation of animal and aquatic food systems, to foster inclusive, healthy, and nutrient-dense food supply chains that are climate and environmentally friendly. ILRI is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centers dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org

The MSc fellowship is anchored within the Livestock Genetics Nutrition and Feed Resources program https://www.ilri.org/research/themes/livestock-genetics-nutrition-and-feed-resources which focuses on using digital tools to track animal growth, health, and feed availability, helping farmers make https: Scientists within these programs study and preserve the genetics of livestock and feed crops to improve breeding and conservation. They aim to develop climate-resilient animals and crops that suit farmers' needs. Working with national and international partners, our efforts also focus on improving animal feed by enhancing its quality, storage, and processing to ensure a steady supply.

The position

This MSc research will generate empirical evidence on the biological and economic performance of integrated piglet management strategies under smallholder farming conditions. The study will specifically evaluate the effects of different creep diet formulations—commercially formulated versus locally formulated diets—on pre- and post-weaning piglet performance.

The research will involve a controlled comparative assessment of piglet growth outcomes, including average daily weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, and growth trajectories across litters. In addition, the study will assess the cost-effectiveness and practical suitability of the alternative creep feeding strategies within smallholder production systems.

Overall, the study aims to identify dietary approaches that optimize piglet productivity, survivability, and economic returns, while remaining feasible and scalable for smallholder farmers.

The successful candidate will work under the primary supervision of Prof. Donald Kugonza from Makerere University, with co-supervision by Dr. Ben Lukuyu and Dr. Karen Marshall from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).

Terms of Reference (ToRs)

The MSc student will be responsible for the following:

• Develop a detailed MSc research proposal, including study design, sampling framework, data collection tools, and analysis plan, in line with university and ILRI research standards.
• Implement the study in accordance with approved protocols, ethical guidelines, and animal welfare standards.
• Conduct field-based data collection on:

1. Piglet growth and performance indicators (e.g. body weight, weight gain, weaning outcomes).
2. Feed intake and feed conversion efficiency for different creep diet treatments.
3. Relevant sow management and husbandry practices.

• Ensure accurate and timely data capture using hard-copy data collection forms and/or electronic platforms.
• Perform data cleaning, management, and statistical analysis in consultation with supervisors.
• Prepare periodic progress updates and a final MSc thesis.
• Defend the MSc thesis at the University in accordance with academic requirements.

Minimum Requirements for the Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences, Animal Science, Animal Production, or a closely related discipline.
• Must be currently enrolled in an MSc programme in either Animal Science, Animal Production, or a related field.
• Has successfully completed MSc coursework.
• Demonstrated experience in field-based research or on-farm data collection.
• Experience using data capture tools, including paper-based data collection forms and/or digital platforms (e.g. ODK or similar).
• Prior experience working with farmers, livestock production systems, or live animals will be a strong advantage.
• Ability to work independently in rural field settings, manage time effectively, and adhere to research protocols.

Duty Station and Duration

• Location: Makerere University, Uganda (with fieldwork in smallholder pig production systems).
• Duration: 6 months with the possibility of extension subject to funding and performance.

Terms of appointment and stipend: ILRI will offer a competitive stipend to cover living expenses in the project location, medical cover and research expenses. The successful candidate will be supervised jointly by ILRI scientists and an academic supervisor.

All applications MUST include the following (applications without the below documents will not be considered):

• a cover letter expressing their interest in the fellowship position and what they can bring to the fellowship. The position title and reference number REF: GF/ILRI/LGNFR/01/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
• CV including names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience.
• academic qualification certificates/transcripts.

Applications must be submitted through our portal by clicking on "Apply Now" on or before 13th March 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/

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