Call for Applications: GENVET WAAVP-AN Scholarship Program 2026. Training in Veterinary Parasitology: Genomics & Epidemiology

The Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ajisefini Consulting and Inqaba Biotec are offering a fully-funded training opportunity to veterinary parasitologists and allied professionals, across West and Central Africa.

The aim of this programme is to build sustainable capacity in molecular epidemiology, genomics and sequencing in order to improve parasite surveillance and control within a One Health framework across West and Central Africa.

This training programme seeks to also strengthen capacity by creating a cadre of veterinary parasitologists skilled in molecular techniques and data interpretation. By situating this training within Africa and using African case studies, we intend to foster genomic sovereignty, reduce reliance on external labs, and build regional expertise capable of sustaining Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) surveillance beyond the programme’s lifetime.

What the Training Covers

The training is for a period of 3 months and will be in a hybrid, modular format comprising online and in-person lectures as well as hands-on laboratory and bioinformatics training with practical sessions in both Ghana and Nigeria. Two cohorts of 20 participants each will be trained between August 2026 and May 2027. Each selected participant would be strictly required to undertake 2 weeks of online (Zoom) classes, 2 weeks of practical training, a further 2 weeks of online classes, 4 weeks of a Capstone Project and a final 1 week assessment of the training programme. The exact dates for each cohort training will be communicated to selected participants.

Participants will receive theoretical and practical training in the following areas:

• Genomics, Molecular Epidemiology and Antimicrobial Resistance
• Parasite Genomics and Bioinformatics
• Applications in Veterinary Parasitology & One Health Context
• Data interpretation, Policy Linkages & Ethics.

This will culminate in a Capstone project by each participant prior to the award of a certificate for successful completion of this training programme.

Note: Participants will be expected to successfully complete prerequisite online lessons and assignments prior to attending the practical component. Each participant is strictly required to fully participate in both online and practical sessions of the training before a certificate is issued.

Who should apply?

Veterinary parasitologists and allied professionals across West & Central Africa.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be between the ages of 25 – 40 years
• Must be a citizen of a West or Central African country
• Must be fully available for both online and in-person sessions either in Nigeria or Ghana for the entire duration of the training

Minimum Academic Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree is required in one of the following areas:

• Veterinary Science/Medicine
• Parasitology or related Life Sciences
• Animal Health
• Biological Sciences

Work Experience & Skills

• At least 1–2 years of practical experience in a veterinary parasitology or diagnostic lab
• Basic parasitology and molecular biology techniques
• Familiarity with major parasitic diseases of ruminants and livestock in Africa
• Experience or interest in genomic diagnostics is a plus
• Ability to communicate in English (the main language of instruction).

What is Covered

• Travel expenses (to and from country of residence)
• Accommodation and per diem for the duration of the practical components of the programme.

How to apply

Interested candidates can apply by clicking here

The following documents are required for a complete application:

• A concise curriculum vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages)
• Highest Academic Qualification
• A motivation letter explaining your interest in the training and its relevance to your current work
• Passport biodata page
• Two reference letters emphasising the suitability of applicant for the training programme
• Proof of academic status if currently enrolled.

• NB: ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE IN ENGLISH. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For further information on this call, you can send an email to: jubinom@knust.edu.gh

Deadline for submission of application: 5th July 2026 by 23:59 GMT.