The Laudato Si’ Research Institute, based at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, is looking to appoint an intern to conduct practice-oriented research at Bethany Land Institute in the district of Luweero, Uganda, from January to June 2024.

This internship is substantially funded and represents an opportunity for graduates from any disciplinary background (natural sciences, social sciences, humanities) to engage in applied research at the intersection of agriculture, land use, religion and social transformation.

The intern will be expected to set up a research desk to monitor and evaluate agro-ecology techniques, as well as assessing the impact of formation among the student cohort. The programme will be administered and overseen by Professor Emmanuel Katongole (University of Notre Dame) as part of a funded research project.

The internship may be particularly suited for a recently graduated Masters student thinking about pursuing a doctorate in a related area of study in the year to follow.

The internship will be carried out in situ at Bethany Land Institute in Uganda under the supervision of Professor Katongole (who will not be present throughout the period).

The intern will be expected to devise a research programme in the first month after arrival that will include at least the following elements:

1. Set up research desk to monitor and record data pertaining to agro-ecology techniques in use at Bethany Land Institute.
2. Develop surveys to monitor and document transformation of values and attitudes of the student cohort.
3. Coordinate various research activities in relation to the Professor Katongole’s Sowing Hope project investigating the implementation and impact of agro-ecology training and formation.
4. To work with researchers at the LSRI in Oxford to integrate findings into a larger project mapping agro-ecology initiatives around the world.

A funding package for this internship is offered by the Laudato Si’ Research Institute including:

• Return flight from the UK (up to £1500)
• Full board (accommodation and meals) at the BLI for 6 months (£5000)
• Ground transportation in Uganda (up to £500)
• A course in basic local language skills (Luganda) (up to £250)
• Support for visits and cultural immersion activities within Uganda (up to £800)
• Visa costs (up to £120)
• Small stipend (£500)

Restrictions apply to all elements of this package. Additional costs (including for insurance, visa and living expenses) will need to be covered separately by the intern.

The advertised internship dates are early January to late June 2024. A limited degree of flexibility may be offered if circumstances require. However, the start date is fixed due to availability of Professor Katongole.

Candidates must hold a Masters degree or higher in an area related to the work of the project; be passionate about socio-ecological change; be animated by compassion and solidarity for global socio-ecological transformation; and be sympathetic to engaging in the life of the BLI, including its programme of spiritual formation.

Candidates must submit:

• A CV including academic work to date
• A letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) outlining qualifications for the role

Applications should submitted to harriet.david@campion.ox.ac.uk by noon on 27 October 2023.

All applications will initially be considered by an internal panel. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend an online interview week commencing 30 October.

For further information, visit the website or contact Dr Séverine Deneulin at severine.deneulin@campion.ox.ac.uk.