The
International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking service-oriented
Master Student
in Data Science
with skills in spatial data science, machine learning, and
agricultural systems analysis to audit the current AFSA architecture, engineer
the AFSA–VarScout data linkage, enhance the Fourier Transform similarity
algorithms with ML-based feature enrichment drawn from VarScout's varietal and
site-level observations, and validate the resulting technology placement
recommendations against documented field performance.

About CIP:
CIP is a
member of the One CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure
future. One CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land, and water
systems in a climate crisis, and it is carried out by 13 CGIAR
Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including
national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations,
academia, development organizations, and the private sector.

About the
role:
the MSc-level research intern will support the
design and development of
the
integration of VarScout into the AFSA platform to strengthen its data
foundation, improving similarity modelling through enriched agronomic and
varietal performance data. This position will be based in CIP’s Kigali, Rwanda
office and will report directly to Country Manager and Data Scientist.

Key
internship activities:

·
Review and document the existing AFSA platform
and VarScout dataset structure, identifying how the two can be linked. Platform
and data assessment report

·
Build the data pipeline connecting VarScout
varietal observations to AFSA's similarity modelling engine; Functional
AFSA–VarScout integration

·
Improve AFSA's similarity algorithms using
agronomic features from VarScout (variety performance, trial site conditions,
yield data) and test against the existing baseline, Enhanced algorithm with
benchmarking results

·
Generate similarity maps showing where
VarScout-tested varieties are most likely to perform well in new locations,
Predictive variety placement maps

·
Validate the platform's recommendations
against actual VarScout field performance records and document findings,
Validation report with case study

·
Write up the methodology and results for a
working paper or journal article; Draft manuscript

Requirements

What are we
looking for?

·
MSc in Data
Science, Geography, Environmental Science, or Agricultural Science with a
strong spatial analysis component (Student currently enrolled in or have
recently completed an MSc programme).

·
Demonstrated experience building and
evaluating machine learning models (classification, regression, or clustering)
using Python (scikit-learn, PyTorch, or equivalent) or R

·
Hands-on experience with spatial data analysis
and GIS tools — working with rasters, shapefiles, or spatial joins in
GeoPandas, QGIS, ArcGIS, or equivalent

·
Experience handling and cleaning, large or
messy datasets from multiple sources, including merging datasets with different
structures or coordinate systems

·
Familiarity with agroecological concepts or
environmental datasets, such as soil maps, climate zones, or land use
classifications

·
Experience writing technical or scientific
documents such as a thesis chapter, lab report, or research proposal

·
Ability to work independently and manage own
time across a structured 6-month workplan

·
Comfortable working in a multicultural,
multi-institutional research environment

·
Willingness to engage with field teams and
data providers across multiple countries

·
English: Full professional proficiency
(reading, writing, and oral communication) — required

Benefits

Why should
you consider this opportunity?

·
CIP is a global and reputable international
organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background, and a
recent World Food Price Winner and awarded with the Al-Sumait Award for our
Orange Flesh Sweet Potato work in Africa.

·
CIP is dedicated to achieving food security,
improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots,
tubers farming and food systems in the developing world.

·
CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a network of 15
research centers that are mostly located in developing countries and supported
by more than 50 donor members.

What are we offering?

·
Excellent working environment.

·
7-months
term learning agreement (From May
to November 2026).

·
Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

How to apply?

Visit the following link: (
http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/
) to apply.

Application documents:
Resume
updated, cover letter of motivation and r
ecommendation letter of professor/college advisor. The
deadline for the receipt of applications is
May 10, 2026.
Please note that while all applications are
reviewed by our team, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This is
a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Rwandan nationals and
permanent residents only.

This position WILL NOT have contact with
children or vulnerable adults

Learn more about CIP by accessing our website
at
http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified women and professionals are particularly encouraged to apply.

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