Internship opportunities are posted on the Public Health Employment Connection website.

• Accounting Intern: We are currently looking for an adventurous, experienced accountant who is looking to put their skills to use in a dynamic developing country setting... Click here for details and information on how to apply.

• Admin/Data/CVCT/Lab/Medical Interns: We are evaluating our current needs, and will soon post available Rwanda and Zambia MPH and clinical internships.  Meanwhile, please feel free to send an email of interest to rzhrginfo@sph.emory.edu   

Building on experience with trainees since 1988, RZHRG has developed a formal sequence for junior MD’s and Masters’ level graduates in epidemiology, laboratory, social and behavioral science, and allied medical fields. These traineeships typically begin with part-time graduate assistantships with the U.S. based team followed by one-year internships at the Zambia-Emory HIV Research Project (ZEHRP) in Zambia, or Projet San Francisco (PSF) in Rwanda.

RZHRG remains committed to providing research training opportunities for rising public health professionals at the RZHRG sites. She has hosted over 100 long and short- term trainees ranging from pre-medical undergraduates to masters, doctoral, and post-doctoral level interns and fellows. Trainees work alongside 250 Zambian and Rwandan colleagues and staff. RZHRG continues to host a between 10 and 20 interns and short-term student volunteers each year.

For information regarding employment and volunteer opportunities, see below.

• One to two year internships

• Short-term student volunteer opportunities

For information regarding living and working at the RZHRG field sites, see below.

• Orientation for New Interns: Audio mp3 file of session held 12 May 2008, and accompanying PowerPoint Presentation

One to Two Year RZHRG Internships

The Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group recruits Master’s degree graduates for internships at the RZHRG sites in Kigali, Rwanda; Lusaka, Zambia; and the Copperbelt region of Zambia. RZHRG usually employs 10-15 interns per year. 

The RZHRG conducts behavioral and biomedical clinical trials of HIV prevention strategies and include community outreach, HIV counseling and testing, outpatient clinic, laboratory, data, and administrative departments. Current interns include graduates of Masters in Public Health (M.P.H.), nursing, and medical programs.

 What do RZHRG interns do?

Click on the appropriate link for more information regarding each of the site-specific positions.

What types of skills are most important in becoming an RZHRG intern?

General RZHRG intern requirements are listed below.  Additional site and/or job specific requirements may also apply.

Required

• M.P.H. degree or similar applicable Masters’ degree, or medical student with at least 3 years of schooling completed

• Data management/analysis experience with Access and/or SAS

• Minimum 1 year commitment, preferably 2 years

Preferred

• French-speaking (for Rwanda)

• Laboratory experience or medical technology degree

• Work experience in Africa or developing country setting

• Health or biology background (RN, medical students, MD between medical school and residency particularly desirable)

What positions are currently being recruited?

RZHRG interns typically work for 1-2 years.  Although interns transition throughout the year, many interns begin in the summer/fall.  Feel free to send your resume, cover letter and two references anytime throughout the year.

What do RZHRG interns receive during their 12-month period?

• Modest monthly salary (tax-free if meet IRS requirements for exemption due to foreign residency)

• Employee status at Emory University with corresponding benefits package

• Shared accommodation with other interns and visiting students/researchers

• Airfare to site and return ticket upon completion of each year

• Medical evacuation insurance

How do I apply to become an RZHRG intern?

Please send a two page CV and cover letter with names of two references to rzhrginfo@emory.edu.

Short-term RZHRG Student Volunteer Opportunities

What do visiting students do?

Visiting medical and public health students provide additional support and manpower at each of the three RZHRG research sites and conduct special studies projects that may fulfill educational program requirements. Thus, the role and set responsibilities for visiting students are largely based on the individual’s objectives. All students must complete rotations through all departments of the project  

What will my responsibilities be?

Since the interests, extent of medical training completed, career goals, etc. varies greatly from student to student, much of your role at RZHRG will depend on your interests, motivation, flexibility, and ability to see opportunities. Upon arrival, students spend time learning the project setup, getting to know the people, asking questions about where help is needed, and looking for opportunities to contribute. There is no formal training besides the mandatory rotations through the departments, so your motivation, ability to work independently and learn without impeding the work process is crucial. Often there will be “projects” that have been on hold awaiting spare time or resources to pursue.

Overall, the students who get the most out of their visit are the ones who arrive with a desire to learn and to contribute, are flexible and adventurous, and have few preconceived ideas or expectations.  Take initiative, dive in, and have fun!

What types of skills are most important in becoming an RZHRG student volunteer?

General RZHRG volunteer requirements are listed below.  Additional site and/or job specific requirements may also apply.

Required

• Pursuant of a M.P.H. or similar applicable Masters’ degree, nursing or medical degree

• Data management/analysis experience with Access and/or SAS

• Minimum 6-week commitment  

• Students must be able to obtain their own funding for all expenses (airfare, immunizations, living expenses, research expenses, etc.) excluding shared housing

Preferred

• French-speaking (for Rwanda)

• Laboratory and/or medical technology experience

• Work experience in Africa or developing country setting

• Health or biology background

What positions are currently available?

As student volunteer positions are largely based upon an individual’s interest and a site’s specific needs at a given time, RZHRG doesn’t have a set amount of volunteer positions or specific positions looking to be filled.  If you are interested in being considered for a volunteer position, please contact us.

What do RZHRG student volunteers receive during their 12-month period?

Shared accommodation with interns and other visiting students/researchers

How do I apply to become an RZHRG student volunteer?

Please send a two page CV and cover letter with names of two references to rzhrginfo@emory.edu.

Thanks for your interest in RZHRG!