Electronics & Informatics Intern
Location: CRAFS, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi
Application Deadline: 25 th April 2025, midnight, Malawi Time
Duration: 1 year (renewable based on performance and funding)
About CRAFS
The Center for Resilient Agri-Food Systems (CRAFS) brings together researchers from the University of Malawi and stakeholders from various sectors to advance agri-food systems research. Funded by the World Bank and the Government of Malawi, CRAFS is part of the Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centres of Excellence Additional Financing (ACE II AF) project.
Position Overview
CRAFS seeks to recruit an intern to contribute to cutting-edge projects on resilient soil moisture and nutrient sensor systems. This role bridges electronics engineering, informatics, and agricultural innovation. The intern will assist in designing, testing, and optimizing sensors and data systems to enhance sustainable farming practices.
Key Duties
Key duties include:
- Support the design and prototyping of electronic sensors for soil moisture/nutrient monitoring
- Support the development of data acquisition systems and integrate IoT solutions for real-time field monitoring
- Support lab/field tests to validate sensor accuracy and resilience under varying environmental conditions.
- Collaborate with researchers to analyze data and refine sensor algorithms (using MATLAB/Python)
- Document technical processes and present findings to stakeholders
- Troubleshoot hardware/software issues in power-constrained systems
- Support grant proposal development
- Support mentorship activities
Requirements
Bachelor of Science degree with at least a credit, specializing in Electronics, Physics or Electrical/Electronic Engineering.
Skills
- Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C++ for data analysis and embedded systems
- Experience with PCB design, microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi), and IoT protocols
- Knowledge of power systems (e.g., low-power design, energy harvesting) is a plus
Experience
- Prior research in electronics, sensors, or agricultural technologies.
- Hands-on experience with 3D printing/CAD for sensor housing design
- Understanding of environmental resilience challenges in agriculture.
How to Apply
Submit your CV, academic transcripts, and a 1-page cover letter detailing your relevant experience to this email: hr@unima.ac.mw and copy to: crafs@unima.ac.mw