NS-2026/02 Master Internship – Data Science

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

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

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 recommendation 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.