The University of Rwanda's College of Medicine and Health Sciences is one of the most influential academic institutions on the continent, and right now, it has ten open positions for qualified academics ready to shape the next generation of Rwandan health professionals. If you hold a PhD, a specialist clinical degree, or a master's in a health-related field and have a track record of research or teaching, this recruitment cycle could be a defining career opportunity.
This article breaks down every available position across all five CMHS schools, explains what each role genuinely requires, and walks you through the application process step by step. Whether you are based in Rwanda or applying from abroad, you will find everything you need here to submit a strong application before the 22 May 2026 deadline at 5:00 PM.
About the University of Rwanda and CMHS
The University of Rwanda (UR) was established in 2013 through the merger of seven public higher learning institutions, making it the country's flagship national university. It operates across multiple campuses, with its College of Medicine and Health Sciences headquartered at the Remera Campus in Kigali.
CMHS is one of seven colleges under UR and houses five distinct schools: the School of Medicine and Pharmacy, the School of Nursing and Midwifery, the School of Dentistry, the School of Public Health, and the School of Health Sciences. Together, these schools produce the bulk of Rwanda's licensed medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses, dentists, and public health specialists — professionals who go on to serve in district hospitals, referral centers, and health programs across all thirty districts of the country.
The college plays a central role in Rwanda's Vision 2050 agenda, which targets universal health coverage and a knowledge-based economy. CMHS actively partners with international universities, the World Health Organization, and bilateral donors to strengthen research output, curriculum development, and clinical training infrastructure. For any academic professional looking to work at the intersection of health, education, and development in Africa, a position at CMHS carries both institutional prestige and genuine social impact.
Overview of the 10 Open Positions
The current recruitment covers positions across all five schools within CMHS. Here is a quick-reference summary before we dive into the specifics:
| School | Position | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| School of Nursing and Midwifery | Associate Professor | 1 |
| School of Public Health | Professor | 1 |
| School of Medicine and Pharmacy | Associate Professor | 1 |
| School of Dentistry | Lecturer / Senior Lecturer | 4 |
| School of Health Sciences | Assistant Lecturer | 3 |
School of Nursing and Midwifery: Associate Professor
What This Role Involves
This is a senior academic position requiring both research leadership and active engagement in postgraduate supervision. The Associate Professor in Nursing and Midwifery will contribute to the strategic direction of their department, lead knowledge-transfer initiatives, and maintain an internationally recognized research profile. The role is not primarily a classroom teaching job — it demands a sustained output of peer-reviewed research, consultancy work, and continuous professional development activity.
You will be expected to supervise postgraduate students, including master's and doctoral candidates, engage with external academic and professional communities, and collaborate on applied research that feeds back into Rwanda's maternal and child health systems.
Eligibility Requirements Explained
Academic Qualification: A PhD in Midwifery, Women's Health, or Maternal Child Health is the baseline requirement. A professional doctorate in a closely related field may also be considered. If your degree was obtained outside Rwanda, you must provide an equivalence certificate issued by the Higher Education Council (HEC) of Rwanda.
Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience is required. This should span clinical practice, teaching, or academic research, ideally a combination of all three.
Research Output: You must demonstrate at least nine publication points from peer-reviewed, indexed journals or peer-reviewed indexed conference proceedings. Of these, at least five must be published in recognized peer-reviewed journals. This is a significant bar and signals that CMHS is recruiting for research-active academics, not purely classroom instructors.
Clinical License: A valid license for clinical practice is mandatory. Applicants currently employed abroad must hold a license in the country where they currently practice.
Language: A strong command of English, both oral and written, is required across all positions.
School of Public Health: Professor
What This Role Involves
The Professor position in Public Health is the highest academic rank being recruited in this cycle. It carries full responsibility for strategic academic leadership, international engagement, and the mentorship of doctoral students and early-career researchers. The successful candidate will be expected to bring an established network of funding relationships and a publication record that speaks to international quality.
Rwanda's public health sector faces complex challenges, including non-communicable disease burden, nutritional health gaps, and health system strengthening across rural districts. A professor in this school has the opportunity to shape research agendas that directly influence national health policy.
Eligibility Requirements Explained
Academic Qualification: A PhD in Epidemiology with a medical background is required. The combination of clinical medical training and epidemiological expertise is deliberate; it signals that UR wants someone who can bridge clinical practice and population-level health research.
Publications: At least 15 publications in peer-reviewed, indexed journals. This is among the most demanding requirements in this recruitment round and positions the School of Public Health as a research-intensive unit.
PhD Supervision: Proven experience supervising doctoral students to completion is required. Candidates should be able to name students they have graduated and describe their supervisory approach.
Grant Track Record: A demonstrated history of writing and successfully securing research grants is essential. Rwanda's public health sector is heavily grant-funded through bodies such as the NIH Fogarty International Center, Wellcome Trust, and bilateral donors. A professor who can bring external funding is an asset to the entire college.
School of Medicine and Pharmacy: Associate Professor in Pharmacognosy
What This Role Involves
Pharmacognosy, the study of medicines derived from natural sources, is a field with deep relevance in Rwanda and across sub-Saharan Africa, where traditional medicine systems remain widely used alongside modern healthcare. The Associate Professor in this school will lead research in this area, contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum delivery, and engage in joint grant applications with department colleagues.
Eligibility Requirements Explained
Academic Qualification: A PhD in Pharmacognosy, specifically. This is a specialized requirement, and candidates with adjacent PhDs in pharmaceutical sciences or natural product chemistry should carefully check whether their qualifications meet the standard before applying.
Work Experience: Five years of relevant work experience.
Publications: At least nine publications in peer-reviewed journals. Unlike the nursing position, this requirement does not specify "publication points" but rather journal publications directly.
Research Grants: Evidence of having won at least two research grants is required. This distinguishes this role from a standard academic posting it actively seeks someone with a demonstrated ability to attract external research funding.
School of Dentistry: Lecturer and Senior Lecturer (4 Positions)
What These Roles Involve
The School of Dentistry is recruiting four positions across four distinct clinical specialties. These are teaching-focused roles that also require clinical competence and some research output, but the primary emphasis is on high-quality instruction and clinical supervision of dental students.
The four specialties being recruited are:
- Prosthodontics — the restoration and replacement of teeth using crowns, bridges, and dentures
- Pediatric Dentistry — dental care for children and adolescents
- Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics — root canal therapy and restorative procedures
- Oral Medicine and Radiology — diagnosis and management of oral diseases, including radiographic interpretation
Eligibility Requirements Explained
Academic Qualification: A Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) combined with a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) or its equivalent in the relevant specialty. The dual qualification — undergraduate plus postgraduate clinical specialist training is standard for clinical academic dental positions globally.
For Lecturer: At least two publications in recognized peer-reviewed journals.
For Senior Lecturer: At least five publications in peer-reviewed journals, plus a minimum of three years of teaching experience in a higher learning institution.
Clinical License: A valid license for clinical practice in the country of current employment is required. This is particularly important for applicants coming from outside Rwanda.
School of Health Sciences: Assistant Lecturer in Prosthetics and Orthotics (3 Positions)
What These Roles Involve
The School of Health Sciences is filling three Assistant Lecturer positions in Prosthetics and Orthotics a field concerned with the design, fitting, and management of artificial limbs and orthopedic devices. Rwanda has been expanding its rehabilitation services significantly, particularly through the work of district-level rehabilitation centers and partnerships with organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
These are entry-to-mid-level academic positions, making them accessible to professionals who are strong clinical practitioners looking to transition into or expand their academic careers.
Eligibility Requirements Explained
Academic Qualification: A Master's degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics, or in Rehabilitation or Health-related studies, combined with a Bachelor's degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics. The undergraduate degree in the clinical field is mandatory — a general health sciences master's alone is not sufficient.
Clinical License: A valid clinical practice license is required.
Teaching Experience: Teaching experience in a higher learning institution is listed as an added advantage rather than a hard requirement, making this an accessible entry point for clinically experienced professionals moving into academia.
Salary Expectations for Academic Positions at UR in 2026
The University of Rwanda publishes salary scales aligned with Rwanda's higher education remuneration framework. While UR does not publicly advertise exact salary figures in job postings, the following ranges reflect current market expectations based on academic rank:
- Assistant Lecturer: Approximately RWF 800,000 – 1,200,000 per month
- Lecturer: Approximately RWF 1,200,000 – 1,800,000 per month
- Senior Lecturer: Approximately RWF 1,800,000 – 2,400,000 per month
- Associate Professor: Approximately RWF 2,400,000 – 3,500,000 per month
- Professor: Approximately RWF 3,500,000 – 5,000,000+ per month
Expatriate staff may receive additional allowances, including housing support and relocation assistance, depending on negotiated contract terms. Benefits typically include health insurance, pension contributions, and access to professional development funding.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Identify your target position and school. Each school uses a separate email address for applications, so confirm which school you are applying to before composing your email.
- Prepare your application letter. Address it specifically to the Principal of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda. The letter should clearly state the position you are applying for, your relevant qualifications, and your motivation for joining CMHS.
- Assemble your documents. All documents must be in PDF format. Compile them as listed in the required documents section below.
- Send your email. Use the correct primary and copy email addresses for your school (see table below). Write your subject line clearly — for example: "Application for Associate Professor — School of Public Health."
- Confirm receipt. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within two to three business days, consider sending a polite follow-up.
- Watch the UR website. Shortlisted candidates will be announced on www.ur.ac.rw.
Email Addresses by School
| School | Primary Email | Copy Email |
|---|---|---|
| Dentistry | recruitmenthroffice2024@ur.ac.rw | recruitmentdentistry2024@ur.ac.rw |
| Health Sciences | recruitmenthroffice2024@ur.ac.rw | recruitmenthealthsciences2024@ur.ac.rw |
| Nursing and Midwifery | recruitmenthroffice2024@ur.ac.rw | recruitmentnursing2024@ur.ac.rw |
| Medicine and Pharmacy | recruitmenthroffice2024@ur.ac.rw | recruitmentmedicine2024@ur.ac.rw |
| Public Health | recruitmenthroffice2024@ur.ac.rw | recruitmenpublichealth2024@ur.ac.rw |
Required Documents
- Application letter addressed to the Principal of CMHS, University of Rwanda
- Curriculum Vitae / Resume (including personal details, education history, and work experience)
- Copy of your highest degree certificate
- Copy of National Identity Card (Rwandan applicants) or passport (non-Rwandan applicants)
- Equivalence certificate from Rwanda's Higher Education Council, if your degree was obtained outside Rwanda (local applicants only; expatriates provide this after employment)
- Evidence of publications, where required by the position
- Valid clinical practice license, where required by the position
Common Mistakes That Will Get Your Application Rejected
Sending documents in the wrong format. UR specifically requests PDF format. Submitting Word documents, JPEGs, or unsecured files signals carelessness and may result in automatic disqualification.
Addressing the application letter incorrectly. Many applicants write generic cover letters or address them to "the HR Department." This role requires the letter to be addressed specifically to the Principal of CMHS. Getting this wrong suggests you did not read the posting carefully.
Sending to the wrong email. Each school has its own copy email, and using the wrong one could delay or misdirect your application. Double-check the table before hitting send.
Not providing equivalence documentation. If your degree was obtained outside Rwanda and you are a Rwandan national, the HEC equivalence certificate is mandatory. Applications that omit this document will not be processed.
Inflating or vaguely describing publications. Shortlisting panels verify publication claims against indexed databases. Make sure every publication you list is genuinely peer-reviewed, indexed, and accurately cited. Misrepresentation is grounds for immediate rejection.
Missing the clinical license requirement. Several positions require a valid license for clinical practice. Applicants who hold expired licenses or who are in the process of renewing should address this explicitly in their application.
Applying for the wrong specialty in dentistry. The four dental positions are for specific clinical specialties. Applying for a dental position without demonstrating qualification in the listed specialty will not succeed.
Rwanda-Specific Context: Why These Positions Matter
Rwanda has made extraordinary progress in health outcomes over the past two decades. Child mortality has dropped dramatically, life expectancy has climbed, and community health worker programs have extended primary care reach into every village. However, the country still faces a significant shortage of specialist health professionals and academic staff capable of training them at scale.
CMHS is the principal institution responsible for addressing that shortage. Every professor, associate professor, lecturer, and assistant lecturer hired through this process will teach hundreds of students over their career — students who go on to serve in Kigali's referral hospitals, in Musanze, in Huye, in Rubavu, and in every district hospital across the country.
For professionals in the diaspora, this is a meaningful opportunity to contribute directly to Rwanda's health workforce development. The Rwandan government's policy framework actively encourages diaspora return and provides pathways for international credential recognition through the Higher Education Council.
For more on Rwanda's health workforce strategy, the World Health Organization's Rwanda country office publishes detailed assessments of workforce gaps and development priorities.
Information on academic credential recognition in Rwanda is available through the Higher Education Council (HEC).
Related Opportunities You Should Explore
If you are job hunting in Rwanda's health, research, or professional services sectors, several other strong opportunities are currently open. The WHO National Professional Officer position in Acute Care is worth reviewing for health professionals with international organization experience. Those with a background in research may also want to look at research intern jobs at King Faisal Hospital, one of Rwanda's leading tertiary care institutions.
For professionals in adjacent technical fields, there are currently openings for an IT Coordinator in Rwanda and software developer jobs at Rwandan institutions. If supply chain and procurement is your background, the Procurement Assistant role at Salvo Grima Rwanda and the Inventory Controller vacancy at Kivu are both active. Those considering leadership opportunities in technology can explore the Head of Technology position currently advertised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international applicants apply for these positions? Yes. CMHS explicitly welcomes applications from non-Rwandan candidates. Non-Rwandan applicants must submit a copy of their passport and, for positions requiring clinical practice licensure, a valid license from the country where they are currently employed. Equivalence documentation for degrees obtained abroad will be required after employment for expatriate hires.
What does "publication points" mean in the context of these requirements? Publication points refer to a weighted scoring system used in Rwandan higher education to measure academic output. Publications in higher-tier indexed journals typically carry more points than conference proceedings. If you hold nine publication points, this does not necessarily mean nine separate articles — the calculation depends on the tier of the journals and the nature of the publications.
Is teaching experience required for the dentistry positions? For the Lecturer grade, teaching experience is not listed as a hard requirement; publications are the primary bar. For the Senior Lecturer grade, a minimum of three years of teaching experience in a higher learning institution is required, alongside additional publications.
What happens after the application deadline? Shortlisted candidates will be posted on the official UR website at www.ur.ac.rw. There is no confirmation email sent to unsuccessful applicants — if you do not see your name on the shortlist within a reasonable period after the deadline, you were not selected for interview.
Do I need to submit publications as PDF attachments? The job posting requires "evidence proving publication." This typically means providing journal citations, DOI links, or copies of the first page of published articles. A complete publication list in your CV, backed by verifiable references, is standard practice.
Can I apply for more than one position? The posting does not explicitly restrict multiple applications. However, if you apply for positions in different schools, you must send separate applications to each school's designated email addresses, with a tailored application letter for each.
Conclusion
The University of Rwanda's College of Medicine and Health Sciences is offering ten serious academic positions across five schools, from entry-level assistant lecturers to full professors. These are not token postings; they are part of a sustained institutional drive to build world-class health education capacity in Rwanda. The requirements are demanding, the competition will be real, and the deadline is firm: 22 May 2026 at 5:00 PM.
If you meet the qualifications, prepare your documents carefully, address your letter to the CMHS Principal, and send your application to the correct school email before the cutoff. Rwanda's next generation of health professionals is being trained right now, and the people teaching them matter enormously.
Share this article with colleagues who may qualify, and explore the related opportunities linked throughout this post for more of Rwanda's best current vacancies.
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