Postdoctoral Fellow (Symbiovector Project) at icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is a pan-African Centre of excellence in research for development and capacity building in insect science and its applications. Its mission is to help alleviate poverty, ensure food and nutritional security and improve the overall health status of peoples of the tropics.

 

Postdoctoral Fellow (Symbiovector Project)

  • Job TypeFull Time
  • QualificationPhD/Fellowship
  • Experience1 year
  • LocationNairobi
  • Job FieldResearch 

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Postdoctoral Fellow – Microsporidia MB Vector Control Studies will lead and manage experimental research activities to assess the transmission-blocking potential of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles mosquitoes and explore strain variation across ecological zones in Kenya. The role includes developing and conducting Plasmodium transmission-blocking assays and contributing to the design of a genomic analysis framework for Microsporidia MB variant characterization. This work supports icipe’s mission to develop novel biological tools for malaria control. The post-doctoral fellow will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of entomologists, epidemiologists, vector biologists, and data scientists to conduct longevity, biting rate, and dissemination studies. He/she will lead laboratory-based investigations to assess the Plasmodium-blocking efficiency  of different Microsporidia MB isolates and contribute to understanding their maintenance and transmission dynamics within mosquito populations. The post-doctoral fellow will also contribute to publications, funding proposals, and stakeholder engagement activities.

Specific Duties

  • Design and implement laboratory-based Plasmodium transmission-blocking assays using Anopheles mosquitoes infected with Microsporidia MB.
  • Compare the blocking efficiency of Microsporidia MB isolates sourced from distinct ecological zones across Kenya.
  • Participate in the development of a bioinformatics platform for analyzing Microsporidia MB genomic data from multiple regions.
  • Conduct genome comparison, clustering analysis, and marker identification for differentiating Microsporidia MB strains.
  • Interpret genetic variation in the context of regional adaptation and possible differences in symbiont-host interaction dynamics.
  • Collaborate with molecular biologists, entomologists, and bioinformaticians to integrate genomic and phenotypic data.
  • Write scientific publications, research reports, and technical documents based on experimental findings.
  • Contribute to conference presentations, policy briefs, and stakeholder meetings.
  • Ensure ethical and biosafety compliance in all experimental activities.
  • Train MSc and PhD students on experimental methods related to vector control research.
  • Collaborate with international research institutions and malaria control programs to optimize vector control strategies.
  • Provide technical training to field technicians and research assistants.
  • Participate in grant writing to secure additional funding for expansion.

Requirements/Qualifications

  • PhD in Bioinformatics/Entomology/Molecular biology / Parasitology.
  • At least 1-year post-PhD experience working in a research laboratory with mosquitoes, insect pathogens/ symbionts/ vector control.
  • Experience gained in vector control in either a research organization or a university.
  • Expertise in mosquito rearing and bioassays.
  • Experience in genomic analysis, strain comparison, and development of bioinformatics tools for microbial or symbiont diversity studies is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to design and implement laboratory-based vector-pathogen interaction assays.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and modeling (R, Python, or STATA preferred).
  • Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
  • Prior work with pathogen-symbiont interactions in mosquito populations is an advantage.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified? Go to icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology on recruit.icipe.org to apply

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