The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) Call for Applications: PhD research project – The effect of host-symbiont interaction on Microsporidia MB-based Plasmodium transmission blocking and host fitnes

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one PhD research project on “The effect of host-symbiont interaction on Microsporidia MB-based Plasmodium transmission blocking and host fitness” as part of the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Sciences (ARPPIS).

This PhD study is part of the project ” SYMBIOVECTOR (SMBV) Project: Development and implementation of a transformative and sustainable strategy for malaria control in Africa using symbiont-based transmission blocking” funded by the Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy. The research will focus on the in-depth characterization of Microsporidia MB and its role in blocking Plasmodiumtransmission in Anopheles mosquitoes.

This project aims to establish the exact stage of Plasmodium development when Microsporidia MB interferes with its growth and subsequently blocks transmission to humans during blood feeding. Plasmodium development within Microsporidia MB-infected and uninfected mosquito tissues will be visualized and compared using advanced microscopic techniques.

Eligibility criteria

• Must be a national of an African country.
• Hold a Bachelor’s degreein Entomology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Hold an M.Sc. degreein Entomology, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, or Vector Biology.
• Prior experience in vector biology, malaria transmission research, molecular techniques, or symbiont studies is highly desirable.
• Strong skills in statistical data analysis and molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skillsand the ability to prepare detailed research reports.
• Must be willing to commit full-timeto the PhD training programme.
• The Master’s degreemust have been completed within the last six years at the time of application.
• Candidates who are staff members of a public universityor considered for university teaching/research staff recruitment are encouraged to apply.
• Qualified female candidatesand candidates from underrepresented regions or those with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

The PhD position is based at icipe’s Duduville Campus in Nairobi, Kenya but with some periods in the field.

Scholarship and PhD Project Duration

The PhD project is fully funded for 3 years and includes:

• A monthly stipend
• Coverage of university fees, visa costs, office costs, and research costs.
• Fieldwork and data collection will be conducted in Kenya.
• The student will be jointly supervised by university professors and icipescientists.

Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and capacity-building workshops.

Mentorship and training in scientific communication and grant writing.

Read here for more information.

Application Deadline: 18^th April 2025.