The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) Call for Applications: PhD research project – Investigating vectorial capacity and behavioral preferences of Anopheles mosquitoes infected with Microsporidia MB

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one PhD research project on “Investigating vectorial capacity and behavioral preferences of Anopheles mosquitoes infected with Microsporidia MB ” 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 investigate how Microsporidia MB affects Anopheles mosquitoes under natural conditions. The focus is on assessing the potential of Microsporidia MB as a complementary tool to traditional mosquito control methods. The project combines laboratory experiments, video tracking of mosquito behavior, ecological studies, and semi-field trials to evaluate how Microsporidia MB-infected mosquitoes interact with these control measures and how they affect malaria transmission. By exploring the evolutionary ecology of these mosquitoes, the project will provide valuable insights into how Microsporidia MB can help reduce malaria transmission, especially in the context of widespread insecticide resistance and use of insecticide.

Eligibility criteria

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