The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is calling on experienced researchers and innovators in insect science to join a ground-breaking initiative at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, food security, and climate resilience. If you’re passionate about entomology, sustainable food systems, and working to improve livelihoods across sub-Saharan Africa, this is your chance to contribute meaningfully to a transformative programme.
About icipe
icipe is a pan-African Centre of excellence in research for development and capacity building in insect science and its wide-ranging applications. Established in 1970 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, icipe is dedicated to alleviating poverty, ensuring food and nutritional security, and improving the overall health of communities in the tropics. With a strong footprint in over 40 African countries and partnerships across the globe, icipe’s innovations in pest and vector control, beneficial insects, and environmental sustainability have positioned it as a global leader in insect science.
icipe employs over 500 international and national staff and hosts around 150 graduate students annually, advancing a research portfolio that is both diverse and impactful. To learn more, please visit www.icipe.org and download icipe’s Vision and Strategy 2021–2025.
Position Available: Postdoctoral Fellow – Insect-Based Food Development and Promotion
Reference No.: IRS/660/062025
Location: icipe Duduville Campus, Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: Initial 2-year contract, renewable based on performance and continued funding
Overall Purpose of the Role
icipe seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Fellow within the Biodiversity & Environment Thematic Research Programme (TRP) to drive Research for Development (R4D) initiatives focused on edible insects. The position supports the Building Equitable Climate-Resilient African Bean & Insect Sectors (BRAINS) project, which aims to create innovative, evidence-based solutions by integrating insect products into bean and fruit value chains. This initiative will drive sustainable food systems, promote job creation for youth and women, and mitigate climate change through carbon farming and biodiversity conservation.
The successful candidate will be instrumental in scaling up beneficial insect-based enterprises, creating value-added food products, and supporting training and community engagement across 15 sub-Saharan countries.
Key Responsibilities
The Postdoctoral Fellow will play a central role in research, development, and promotion of insect-based food products, as outlined below:
Research & Development
- Develop and scale innovative R4D technologies for beneficial insect enterprises including farming, harvesting, processing, and marketing.
- Spearhead the design and production of high-value insect and bean-based food products tailored to enhance consumer appeal and marketability.
Integration with Agricultural Value Chains
- Integrate insect-based food products with bean and fruit value chains in alignment with existing corridors developed by PABRA and the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT.
- Strengthen food systems through integrated approaches that foster sustainability, gender inclusivity, and climate resilience.
Training and Capacity Building
- Design training materials and conduct Training of Trainers (ToTs) for capacity building among local partners and stakeholders.
- Mobilize and sensitize pastoralist communities in arid and semi-arid regions to adopt insect-based foods as sustainable livelihood alternatives.
Project Management and Reporting
- Prepare detailed implementation plans, budgets, and progress reports for donors and stakeholders.
- Support supervision and mentorship of junior researchers, technical staff, interns, and graduate students involved in project implementation.
Outreach and Resource Mobilization
- Lead the promotion and consumption of innovative insect-based food products in target communities.
- Contribute to resource mobilization efforts by supporting proposal writing and engagement with potential funders.
- Foster collaborative relationships with national, regional, and international stakeholders and institutions.
Requirements and Qualifications
- PhD in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture, Agricultural Entomology, Applied Entomology, or a related field from a recognized university.
- At least 3 years of research experience focused on entomophagy, insect rearing, food product development, quality assurance, and consumer testing.
- Proven expertise in mass production and processing of beneficial insect species for human consumption.
- Demonstrated experience in designing and evaluating innovative strategies for insect farming and harvesting.
- Experience in interdisciplinary research, particularly at the community level, and in translating research into usable, culturally appropriate products.
- Strong track record in scientific publishing, including at least two peer-reviewed articles on insect-based food systems.
- Experience in mentoring M.Sc. students, managing field staff, and coordinating research teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging multistakeholder networks including farmers, NGOs, and government agencies.
- Proven capability in grant proposal development and donor reporting.
- Ability and willingness to travel to project sites, including remote areas, for fieldwork.
Core Competencies
- Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Adaptable and open to working in diverse, multicultural environments
- Committed to the principles of gender equality and sustainable development
Reporting
This role reports to the Head of the Biodiversity & Environment Thematic Research Programme at icipe.
Why Work at icipe?
icipe provides an intellectually stimulating environment with state-of-the-art research facilities and a supportive multicultural work environment. The successful candidate will benefit from a competitive remuneration package that includes:
- Paid annual vacation
- Return airfare (for staff and dependents) to their home country annually
- Duty-free privileges
- Relocation support for international hires
- Opportunities to interact with a vibrant international scientific community in Nairobi
Living in Nairobi
Nairobi is a modern, vibrant city with a population exceeding three million. It offers excellent amenities, including international schools, 24/7 healthcare facilities, shopping malls, restaurants, and outdoor recreational spaces. Nairobi hosts several international research centres, UN agencies, and embassies, making it a hub for global development work. While safety is important, Nairobi is known for its warm and hospitable residents.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit the following documents:
- A confidential cover letter outlining interest and suitability
- A detailed CV, including contact details of three referees
- A statement addressing the key responsibilities and qualifications
- Two published peer-reviewed articles related to edible insect research
Applications must be received by 7th July 2025.
Apply Now: http://recruit.icipe.org
Alternatively, applications can be submitted by email to: [email protected]
icipe is an equal opportunity employer. The Centre promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment that values teamwork, gender equity, and respect for all backgrounds. Applicants are considered without regard to race, age, religion, gender, nationality, or social status.
