The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) invites applications for an MSc Graduate Fellowship under the project “Efficacy of a Selected Commercial Ear Tag Against Rhipicephalus appendiculatus on Cattle.” The successful candidate will be hosted by the ILRI Health program and will engage in an applied research study focusing on the control of tick infestations, particularly the Brown Ear tick, which poses a significant threat to livestock productivity and animal health in East Africa.
ILRI’s mission is to improve the livelihoods of people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable, sustainable, and resilient livestock systems. As the only CGIAR research center fully dedicated to animal agriculture, ILRI’s work is pivotal in transforming food systems to deliver benefits for nutrition, income generation, climate adaptation, and environmental resilience. The institute operates from headquarters in Kenya and Ethiopia, with regional and country offices across Africa and Asia, advancing science-based solutions for livestock production and health.
The ILRI Health program integrates the One Health approach—an interdisciplinary strategy recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The program focuses on reducing disease risks across these domains and developing control strategies for animal and agriculture-associated health threats, including zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. Through collaborative research and field-based interventions, the program contributes to safeguarding both livestock and human populations while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for an MSc student to conduct practical field research, engage with experienced scientists, and contribute to the development of sustainable tick control solutions that enhance livestock productivity and animal welfare.
About the Project
Ticks remain a major constraint to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa, leading to significant economic losses and posing risks for the transmission of diseases such as East Coast Fever. The Brown Ear tick (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus) is particularly harmful because of its feeding preference for the ears of cattle, which often leads to tissue damage, secondary infections, and increased treatment costs.
Current control strategies, such as dipping or spraying cattle with acaricides, are often unsafe, environmentally damaging, and financially unsustainable for smallholder farmers. The introduction of acaricide-impregnated ear tags offers a promising alternative that could transform tick management practices. These ear tags have the potential to provide long-term, localized tick control with minimal environmental impact and reduced handling stress for animals.
The MSc student recruited under this fellowship will conduct a rigorous field trial to evaluate the efficacy of a commercial acaricide ear tag in controlling R. appendiculatus on cattle. The study aims to generate scientific evidence on the product’s effectiveness and operational practicality in field conditions. This research could lead to the adoption of safer and more efficient tick control interventions, ultimately improving animal health and farmer livelihoods across the region.
Position Overview
The MSc Graduate Fellowship position will be based at ILRI’s Kenya campus, with fieldwork conducted at designated remote sites. The fellow will work under the supervision of ILRI scientists and an academic advisor, contributing to both field and laboratory components of the study.
This role will require a high level of organization, technical skill in animal handling and sample collection, and familiarity with data collection protocols and field-based veterinary research. The candidate will also be expected to analyze study results and prepare a thesis based on the findings.
Detailed Job Description
1. Field Data Coordination and Implementation
The fellow will be responsible for planning and coordinating data collection activities at the designated field site. This will include organizing sampling schedules, ensuring adherence to the study protocol, and maintaining communication with field personnel to ensure timely and accurate data capture. The fellow must follow established research procedures and maintain detailed records of all field operations.
2. Compliance with Study Protocol and Guidelines
All activities under this fellowship will be conducted following the study’s established protocol and in compliance with VICH GL9 Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. This ensures that all aspects of data collection, animal handling, and treatment administration meet international research and ethical standards.
3. Animal Clinical Examinations and Treatment Administration
The fellow will conduct regular clinical examinations of cattle participating in the study. This will involve assessing animal health status, identifying any signs of disease or distress, and recording findings systematically. The fellow will also administer veterinary medicines when required, ensuring correct dosage and adherence to animal welfare standards.
4. Data Collection and Quality Assurance
Accurate and reliable data are essential for the success of the study. The fellow will collect all relevant data in accordance with ALCOA+ principles, which emphasize that data should be Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, and complete with additional attributes of being Enduring and Available. Data may be collected using paper-based forms or electronic systems such as Open Data Kit (ODK) or Medrio.
5. Biological Sample Collection
The fellow will collect biological samples, including blood and tissue specimens, from calves and cattle as required by the study protocol. Proper labeling, handling, and preservation of samples will be critical to ensure sample integrity and accuracy of subsequent laboratory analyses.
6. Tick Counts and Identification
An essential component of this project involves quantifying tick burdens on individual animals. The fellow will carry out systematic tick counts and identify tick species, with a particular focus on R. appendiculatus. This will help determine the extent to which the ear tag intervention affects tick population dynamics over time.
7. Laboratory Work and Clinical Pathology Testing
In addition to fieldwork, the fellow will perform basic laboratory tests such as blood smear preparation, haematocrit analysis, and other clinical pathology assessments. These tests will provide insight into the overall health of the cattle and support the evaluation of potential physiological effects of tick infestation and control interventions.
8. Data Analysis and Interpretation
Upon completion of data collection, the fellow will undertake detailed analysis using appropriate statistical methods. This will involve assessing the efficacy of the acaricide ear tag, comparing treated and untreated groups, and interpreting the results within the context of existing literature on tick control.
9. Thesis Preparation and Reporting
The final phase of the fellowship will involve compiling research findings into a formal MSc thesis. The fellow will work closely with both ILRI and academic supervisors to ensure that the thesis meets academic standards and contributes meaningfully to the body of knowledge on tick control in East Africa. The fellow will also prepare progress reports and presentations as part of the project’s dissemination plan.
Supervision and Support
The successful candidate will be jointly supervised by experienced ILRI scientists and an academic supervisor affiliated with their MSc program. This dual supervision arrangement ensures that the fellow receives both practical field guidance and academic mentorship.
ILRI will provide access to relevant research facilities, equipment, and logistical support necessary for the successful completion of the study. The fellow will be expected to work collaboratively with other researchers and support staff in a multidisciplinary environment that promotes learning and scientific excellence.
Duration and Terms of Appointment
The fellowship is offered for a period of one year. During this time, the fellow will engage in full-time research activities under ILRI’s CapDev framework.
ILRI will offer a competitive stipend designed to cover living expenses at the project location. In addition, the fellowship will provide medical insurance and coverage of research-related expenses, including travel to field sites
