The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is a leading pan-African research institution dedicated to improving the lives and livelihoods of people across tropical regions through advanced insect science. Established in 1970, icipe has emerged as a global centre of excellence in research for development and capacity building. The Centre is focused on innovative solutions that alleviate poverty, ensure food and nutritional security, and improve human and animal health by developing environmentally friendly alternatives to pest and vector control.
Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, icipe operates across more than 40 African countries and maintains robust collaborations with global universities and research organizations. The Centre employs over 500 international and national staff and hosts around 150 graduate students annually, making it a vibrant hub for scientific discovery and innovation.
In line with its mission and the Vision and Strategy 2021–2025, icipe is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Fellow – Microsporidia MB Vector Control Studies to join its team under the SYMBIOVECTOR (SMBV) Project. This is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on vector biology and novel malaria control tools.
Position: Postdoctoral Fellow – Microsporidia MB Vector Control Studies
Reference Number: IRS/659/062025
Location: icipe Thomas Odhiambo Campus (ITOC), Mbita, Kenya
Duration: Initial 2-year contract, renewable based on performance and funding availability
Application Deadline: 3rd July 2025
About the Project
The SYMBIOVECTOR (SMBV) Project aims to develop novel biological strategies to combat malaria transmission by harnessing symbiotic relationships between mosquitoes and microbes. This includes evaluating the transmission-blocking potential of Microsporidia MB, a symbiotic microbe found in Anopheles mosquitoes, and understanding its genetic diversity and regional variation across Kenya.
The successful candidate will be stationed at the icipe Thomas Odhiambo Campus (ITOC), Mbita. The campus is situated along the scenic shores of Lake Victoria and offers state-of-the-art research infrastructure, staff housing, schools, and recreational amenities—an ideal environment for focused research and personal development.
Overall Purpose of the Role
The Postdoctoral Fellow will lead research initiatives to evaluate how effectively Microsporidia MB can block Plasmodium—the malaria-causing parasite—in Anopheles mosquitoes. The role includes designing experimental assays, analyzing genomic data, and contributing to research publications and policy engagement. The fellow will work with a multidisciplinary team of entomologists, molecular biologists, bioinformaticians, and field technicians.
Key Responsibilities
- Experimental Design and Assays
- Develop and conduct Plasmodium transmission-blocking assays using Anopheles mosquitoes infected with Microsporidia MB.
- Assess and compare the efficacy of Microsporidia MB isolates from various ecological zones across Kenya.
- Genomic Analysis
- Collaborate in the development of a genomic framework for characterizing Microsporidia MB strains.
- Perform genome comparisons, clustering analyses, and identify markers to differentiate between Microsporidia MB strains.
- Interpret the impact of genetic variation on host-symbiont interaction dynamics and regional adaptation.
- Data Integration and Collaboration
- Integrate genomic and phenotypic data in collaboration with bioinformaticians and molecular scientists.
- Ensure ethical and biosafety compliance in all laboratory and fieldwork procedures.
- Capacity Building and Training
- Provide mentorship and training to MSc and PhD students, particularly in experimental design and vector control methods.
- Offer technical training to laboratory technicians and research assistants.
- Research Communication and Grants
- Prepare and publish peer-reviewed scientific papers, technical reports, and research briefs.
- Present findings at scientific conferences and stakeholder forums.
- Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals for expanded research funding.
Requirements and Competencies
- Educational Background
- PhD in one of the following disciplines: Bioinformatics, Entomology, Molecular Biology, or Parasitology.
- Experience
- Minimum of 1-year post-PhD research experience involving mosquitoes, insect symbionts/pathogens, or vector control.
- Hands-on expertise in mosquito rearing and bioassay techniques.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting lab-based vector-pathogen interaction studies.
- Technical Skills
- Proficiency in genomic analysis, microbial strain differentiation, and the development of bioinformatics pipelines.
- Ability to perform statistical analysis and modeling using tools such as R, Python, or STATA.
- Experience working in vector control research either in academic or applied research institutions is highly desirable.
- Soft Skills
- Strong scientific writing and oral communication abilities.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multicultural team environment.
- Desirable Advantage
- Prior research on symbiont-pathogen interactions in mosquito populations.
Reporting Structure
This role will report to the Senior Scientist overseeing vector biology and symbiont-based control research.
Life at icipe Thomas Odhiambo Campus (ITOC), Mbita
The Mbita campus offers a conducive and stimulating research environment. Spread over 24.5 hectares of land on the shores of Lake Victoria, the campus includes modern laboratories, insectaries, experimental fields, staff residences, schools, and a guest house. Approximately 40% of the campus area is dedicated to research infrastructure, supporting a high standard of scientific inquiry and innovation.
New staff relocating to Mbita from outside Kenya will receive comprehensive relocation support, including return airfare for dependents, annual leave travel, and duty-free import privileges. This supportive infrastructure fosters both professional productivity and a high quality of life.
Equal Opportunity Employer
icipe is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. Employment decisions are made based on merit, without regard to race, color, gender, age, religion, disability, nationality, or socioeconomic background.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted until 3rd July 2025. Interested candidates should prepare and submit the following documents:
- A confidential cover letter outlining motivation and suitability for the role.
- A detailed CV, including the names and contact details of three referees (email addresses included).
- A statement of suitability, addressing the listed qualifications, competencies, and abilities.
- Two published research papers relevant to the role.
Apply Now: Submit your application through the online recruitment portal at http://recruit.icipe.org
Alternatively, you may submit your application by email to: [email protected]
For more details about icipe’s mission and strategy, visit www.icipe.org.
You may also refer to icipe’s Vision and Strategy 2021–2025 available at:
icipe Vision & Strategy 2021–2025
Join icipe today and be part of groundbreaking research that is transforming vector control science across Africa and beyond.
