The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) invites passionate and skilled individuals to apply for a variety of research and support roles at its various campuses and field stations in Kenya. As a renowned pan-African research organization, icipe is committed to improving livelihoods through the application of insect science in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. The current vacancies offer a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research and development in some of Africa’s most pressing scientific and ecological challenges.
icipe offers a stimulating, multicultural working environment and encourages applicants who are committed to excellence, innovation, and development to be part of its team. If you are looking to grow your career in a high-impact scientific institution, explore the positions below and consider applying before the respective deadlines.
HR/636/25 – Postdoctoral Fellow (SymbioVector Project)
Duty Station: icipe Thomas Odhiambo Campus, Mbita
Application Deadline: 03 July 2025
Job Description:
icipe seeks to recruit a Postdoctoral Fellow to support research under the SymbioVector Project, an initiative exploring the role of microbial symbionts in disease vectors. The successful candidate will work within the Human and Animal Health Theme, contributing to advanced research that informs novel vector control strategies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct original and collaborative research on symbiotic microbes in vectors, with a focus on their impact on vector competence and disease transmission.
- Employ genomic, microbiological, and bioinformatics tools to isolate and characterize symbionts from key insect vectors.
- Develop and implement laboratory and semi-field assays to test hypotheses on symbiont-based vector manipulation.
- Analyze data and contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, technical reports, and presentations.
- Collaborate with national and international partners, and participate in capacity building initiatives including mentoring of students.
- Assist in resource mobilization by contributing to the development of project proposals.
- Ensure compliance with ethical standards and biosafety regulations in all research activities.
Desirable Attributes:
- Strong background in microbiology, entomology, or molecular biology.
- Experience working with insect vectors or symbiotic microorganisms.
- Competence in data analysis using R, Python, or other statistical packages.
- Ability to work both independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent scientific writing and communication skills.
HR/637/25 – Postdoctoral Fellow (Insect-Based Food Development and Promotion)
Duty Station: icipe Duduville Campus, Nairobi
Application Deadline: 07 July 2025
Job Description:
icipe is seeking to recruit a Postdoctoral Fellow to contribute to research and development efforts under its Insects for Food, Feed and Other Uses (INSEFF) Programme. The focus will be on developing and promoting insect-based food products with a goal of addressing food security and nutrition challenges in Africa.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct research to develop safe, nutritious, and culturally acceptable insect-based food products for human consumption.
- Engage in nutritional profiling, safety testing, and shelf-life assessment of edible insect-based formulations.
- Work closely with food technologists, nutritionists, and consumer behavior experts to optimize product design and promotion strategies.
- Develop guidelines and manuals on insect-based food preparation and utilization.
- Organize stakeholder engagements, demonstrations, and outreach campaigns to raise awareness and promote uptake.
- Contribute to capacity building and training of partners and community groups.
- Participate in drafting grant proposals and project reports.
- Publish research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals.
Desirable Attributes:
- Strong interest in entomophagy, food innovation, and nutrition.
- Hands-on experience in food science, particularly product development and analysis.
- Familiarity with regulatory standards in food safety and quality assurance.
- Creative thinking and the ability to communicate scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences.
- Team player with excellent organizational skills.
HR/638/25 – Junior Research Assistant
Duty Station: icipe Kakamega Field Station
Application Deadline: 25 June 2025
Job Description:
icipe invites applications for a Junior Research Assistant to support field-based entomological and ecological studies in Kakamega. The position is suitable for recent graduates with a passion for hands-on research and biodiversity conservation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the collection, processing, and identification of insect samples from forest and agroecosystems.
- Support the maintenance of insect colonies and field trial sites.
- Record and enter research data accurately and maintain well-organized databases.
- Participate in ecological surveys and monitoring activities.
- Work closely with research scientists to implement experimental protocols.
- Prepare basic summaries and contribute to data analysis and report writing.
- Assist in logistical arrangements for field activities and workshops.
- Adhere to field safety and ethical research standards.
Desirable Attributes:
- Willingness to work in remote field locations under varying weather conditions.
- Basic knowledge of entomological techniques and biodiversity monitoring.
- Keen attention to detail and strong record-keeping skills.
- Team-oriented with a proactive attitude.
HR/639/25 – Graphic Designer Assistant
Duty Station: icipe Duduville Campus, Nairobi
Application Deadline: 30 June 2025
Job Description:
icipe is looking for a creative and technically skilled Graphic Designer Assistant to support its Communications Unit. The selected candidate will help design and produce communication materials that enhance the visibility and public understanding of icipe’s work.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the design and layout of a wide range of print and digital materials including brochures, posters, newsletters, infographics, and reports.
- Collaborate with researchers and communication officers to translate complex scientific data into visually engaging content.
- Help maintain and update visual brand standards across all materials.
- Support the development of content for social media platforms and the icipe website.
- Contribute to the production of presentations and multimedia outputs.
- Manage an organized archive of digital assets including photos, illustrations, and design templates.
- Provide technical support during events, exhibitions, and campaigns.
- Ensure all designs meet high standards of quality, consistency, and accessibility.
Desirable Attributes:
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
- Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple design tasks simultaneously.
- Strong aesthetic sense with attention to visual detail and layout.
- Interest in science communication and knowledge of development-oriented design is a plus.
- Reliable and resourceful, with strong interpersonal communication.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the icipe vacancies page to view detailed application procedures for each position. All applications must be submitted before the respective deadlines indicated.
