ICIPE Postdoctoral Research Fellow Biological Control of Fall Armyworm Jobs in Kenya

icipe seeks to recruit a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join an established interdisciplinary team dedicated to the development of sustainable IPM programmes for the management of cereal stemborers and other pests, including the invasive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a destructive pest of maize and other crops that recently invaded Africa.

The successful candidate will plan and conduct world-leading research with
a focus on developing an IPM approach for S. frugiperda utilising the natural defence mechanisms of the crop and companion plants together with enhancing biocontrol with natural enemies of the pest.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Leader, the successful candidate will employ a balanced basic and applied research programme to deliver the goals of the project.

The position will be offered for a period of 24 months and will be based at icipe Thomas Odhiambo Campus, Mbita, on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya and also involves travel to project action sites in the region and collaborators at Keele University in the UK.

icipe—International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology—is a world-class research centre with a mission to alleviate poverty by ensuring food security, improving health, protecting the environment and building the capacity of researchers and communities across the developing world through the application of insect sciences.

Employing close to 500 national and international staff, icipe is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with outposts in Ethiopia and on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya.

icipe has a proud reputation and history of
delivering world-quality science that has made crucial contributions to African food and health policy, delivered development outcomes to rural communities, and has been at the forefront of building Africa’s biological
research capacity.

The Centre’s research activities span the African continent with partnerships linking research organisations, not only across Africa, but also the globe.

In addition, 100–150 graduate students and a number of postdoctoral fellows contribute to icipe’s research portfolio annually.

The position is tenable at the icipe Thomas Odhiambo Campus in Mbita, South Nyanza, and is available to commence immediately.

The position will be offered for an initial contract of 3 years, renewable subject to continued project needs, funding for the position, and performance of the staff member.

A competitive and generous compensation package that includes comprehensive health and life insurance cover (all payable in US Dollars) will be offered to the right candidate.

Furthermore, the incumbent will receive paid
annual vacation, return airfare for themselves and their dependents to their nominated home base each year, and duty-free privileges. If the successful candidate is appointed from outside Kenya, he or she will be offered
support to relocate and settle in Mbita.

Qualified candidates from Africa (and especially females) are invited to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

Living in Nairobi and Mbita, Kenya Nairobi is the capital and largest city of Kenya, with a population of over three million, and hosts all the urban and social amenities and offers a comfortable, convenient and pleasurable life.

A wide variety of excellent international schools and well-equipped medical facilities are open 24/7 in Nairobi.

The city is also accessible by various reputable international airline carriers.

Nairobi has a thriving international research scene, hosting various CGIAR centres and several UN agencies.

Although it is important to be conscious of security, Kenyans are warm and welcoming of visitors.

icipe Thomas Odhiambo Campus (ITOC) is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, with excellent housing facilities for staff and students.

The Campus sits on 24.5 hectares of land, 40% of which consists of experimental
fields and buildings with landscaped gardens.

ITOC’s research structures include state-of-the-art laboratories and offices, as well as insect and animal rearing facilities. The Campus also hosts St. Jude’s Clinic, a kindergarten, primary school, and the Mbita Guest House.

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