Senior Animal Health Scientist at icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Duties/activities/deliverables

The Centre has an active portfolio of animal health research focusing on diseases transmitted by tsetse and biting flies, ticks and tick-borne diseases, vector-borne zoonotic diseases, and the nutritional aspects of insects as feed for commercial livestock. Reporting to the Head of Animal Health Theme, the successful applicant will be part of a multidisciplinary team contributing leadership and research strategy to the Centre in collaboration with icipe’s other Themes and Units. The successful candidate will develop and maintain a portfolio of research, with a focus on ticks and tick-borne diseases that is aligned with icipe’s strategy and goals.

Specific duties

The successful candidate is expected to:

1. Work in collaboration with the Head of Animal Health Theme and the wider icipe leadership team, including the Director General (DG) and the Director of Research and Partnerships (DRP), as well as Heads of Themes and Units, to facilitate research and capacity building activities across the Centre;
2. Establish a vibrant and active research portfolio, with a focus on ticks, and the diseases they transmit;
3. Promote and establish collaborative linkages with national, regional, and international institutions in the field of animal health;
4. Actively seek and secure external support for animal health related research and development activities;
5. Manage and develop the staff within the animal health team and foster a culture of science excellence, and ensure the team has the human resources required now and into the future;
6. Ensure the icipe animal health portfolio of research meets its legal and reporting responsibilities to all stakeholders, including national licensing authorities and donors;
7. Supervise research students.

Requirements/Qualifications

1. PhD degree in medical entomology, veterinary epidemiology, or related field, from a reputable university.
2. Excellent publication track record.
3. A minimum of 5 years’ experience post PhD, gained at a senior level in either a research organisation or university.
4. Track record of writing successful proposals for large grants.
5. Proven record of managing large resources—both financial and human—in a research environment.
6. Experience in capacity building through supervision and mentorship of MSc and PhD students.
7. Excellent communication skills.
8. Track record of exemplary leadership qualities is essential.
9. Knowledge of veterinary regulatory issues.

Core Competencies

1. A proven track record in a relevant area of scientific research as demonstrated by publication record and a history of securing external support for a portfolio of research.
2. Ability to create and foster an innovative work environment and to work within, and lead teams, to deliver on agreed goals.
3. Appropriate skills in research governance, including experience in the oversight of resource mobilisation and financial accountability.

Other desirable attributes

• High degree of organisation, adaptability and prioritisation.

Reporting

• This position reports to the Head of Animal Health Theme.

The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.