Postdoctoral Fellow (Symbiovector Project) at icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Postdoctoral Fellow – Microsporidia MB Vector Control Studies will lead and manage experimental research activities to assess the transmission-blocking potential of Microsporidia MB in Anopheles mosquitoes and explore strain variation across ecological zones in Kenya. The role includes developing and conducting Plasmodium transmission-blocking assays and contributing to the design of a genomic analysis framework for Microsporidia MB variant characterization. This work supports icipe’s mission to develop novel biological tools for malaria control. The post-doctoral fellow will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of entomologists, epidemiologists, vector biologists, and data scientists to conduct longevity, biting rate, and dissemination studies. He/she will lead laboratory-based investigations to assess the Plasmodium-blocking efficiency  of different Microsporidia MB isolates and contribute to understanding their maintenance and transmission dynamics within mosquito populations. The post-doctoral fellow will also contribute to publications, funding proposals, and stakeholder engagement activities.

Specific Duties

• Design and implement laboratory-based Plasmodium transmission-blocking assays using Anopheles mosquitoes infected with Microsporidia MB.
• Compare the blocking efficiency of Microsporidia MB isolates sourced from distinct ecological zones across Kenya.
• Participate in the development of a bioinformatics platform for analyzing Microsporidia MB genomic data from multiple regions.
• Conduct genome comparison, clustering analysis, and marker identification for differentiating Microsporidia MB strains.
• Interpret genetic variation in the context of regional adaptation and possible differences in symbiont-host interaction dynamics.
• Collaborate with molecular biologists, entomologists, and bioinformaticians to integrate genomic and phenotypic data.
• Write scientific publications, research reports, and technical documents based on experimental findings.
• Contribute to conference presentations, policy briefs, and stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure ethical and biosafety compliance in all experimental activities.
• Train MSc and PhD students on experimental methods related to vector control research.
• Collaborate with international research institutions and malaria control programs to optimize vector control strategies.
• Provide technical training to field technicians and research assistants.
• Participate in grant writing to secure additional funding for expansion.

Requirements/Qualifications

• PhD in Bioinformatics/Entomology/Molecular biology / Parasitology.
• At least 1-year post-PhD experience working in a research laboratory with mosquitoes, insect pathogens/ symbionts/ vector control.
• Experience gained in vector control in either a research organization or a university.
• Expertise in mosquito rearing and bioassays.
• Experience in genomic analysis, strain comparison, and development of bioinformatics tools for microbial or symbiont diversity studies is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement laboratory-based vector-pathogen interaction assays.
• Proficiency in data analysis and modeling (R, Python, or STATA preferred).
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
• Prior work with pathogen-symbiont interactions in mosquito populations is an advantage.