Research Officer I at icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Overall Purpose of the Job

To assist in field samples collection for entomopathogens and endophytes isolation & characterization under AfroGrow project, as well as mass rearing of amaranth lepidopteran defoliators insect species and their associated parasitoids, plant production, training of stakeholders, field efficacy trials and assist students under the AGROVEG Phase II project.

Specific duties

• Participate in the AfroGrow living lab fields assessment for microbial diversity.
• Conduct field samples collection (infected and mycosed insects & soil samples) for entomopathogens and endophytes isolation & characterization under the AfroGrow project.
• Assist in AGROVEG technical project report
• Participate in the development of scientific manuscripts for publication based on the data obtained from the project.
• Assist in mass rearing of lepidopteran moths and their associated parasitoids.
• Assist in plants production for insect rearing and supply them for mass rearing and bioassay purposes. 
• Participate in and support laboratory activities and assist students in their projects to conduct bioassays.
• Conduct some key bioassays related to some objectives of the project.
• Assist in organizing and undertaking experiments/bioassays.
• Participate in field releases of the mass-reared natural enemies.
• Culture, sub-culture, and mass produce some entomopathogenic fungi and endophytes for experimental purposes.
• Participate in the training of farmers and other stakeholders in the AGROVEG Phase II project.
• Carry out other daily duties and any other activity assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements/ qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Entomology and/or Microbiology.
• At least 2 years of work experience in a relevant practice.
• Prior/good experience required in insect rearing, crop production, pathology, microbiology,
• field and laboratory assays with insects, EPF, endophytes, and crops.