Call for Applications for 3-Year Doctoral Training in Insect Sciences (Re-Advertisement)
icipe's commercial insect activities have centred on creating nature-based cottage industries that link improving livelihoods and environmental conservation. The Centre's efforts have included the introduction of modern technologies into traditional crafts such as beekeeping with the use of Langstroth hives (pictured), which enable safer and more efficient harvesting of honey, without damaging the environment.
Home >> Call for Applications for 3-Year Doctoral Training in Insect Sciences (Re-Advertisement)
Call for Applications for 3-Year Doctoral Training in Insect Sciences (Re-Advertisement)
icipe is an intergovernmental organisation funded by government aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in the environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improving health and agricultural productivity in the tropics. icipe has approximately 300 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes, located at various sites in Kenya, Ethiopia and Sudan.
Introduction
The Behavioral and Chemical Ecology Department of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is looking for a PhD student to work on a research study titled “Sumilarv and Aquatain, novel insecticides for the control of malaria vectors”. The goal of the study is to improve the efficacy of malaria vector control in Africa. Two relatively novel agents, targeting the larval stages of mosquitoes, pyriproxyfen and a silicon-based monomolecular surface film (MMF) represent promising molecules that could fill this role. Long-lasting and effective larvicides may prove to be particularly useful when applied during the dry season and in areas with dense tall vegetation (e.g. swamps along lakes and rivers, larger ponds). Dry season sites are often well defined habitats that are easily accessible and constitute important refugia for vectors. There is an urgent need to determine the effectiveness of residual larvicides in killing larvae or suppressing adult emergence under controlled laboratory conditions, and, more importantly, to measure their performance in the field. The study proposes to test two larvicidal agents to address the outlined challenges: the commercially available insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen (Sumilarv) and the silicon-based monolayer film ‘Aquatain’ in order to complement the array of available insecticides for larval control.
Requirements
The candidate is scheduled to start the research work in September 2010 or soon there-after. An excellent MSc in biological sciences with interest in chemical ecology is required. Laboratory skills, field work and experience in insecticide testing will be an advantage. Knowledge of vector control and malaria transmission is required. Proven writing skills (publications, reports), Basic knowledge of statistical analyses, fluency in English and good communication skills are necessary.
Support under this program includes a modest monthly stipend, University tuition fees and research costs for 36 months, to enable the qualified applicant to complete their PhD thesis.
Application Criteria
Interested applicants are required to submit the following documents:
Completed application form, including the title of the proposed research work to be undertaken during the PhD programme. The form is available at http://www.icipe.org/arppis/fellowships.html. Copies of this form may be mailed to you on request to the email or postal address provided below.
Current Curriculum Vitae
Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts of degree courses taken
Recommendation letters from at least two (2) academic and/or professional referees
Letter of nomination for training by the employer (if employed)
Application letters and supporting documents should submitted on or before Friday 11th June 2010 to:
By E-mail:
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By post/courier:
The Training Officer, ARPPIS Secretariat c/o icipe Duduville Headquarters, Kasarani, off Thika Road P.O. Box 30772 - 00100 NAIROBI Kenya Tel: +254 20 8632000
icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Posted on: April 7th 2010
Call for Applications for 3-Year Doctoral Training in Insect Sciences (Re-Advertisement)
