Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, icipe was established in 1970, to address this very paradox of insects and accompanying challenges. The Centre’s mission is to use insect science for sustainable development, to ensure food security and improve the overall health of communities in Africa by addressing the interlinked problems of poverty, poor health, low agricultural productivity and environmental degradation. Since its founding, icipe has remained committed to developing and disseminating environmentally safe, affordable, acceptable and accessible tools and strategies to control insect pests and disease vectors. icipe’s mandate further extends to the sustainable conservation and utilisation of Africa’s rich biodiversity. icipe is the only international institution in Africa working primarily on arthropods. Therefore capacity building of individual researchers and institutions in Africa is an integral part of all the Centre’s research and development activities. icipe also aims to empower women, harness the youth and build capacity to use, transfer and teach the Centre’s technologies. How we work
Overall purpose of the job
To develop a nature-based surveillance system derived from semiochemicals for legume pests to reduce farmer reliance on environmentally damaging insecticide for crop protection.
Specific Duties
The successful candidate is expected to:
- Field test Clavigralla aggregation pheromone for optimization and use in biological control with natural enemies.
- Identify a natural source of the aggregation pheromone for use by small holder farmers.
- Elucidate the sensory biology of pheromone detection by Clavigralla and its key natural enemies.
- Investigate the role of background odors in pheromone detection in different cropping systems.
Requirements
Qualifications
- A PhD degree in Entomology/ Chemistry with a strong focus on Chemical Ecology of PlantInsect Interactions.
- At least 2 years’ post PhD experience working in a chemical ecology laboratory with field experience.
- Experience working on legume pests a plus.
- Excellent publications in reputable peer-reviewed journals required.
- Excellent written and oral communication essential for the position.
Core Competencies
- Demonstrated ability to mobilise resources for effective research.
- Ability to create and foster an innovative work environment, including team building to deliver on agreed goals.
- High degree of organisation, adaptability, and prioritisation.
- Experience in capacity building through supervision and mentorship of MSc and undergraduate students.
- Excellent communication skills and collaborative network of partners at national and international levels
Reporting
- This position reports to the Research Consultant and Head, Behavioural and Chemical Ecology Unit.
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