Closing date: 30 Jan 2025

Background

This research aims to determine the optimal dietary requirements of vitamins E and C to improve the growth, health, and immune performance of both local and improved strains of Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia). The study incorporates black soldier fly larvae meal (Hermetia illucens L.) as a partial replacement for traditional fish meal, providing a sustainable, eco-friendly protein source that reduces the environmental impact of aquaculture while maintaining fish health and productivity. By enriching these insect-based diets with essential vitamins, the research seeks to enhance nutrient absorption, support growth, and boost the immune responses of the fish. Through a series of carefully designed feeding trials, the project will evaluate key performance indicators such as growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, nutrient retention, haematological parameters (including blood cell counts and plasma protein levels), and immune responses, all of which are critical to fish health and overall productivity. Additionally, the study will compare the effects of these dietary interventions on both local and improved strains of Nile Tilapia, providing valuable insights into the strain-specific nutritional needs and how different strains respond to these dietary modifications. The findings will help optimize feeding strategies and enhance the development of balanced, sustainable aquafeeds tailored to the needs of different Tilapia strains. Students involved in this research will gain practical, hands-on experience in sustainable feed formulation, fish health assessment, and the application of advanced laboratory techniques to monitor and evaluate the effects of dietary interventions. This project offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions in aquaculture that align with global efforts to improve food security and environmental sustainability while promoting the development of efficient, nutrient-dense aquafeeds.

 

The successful candidate is expected to undertake a comprehensive literature review and develop a concept/proposal for the study, conduct data curation and analysis, write a report, a thesis, and at least one manuscript, and communicate research findings to the project partners and other stakeholders.

 

Eligibility criteria

• Should be a national of an African country.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Aquaculture, Fisheries Science, Animal Science, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline, and scored at least a second-class (upper division).
• Experience with experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Familiarity with research methodologies specific to aquaculture or animal nutrition would be advantageous.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to articulate research findings, prepare detailed reports.
• Candidates who are staff members of a public university, or considered for university teaching or research staff recruitment, are encouraged to apply.
• Qualified female candidates and candidates from less privileged regions or groups as well as candidates with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

 

The MSc position is based in Kenya. 

 

How to apply

Applications will be accepted up to 30^th January 2025.

• Fill in the application form.
• A concise letter of motivation.
• A detailed CV (name, contact details, age, and gender), the names of at least 3 relevant referees.
• Copies of BSc and MSc diplomas and transcripts indicating all courses and obtained degrees.
• Do not submit your application by email. Only applications and supporting documents submitted online will be accepted.
• Applications submitted by email will be rejected.

Please note that: -

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
• Short-listed candidates are subject to an interview/written assessment.

 

Timeline

Closing date for applications 30^th January 2025.

 

Questions

If you have any questions regarding the Programme or your application to icipe, kindly contact Ms. Vivian Atieno, Capacity Building Officer, icipe. Email: vatieno@icipe.org