Closing date: 18 Apr 2025

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one PhD research project on "The effect of host-symbiont interaction on Microsporidia MB-based Plasmodium transmission blocking and host fitness" as part of the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Sciences (ARPPIS).

 

Summary of the project

This PhD study is part of the project " SYMBIOVECTOR (SMBV) Project: Development and implementation of a transformative and sustainable strategy for malaria control in Africa using symbiont-based transmission blocking” funded by the Gates Foundation and Open Philanthropy. The research will focus on the in-depth characterization of Microsporidia MB and its role in blocking Plasmodium transmission in Anopheles mosquitoes.

 

Microsporidia MB inhibits the development of Plasmodium in mosquitoes and is therefore a promising candidate for Symbiont based transmission blocking. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding the specific mechanisms of malaria blocking and how factors such as mosquito age, environmental temperature, and Microsporidia MB density influence this process.

 

This project aims to establish the exact stage of Plasmodium development when Microsporidia MB interferes with its growth and subsequently blocks transmission to humans during blood feeding. Plasmodium development within Microsporidia MB-infected and uninfected mosquito tissues will be visualized and compared using advanced microscopic techniques.

 

Specific project objectives:

1.      Determining whether Microsporidia MB interferes with Plasmodium development at the ookinete, oocyst, or sporozoite stage by comparing prevalence and infection intensities at each stage of development.

2.      Assess morphological differences/abnormalities in Plasmodium parasites between Microsporidia MB-infected and uninfected mosquitoes.

3.      Determine whether the symbiont affects Plasmodium survival, growth, gene expression or differentiation. The data generated will provide essential insights into how Microsporidia MB-based interventions can be refined for malaria control.

 

Eligibility criteria

·         Must be a national of an African country.

·         Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, or a related field.

·         Hold an M.Sc. degree in Entomology, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, or Vector Biology.

·         Prior experience in vector biology, malaria transmission research, molecular techniques, or symbiont studies is highly desirable.

·         Strong skills in statistical data analysis and molecular biology techniques.

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to prepare detailed research reports.

·         Must be willing to commit full-time to the PhD training programme.

·         The Master’s degree must have been completed within the last six years at the time of application.

·         Candidates who are staff members of a public university or considered for university teaching/research staff recruitment are encouraged to apply.

·         Qualified female candidates and candidates from underrepresented regions or those with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

The PhD position is based at icipe’s Duduville Campus in Nairobi, Kenya but with some periods in the field.

Scholarship and PhD Project Duration

The PhD project is fully funded for 3 years and includes:

• A monthly stipend
• Coverage of university fees, visa costs, office costs, and research costs.
• Fieldwork and data collection will be conducted in Kenya.
• The student will be jointly supervised by university professors and icipe scientists.

·         Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and capacity-building workshops.

·         Mentorship and training in scientific communication and grant writing.

 

How to apply

Applications will be accepted up to 18^th April 2025. Applicants must submit the following documents online (email applications will not be accepted):

·         Completed application form, including a well-written abstract based on the research background (max. 750 words, excluding references).

·         A concise letter of motivation, detailing relevant experience and statistical software proficiency.

·         A detailed CV (including name, contact details, age, gender, and the names of at least three referees).

·         Certified copies of BSc and MSc diplomas and transcripts.

·   Submit your applications at this link: https://scholarships.icipe.org/calls/54

Selection Process

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview and written assessment.
• Successful candidates will be required to develop a full research proposal and register with a university after commencing their PhD at icipe.

For Questions and Further Information

For inquiries regarding the ARPPIS PhD Programme or application process, contact: Ms. Vivian Atieno, Capacity Building Officer, icipe. Email: vatieno@icipe.org

Application Deadline: 18^th April 2025.