Closing date: 18 Apr 2025

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one PhD research project on "Investigating vectorial capacity and behavioral preferences of Anopheles mosquitoes infected with Microsporidia MB " 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 investigate how Microsporidia MB affects Anopheles mosquitoes under natural conditions. The focus is on assessing the potential of Microsporidia MB as a complementary tool to traditional mosquito control methods. The project combines laboratory experiments, video tracking of mosquito behavior, ecological studies, and semi-field trials to evaluate how Microsporidia MB-infected mosquitoes interact with these control measures and how they affect malaria transmission. By exploring the evolutionary ecology of these mosquitoes, the project will provide valuable insights into how Microsporidia MB can help reduce malaria transmission, especially in the context of widespread insecticide resistance and use of insecticide.

Specific project objectives include several of the following:

(1) Behavioral preferences and insecticide exposure – Advanced video tracking technology will be used to monitor the behavior of Microsporidia MB-infected mosquitoes, focusing on their foraging, mating, and oviposition preferences under different environmental conditions, both with and without insecticide exposure(s). The project will also examine how sublethal insecticide exposure(s) affect(s) mosquito survival, reproduction, and the ability of Microsporidia MB to block malaria transmission.

(2) Spore isolation and infection mechanisms. Experiments will be designed to isolate infectious stages of Microsporidia MB (spores) and determine how these can best be maintained and used to inoculate mosquitoes.

(2) Interspecific competition and ecological dynamics – Interspecific competition experiments will investigate how Microsporidia MB infection and insecticide resistance influence mosquito behavior, phenotypic plasticity, and vectorial capacity. The project will also assess the key ecological factors that affect the spread and persistence of Microsporidia MB in mosquito populations, particularly environmental variables that influence its dissemination and impact on malaria blocking.

(3) Semi-field trials and dissemination methods – Semi-field enclosures will be used to test various methods for releasing Microsporidia MB-infected mosquitoes in natural settings. This includes evaluating the release of infected males, spores, and optimizing oviposition sites, in combination with existing vector control strategies. The goal is to identify the most effective strategies for deploying Microsporidia MB and enhance its potential as a complementary tool in integrated vector management.

 

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 studiesis 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/55  

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.