Closing date: 10 Jul 2025

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one MSc research project working on ‘Assessing Livestock Management Practices and Drivers of Antimicrobial and Acaricide Resistance among Pastoralist Communities in Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia Assessing Livestock Management Practices and Drivers of Antimicrobial and Acaricide Resistance Among Pastoralist Communities in Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia.

 

Background

The livestock sector is a prime driver of economic growth, with substantial numbers of job opportunities, and an important component of the agricultural GDP through pastoralism and agro-pastoralism in northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia. Consequently, there is a need to address critical challenges presented by the high prevalence of vector-borne diseases in the region, which is a serious menace to livestock health, productivity, and livelihoods among pastoral communities. Transhumance has enhanced border-crossing movements of livestock, hence may create a conducive condition for ticks and biting flies to spread pathogens. This mobility, coupled with poor veterinary services, increases the risk of zoonotic diseases such as trypanosomiasis and other hemopathogens transmission by ticks and biting flies. In addition, the unregulated misuse of veterinary drugs and acaricides in disease management in animals enhances disease burden and possibly promotes resistance among pathogens and vectors. The resultant emergence of resistant bacteria, acaricide-resistant ticks, and flies provides limited efficacy during disease control, while promoting the spread of disease. Moreover, drugs and acaricide residues present in the environment can have negative impacts on beneficial species, thereby further destabilising ecosystems and indirectly favouring vector populations by reducing natural control or competition. Resistance in zoonotic infections may elevate health hazards for individuals near livestock or those who ingest contaminated animal products. Consequently, this project aims to assess livestock management practices and identify the key drivers of antimicrobial and acaricide resistance among pastoralist communities in Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia, with a focus on understanding how local treatment practices and resource use may contribute to the emergence and spread of resistance in livestock production systems.

 

A highly motivated candidate will be engaged to carry out this study in 12 months.

 

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 an Ethiopian national.
• Bachelor’s degree in Entomology, Parasitology, Applied Biology, Veterinary Sciences, Pharmacology, or a related field.
• MUST already have registered in a university pursuing MSc. in any of the programs above and completed and passed course work before commencing the research study.
• The MSc student will be engaged for 12 months and will be supported with research funds (Note: The project does not provide funds for tuition fees).
• Proficiency in data analysis with statistical software, capable of handling complex datasets and interpreting results accurately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary for reporting research findings and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to tackle challenges associated with experimental setups and adapt to varying research conditions.
• Capability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively in a team, contributing effectively to group objectives.
• Candidates who are staff members of a public university or are 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 Ethiopia. 

How to apply

Applications will be accepted up to 10^th July 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: 10^th July 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