Closing date: 10 Jul 2025

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one MSc research project working on ‘Identification and characterization of transmission dynamics, spatial distribution, and potential animal health risks of vectors and pathogens in relation to transhumance practices in Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia.

 

Background

The livestock sector is a prime driver of economic growth, with substantial 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 and poor veterinary services increase the risk of zoonotic diseases such as trypanosomiasis and other hemopathogens transmission by ticks and biting flies. In addition, resistance development to drugs, insecticides, and acaricides further complicates disease management with an added layer of complexity. Whereas understanding the dynamics of disease transmission plays a very important role in disease management, little research has been done on transhumance's impact on the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases in the target regions. Moreover, the presence of wildlife within the region contributes to the vectors and disease dynamics and enhances cross-species transmissions. This knowledge gap, coupled with poor diagnostic strategies and a lack of efficient vectors and disease surveillance systems, hinders effective disease control. Therefore, there is an urgent need to study the impact of transhumance on disease transmission dynamics, vector and pathogens resistance, and to develop novel diagnostic and surveillance tools for the control of vector-borne diseases in the livestock and wildlife interface across the regions. This project aims to identify and characterize, with innovative techniques, the transmission dynamics, geographic distribution, and potential animal health risks posed by vectors and pathogens, with specific attention to their correlation with transhumance practices in pastoralist 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 a Kenyan national.
• Bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Entomology, Parasitology, Applied Biology, Biotechnology, Veterinary Science or a related field.
• MUST already have registered in a university pursuing MSc. in any of the programs above and completed and passed coursework 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).
• Experience in Parasitology, Entomology, specifically with basic molecular biology knowledge, or similar biological research
• Skills in handling and analyzing biological samples, focusing on disease diagnostics, will be an advantage.
• Experience with experimental design and execution in a controlled environment will be an advantage.
• 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.
• 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 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 2 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