Closing date: 15 Oct 2025

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one PhD research project on " Microsporidia MB as a Novel Symbiotic Tool for Malaria Vector Control: Assessing Community Acceptance and Regulatory Frameworks " as part of the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Sciences (ARPPIS).

 

Introduction

Microsporidia MB, a naturally occurring mosquito symbiont, shows high potential to block Plasmodium transmission in Anopheles mosquitoes. Early studies in western Kenya (Ahero) revealed strong community willingness to adopt Microsporidia MB-based interventions (Bukhari et al., 2024). However, perceptions of malaria risk and vector control practices vary even among neighboring communities, underscoring the need for targeted engagement. This PhD project will explore socio-cultural, economic, and regulatory dimensions of deploying Microsporidia MB as a biocontrol tool, ensuring ethical and scalable implementation across East Africa.

 

Project Objectives

The candidate will join the SymbioVector Project at icipe, collaborating with entomologists, regulators, policymakers, administrations and community health experts to:

 

·        Assess community acceptance and capacity-building needs for Microsporidia MB releases.

·        Contribute to mapping regulatory pathways for field trials in Kenya and Rwanda.

·        Develop frameworks for stakeholder integration in phase 3 trials.

 

Specific objectives include:

1.      Design and conduct mixed-methods studies (e.g. household surveys, participatory workshops) at 5 sites in Kenya to evaluate local malaria burden experience and the willingness to participate in Microsporidia MB interventions and highlight related concerns and opportunities.

2.      Analyze qualitative/quantitative data on socio-economic drivers of intervention acceptance.

3.      Co-design communication strategy with communities and local leaders and evaluate the strategy.

4.      Document regulatory approval process.

5.      Facilitate dialogues between research group, communities and national malaria programs.

6.      Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences.

7.      Mentor MSc students and contribute to grant proposals.

 

Eligibility criteria

·        Must be a national of an African country.

·        BSc and master’s degree in public health, Social Sciences, Environmental Policy, or related fields.

·        Prior experience in Community-based research (e.g., malaria interventions), Qualitative methods (thematic analysis, NVivo), and Health policy or regulatory systems (preferred) is highly desirable.

·        Strong skills in statistical data analysis.

·        Proficiency in English and Swahili.

·        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 malaria-endemic regions and 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 with fieldwork in Kenya and Rwanda.

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.

·        Training in science communication and policy engagement.

·        Fieldwork support in Kenya/Rwanda.

·        Access to icipe’s ARPPIS network and labs.

• The student will be jointly supervised by university professors and icipe scientists.

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

 

How to apply

Applications will be accepted up to 15^th October 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) and a concept note (maximum 3 pages).

·        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/60

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

Questions? Contact: Dr. Tullu Bukhari (tbukhari@icipe.org), copying Capacity Building Office: Ms. Vivian Atieno, Capacity Building Officer, icipe. Email: vatieno@icipe.org

Application Deadline: 15th October 2025.