Closing date: 17 Feb 2026

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one PhD research project on " Optimization of Semiochemical-based Management Tools for the Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in the NENA region" as part of the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS).

 

Summary of the project

The Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, RPW) is a destructive invasive pest threatening global date palm production, causing severe economic losses. Its cryptic lifestyle makes early detection, control, and eradication challenging. In North Africa and the Near East region, RPW management largely relies on semiochemical-based trapping systems (with aggregation pheromone [ferrugineol], kairomones, and food baits) and to a lesser extend systemic insecticides. Besides the harmful one health effects of chemical insecticides, the effectiveness of semiochemical-based tools is constrained by rapid lure degradation, high servicing needs, and inconsistent trap placement. Emerging technologies such as dry traps (e.g., Electrap®) and smart dry traps (e.g., Spotta®), advanced pheromone formulations, novel repellents like tumerone (used in a push-pull system approach) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools (such as natural enemies and biopesticides)—offer potential for more efficient and sustainable RPW control. However, these emergent technologies are yet to be optimized for use in the NENA region, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) inclusive. This PhD project will combine chemical ecology and IPM approaches to optimize existing semiochemical-based trapping systems, refine deployment strategies, and discover new attractive and repellent compounds to enhance RPW suppression and strengthen sustainable palm protection in the UAE and beyond.

Objectives

• To inventorize and map existing semiochemical-based technologies (pheromones, kairomones and traps) currently used for RPW management in the UAE and other LMICs.
• To analyze and optimize pheromone trap placement using trap catches, and environmental variables to refine deployment strategies under different agroecological conditions.
• To evaluate and compare the performance of dry traps (e.g., Electrap®, Spotta®) with conventional baited traps in terms of capture efficiency, lure longevity, and operational sustainability.
• To identify, formulate, and evaluate novel attractive and repellent blends for RPW management derived from host and non-host plant VOCs and EOs.
• To validate the push–pull trapping approach integrating attractant and repellent semiochemicals through field trials.
• To integrate optimized semiochemical and trapping strategies into a sustainable IPM framework tailored for date palm production systems in the UAE.
• To evaluate RNAi-mediated silencing as a complementary strategy to disrupt pheromone communication and enhance semiochemical-based IPM against RPW.

 

The PhD Opportunity

The successful candidate will work closely with a diverse research team spanning entomology, ecology, modeling, and community engagement. The PhD research will be hosted at icipe in Nairobi, with frequent field visits to project sites. The successful candidate will be part of a vibrant group of PhD scholars at icipe https://www.icipe.org/capacity_building/grad).

 

Benefits

The fellowship covers:

• Research costs, including fieldwork and data collection expenses.
• Attractive and competitive stipend.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and capacity-building workshops.
• Mentorship and training in scientific communication and grant writing.

Eligibility criteria

• Hold a master’s degree (obtained within the last five years) in Agricultural sciences/Entomology /Chemical Ecology/ Environmental Science or a closely related field with both degrees at least at least Second Class/Upper Division or equivalent).
• Candidates with a strong foundation in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, or molecular biology are particularly encouraged to apply.
• Proven ability to conduct field trials, preferably involving insect monitoring or pest management in tropical or arid systems will be an added advantage.
• Basic knowledge of semiochemical formulation and controlled-release dispenser design is advantageous
• Have excellent written and spoken English.
• 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 in Egypt, Morrocco and the UAE.

The PhD project is fully funded for 3 years.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted up to 17^th February 2026. 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 5 pages).
• A concise letter of motivation, outlining your interest in the position, relevant experience, and willingness to commit full-time to the PhD training Programme. Include a link to a sample of academic writing (e.g., MSc thesis or publication).
• A detailed CV (including academic background, field experience, and software skills; name, contact details, age, gender, and the names of at least two referees).
• Certified copies of BSc and MSc certificates and transcripts.

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 further inquiries If you have any questions regarding the ARPPIS Programme or your application, kindly contact Ms. Vivian Atieno, Capacity Building Officer, icipe. Email: vatieno@icipe.org Application Deadline: 17^th February 2026