Closing date: 20 Mar 2026

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one PhD research project on "Innovative development and application techniques of microbial biopesticides for sustainable management of red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus" as part of the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS).

 

Summary of the project

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is an economically important cash crop in UAE region. However, its production is highly hampered by some abiotic factors among which red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is ranked as one of the major insect pests affecting the crop. To overcome its infestation and damage, farmers heavily relied on synthetic chemical insecticides which are not only neither sustainable nor effective in managing this pest due to its cryptic nature (Rasool et al., 2024), but also have negative effects on biodiversity, animal, human and environmental health. Due to its concealed nature (all immature stages live inside the tree trunks), management of RPW requires a comprehensive system approach. An essential component of this approach is the use of a holistic integrated pest management (IPM) strategy targeting various developmental stages of the pest and using different strategies. Biopesticides are key components of this IPM approach that could be used alone or in combination with other control methods to sustainably tackle the pest. The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and endophytic fungi is therefore a vital arsenal for the management of this major pest. For instance, several EPF isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana have been reported to be very pathogenic against RPW (El-sufty et al., 2009; Yang et al., 2023; Sutanto et al., 2023) but have not been advanced in local testing and development into commercial biopesticides. The use of these potent bioagents in the suppression of RPW in the UAE needs to be explored for potential upscaling. In addition, although bio-based management of this pest using pheromone traps is a commonly used technique, the full potential of semiochemicals (attractants/repellents) to control RPW is yet to be tapped into. Furthermore, deployment techniques of these biopesticides in combination with the semiochemicals and through host inoculation as endophytes (targeting the various stages of the pest) are very crucial to optimize their efficacy in suppressing the RPW populations under field conditions. Similarly, the interactions between the potential biopesticides and other efficient natural enemies such as parasitoids (e.g. the tachinid parasitoid Moura fly – Billaea rhynchophorae) need to be explored. The combinations of these control approaches are therefore a vital emerging research frontier that remains unexploited in terms of RPW management. Likewise, nanotechnology-based formulation and delivery, which hold enormous prospect for management of this pest, are far from being fully explored. This innovative delivery mode holds great potential for suppression of this notorious pest and needs to be pursued.

This PhD research project aims to develop innovative, bio-based solutions for sustainable management of the RPW, R. ferrugineus, a critical pest threatening the production and productivity of date palm in the UAE. The research will focus on leveraging advances in innovative biopesticides development and their application techniques to suppress the RPW populations. In addition, the study will explore the interactions between the developed biopesticides/endophytes, natural enemies (e.g. the tachinid parasitoid, B. rhynchophorae), and semiochemicals under the umbrella of integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for effective deployment pathways.

Objectives

1. Screen local/new and commercially available entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) with high efficacy against the different stages of RPW, R. ferrugineus.
2. Screen and identify fungal endophytes that effectively colonize date palm and confer systemic resistance to R. ferrugineus.
3. Evaluate the compatibility of fungal biopesticides with various RPW integrated pest management options (semiochemicals and parasitoids).
4. Develop thermotolerant entomopathogenic fungal-based biopesticides, their formulations and application techniques against RPW.
5. Utilize temperature-dependent modelling and spatial forecasting to identify optimal suitable geographical areas for deployment of biopesticides in UAE.
6. Test the field efficacy of EPF and endophytic fungal-based biopesticides in conjunction with other RPW IPM options for R. ferrugineus management in UAE.

 

 

The PhD opportunity

The successful candidate will work closely with a diverse research team spanning entomology, microbiology, ecology, modeling, and community engagement. The PhD research will be based in the UAE, with frequent travel in between Kenya and UAE. 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 Microbiology, Entomology, Applied Biology, Agricultural Science and Crop protection or a closely related field with both degrees at least at least Second Class/Upper Division or equivalent).
• Have excellent written and spoken Arabic and 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 in the UAE with frequent travel in between Kenya and UAE.

The PhD project is fully funded for 3 years.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted up to 20^th March 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.
• Recommendation letter by university lecturer or employer. 

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: 20^th March 2026