Closing date: 23 Mar 2026

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) is offering one PhD research project on "Classical biological control of the invasive Red Palm Weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus" as part of the African Regional Postgraduate Programme in Insect Science (ARPPIS).

 

Summary of the project

The invasion and widespread distribution of the Red Palm Weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in the Midde East and North Africa represent a major impediment to the date industry. Moreover, the pest has been detected in the Horn of Africa threatening the palm plantation in the continent.

 

One of the factors that might have contributed to the devastating impact of this pest is the lack of efficient natural enemies in the newly invaded range. In this regard, this study seeks to determine whether there are indigenous natural enemies that have established new association with RPW. Guided by the outcome of this activity, the study is envisaged to explore for and import efficient parasitoid(s) for biological control of this pest. This will be followed by several pre-release studies including, host specificity of the introduced parasitoid, its interaction with existing natural enemies, its functional response, and mapping its habitat suitability using modeling approach. Informed by the outcome of these studies, the field releases of the parasitoids will be undertaken, and its establishment will be determined.

Objectives

1. To determine the spatial distribution of the Red Palm Weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus in various agroecologies.
2. To elucidate the invasion pathway of R.  ferrugineus in Africa using population genomics approaches.
3. To evaluate the efficacy of native natural enemies against R. ferrugineus
4. To explore effective natural enemies for classical biological control of R. ferrugineus.
5. To elucidate the nature and magnitude of the interaction of the introduced parasitoid and other natural enemies (parasitoids and entomopathogens).
6. To determine the functional response of the parasitoid and its performance against R. ferrugineus
7. To determine the habitat suitability area for the parasitoid to guide its release in the affected countries.
8. To undertake field releases and assess the establishment/impact of the released parasitoid.

 

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 the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), Brazil. 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 Entomology or a closely related field with both degrees at least at least Second Class/Upper Division or equivalent).
• BSc degree in Biological Sciences, with a minimum of 2^nd Class Upper division degree or equivalent.
• Proven Knowledge of molecular biology and modelling.
• Have excellent written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of of Arabic language is an added advantage.
• 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 with frequent field visits to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), Brazil.

The PhD project is fully funded for 3 years.

How to apply

Applications will be accepted up to 23^rd 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: 23^rd March 2026