RESEARCH ASSISTANT II

(Ref. No. NRS/717/092026) RESEARCH ASSISTANT II Established in 1970 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (www.icipe.org) is distinct, being the only research organisation in Africa working primarily on insects and other arthropods. icipe is also the sole institution that combines research and development activities across plant health, human health, animal health, and environmental health. icipe generates world-class scientific knowledge and translates it into insect- based, nature-positive, One Health innovations that sustainably transform millions of livelihoods across Africa and beyond. Additionally, icipe nurtures Africa’s talent and leadership in insect science through the Centre’s long-standing programmes in doctoral and postdoctoral training, advancement of research and innovation in applied sciences, engineering, and technology, and the creation of a bioeconomy in Africa. The Centre has about 500 international and national staff, operations in more than 40 countries in Africa, and over 300 partnerships with diverse organisations across the world. For additional information, visit: (www.icipe.org).

Please also download icipe’s Vision and Strategy 2026–2030: https://www.icipe.org/content/icipe- vision-and-strategy-2026-2030 icipe seeks to recruit a Research Assistant II under the Human Health Theme. The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus. This is a one-year contract, renewable subject to continued position needs, funding for the position, and performance of the staff member. This is a nationally recruited position. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Overall Purpose of the Job To support and contribute to the implementation of research activities under the Symbiovector project focusing on Microsporidia MB and mosquito vector biology.

Specific duties The successful candidate will undertake tasks that include but are not limited to the following:

• Maintain laboratory mosquito colonies used for experiments.
• Assist in field collections of mosquito vectors and potential secondary host associated with Microsporidia MB.
• Conduct mosquito crossing experiment to establish genetically similar Microsporidia MB- positive and MB-negative populations for experiments.
• Conduct fitness and vector competence experiments to assess effects of Microsporidia MB on mosquito survival, development, reproduction, behavior and insecticide susceptibility characteristics.
• Set up stress experiments, collect, record, organize, data to evaluate their effects on Microsporidia MB infection, transmission and mosquito fitness.
• Monitor and characterize phenotypic responses in MB positive and MB negative populations.
• Support regular molecular screening of Microsporidia infected mosquitoes and moina.
• Participate in project meetings, discussions and research planning.

Requirements/ qualifications

• Diploma in Microbiology, Biotechnology or any other relevant field.
• At least one year of hands-on experience in a similar role.
• Basic knowledge in molecular techniques, microscopy, mosquito dissection and mosquito rearing techniques.
• Advanced practical skills in mosquito rearing and colony maintenance, Microsporidia research, molecular biology and data entry.

Reporting This position reports to the Senior Research Scientist. How to apply Applications will be accepted up to 1 October 2026. Interested applicants should submit: (a) a confidential cover letter; (b) a detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses); and (c) a statement illustrating suitability against the listed qualifications/competencies/abilities and skills. Candidates are required to apply online through: http://recruit.icipe.org or by email: recruitment@icipe.org (Kindly quote the Ref. No. and the position title on the email subject). (In your application, please include your current and expected basic salary per month. This is a mandatory requirement.)

icipe is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equity, teamwork, and respect for diversity.