VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

(Ref. No. IRS/116/052015)

RESEARCH SCIENTIST FRUIT FLY ECOLOGY AND

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
icipe African Insect Science for Food and Health is a world-class research centre with a mission to
alleviate poverty by ensuring food security, improving health, protecting the environment and building the
capacity of researchers and communities across the developing world through the application of insect
sciences. Employing more than 500 national and international staff, icipe is headquartered in Nairobi,
Kenya with outposts in Ethiopia and on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya. icipe has a proud
reputation and history of delivering world-quality science that has made crucial contributions to African food
and health policy, delivered development outcomes to rural communities and has been at the forefront of
building Africas biological research capacity. The Centres research activities span the African continent
with partnerships linking research organisations not only across Africa but also the globe.
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate to join an established interdisciplinary team dedicated to
the development of sustainable IPM programmes for the management of fruit flies and other arthropod
pests that constrain fruit production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The incumbent will plan and direct
an ecological research and integrated pest management approach to support the implementation of
environmentally acceptable interventions to manage fruit flies, false codling moth, citrus psyllid etc., on
tree crops such as mango, citrus and avocado. Under the direct supervision of the Programme Leader, the
successful candidate is expected to lead and employ a balanced basic and applied research programme
based on the use of baiting and male annihilation techniques, biopesticides, natural enemies conservation
and classical biological control methods and use of soft pesticide for suppression of the target pests.
In planning and conducting basic and applied research targeted at fruit flies and other tree crop pests,
the successful candidate will also work as a team member of a larger EU-fundedIntegrated Biological
Control Applied Research Programme(IBCARP) fruit fly and citrus IPM project through regular monitoring
of project performance. The successful candidate will engage with relevant stakeholders in the technical
and operational design and implementation of the project, and periodic reporting to the donor. The position
also requires cooperation with research personnel in complementary disciplines, and NARS and fruit
growers in several project countries. The position will be based at icipe headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya
but with frequent travel to project action sites and target countries. The position will be offered for an initial
contract of 2 years, which may be renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position, and
performance of the staff member. icipes internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing
allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, childrens education allowance, annual airfare for
home leave, contribution to a retirement plan, and relocation allowance.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be responsible for the following key activities:
nn Lead the development of basic and applied research contributing to the implementation of an IPM
strategy for the target tree crop pests;
nn In collaboration with partners in various project target countries, develop and implement bioecological
and management studies for the tree crop pests;
nn Coordinate with other project scientists and articulate biophysical and socio-economic information
to enhance decision-making that is relevant to the end-users;

nn Develop, test proof-of-concept and provide other novel tools for managing pests of tree crops;
nn Build capacity of national institutions through the identification and mentoring of project-supported
postdoctoral fellows and graduate students;
nn Contribute to fundraising and develop synergies with other projects to maximise project impacts;
nn Effectively communicate research results to stakeholders through publications, presentations,
media and other outreach materials.
Knowledge and skills required for performing the job
The suitable candidate must possess the following:
nn Demonstrated ability to publish in high quality peer-reviewed scientific journals;
nn Outstanding oral and written communication skills for effective interactions and dissemination of
programme information;
nn Experience working with molecular tools and/or geospatial analysis and GIS will be an added
advantage;
nn Fluent in English - written and spoken.
Requirements/Qualifications
nn PhD degree preferably in entomology or closely related field.
nn Minimum of 5 years relevant postdoctoral experience.
nn Proven track record of R&D relating to pests of tree crops, and in particular fruit flies, false codling
moth and psyllids.
nn Clear understanding of the challenges of the horticulture industry in SSA and the role of improved
scientific knowledge to improve productivity.
nn Demonstrated experience in working and interacting effectively with a variety of stakeholders
(farmers, extension workers, the public and private sector, policy makers, national programmes).
nn Previous working experience in Africa preferred.
Other desirable attributes
nn Demonstrated ability to collaborate well across disciplines and with key partner institutions and
agencies;
nn The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with excellent interpersonal, management and organisational
skills.
Reporting
This position reports to the Programme Leader.
The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.
HOW TO APPLY
The position is available immediately. All applications must arrive via email on or before the 20th
June 2015. Please quote the job reference number IRS/116/052015 on the email subject line. Interested
applicants should submit: (a) a confidential cover letter, (b) detailed CV with names and addresses of 3
referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers) and a complete publications list, and (c) a statement of
research experience, interests and career goals, to:
fruitflyscientist@icipe.org

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer