RESEARCH OFFICER I at icipe

(Ref. No. NRS/687/022026)
RESEARCH OFFICER I

Established in 1970 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology - icipe (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 insectbased, 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/icipevision-and-strategy-2026-2030 icipe seeks to recruit a Research Officer I under the Plant Health Theme. The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus. This is a two-year contract, renewable subject to continued position needs, funding for the position, and the staff member's performance. This is a nationally recruited position. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidates. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Overall Purpose of the Job
To assist in field samples collection for entomopathogens and endophytes isolation & characterization under AfroGrow project, as well as mass rearing of amaranth lepidopteran defoliators insect species and their associated parasitoids, plant production, training of stakeholders, field efficacy trials and assist students under the AGROVEG Phase II project.

Specific duties
• Participate in the AfroGrow living lab fields assessment for microbial diversity.
• Conduct field samples collection (infected and mycosed insects & soil samples) for entomopathogens and endophytes isolation & characterization under the AfroGrow project.
• Assist in AGROVEG technical project report
• Participate in the development of scientific manuscripts for publication based on the data obtained from the project.
• Assist in mass rearing of lepidopteran moths and their associated parasitoids.
• Assist in plants production for insect rearing and supply them for mass rearing and bioassay purposes.
• Participate in and support laboratory activities and assist students in their projects to conduct bioassays.
• Conduct some key bioassays related to some objectives of the project.
• Assist in organizing and undertaking experiments/bioassays.
• Participate in field releases of the mass-reared natural enemies.
• Culture, sub-culture, and mass produce some entomopathogenic fungi and endophytes for experimental purposes.
• Participate in the training of farmers and other stakeholders in the AGROVEG Phase II project.
• Carry out other daily duties and any other activity assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements/ qualifications
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Entomology and/or Microbiology.
• At least 2 years of work experience in a relevant practice.
• Prior/good experience required in insect rearing, crop production, pathology, microbiology, field and laboratory assays with insects, EPF, endophytes, and crops.

Reporting
This position reports to the Senior Research Scientist, Head of Arthropod Pathology Unit.

How to apply
Applications will be accepted up to 13th March 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.